Imagine downtown Vernal with more opportunities to linger longer away from the noise of Highway 40 after enjoying dinner and a show. Those working on the downtown revitalization project presented many concepts during the Vernal Chamber luncheon this week that could transform downtown Vernal. Grants were obtained last fall to work on the downtown concepts and a public process ensued. Input from public meetings and surveys were implemented into the concepts presented by Ryan Wallace and Alison Lewis with the design firm. The Vernal Chamber members had a front row seat to the ideas proposed including extended curbs, street furnishings, angled parking in side streets, bike lanes, trees, art, and walking boulevards that offer places to linger downtown. It was explained that the goal is to create a place for business, a place for people, a place that is unique and memorable, and a place where people can be active in downtown Vernal. The pair also explained that a market analysis had been done through Zions Bank to analyze downtown parcels and identify areas that could be ready for new investment. They assessed property tax value now versus what it could be in the future if revitalized and the analysis found that it could more than double. It was emphasized that the concepts presented were just to give an idea of what could happen, not that any of it is set in stone. The steering committee checked out Steamboat Springs as another community that has Highway 40 running through downtown as well as Casper that has overhauled its downtown space. Come see the concepts and give feedback in person today and tomorrow at the booth set up at the John Wesley Powell River Fest at the Uintah County Library park.
