‘Downtown vitality’ plans are taking shape

The San Marcos City Council has made “downtown vitality” one of its strategic initiatives for 2019. But amid rapid growth, ongoing roadwork, plans for paid parking and constant changes, what does “downtown vitality” mean?

“It means something different to everyone,” said Rebecca Ybarra-Ramirez, director of destination services for the Convention and Visitors Bureau and Main Street. “It’s a mix of different ideas. Basically, it’s beautification, retention of businesses, an increase of traffic to the downtown area — whether it be businesses, whether it be pedestrian traffic, whether it be residences … just making it pedestrian and user friendly. And when I saw user friendly, bringing more people to the downtown area.”

‘Quality of place’