It’s a hot Westport topic, right alongside the future of Coleytown Middle School, bathrooms at South Beach, and ospreys.
“What’s up with downtown?” we ask.
We jabber about Main Street vacancies, online shopping, high rents and the new Norwalk mall.
We pine for the old mom-and-pop shops — or snort that those days are long gone.
Those were the days. Right?
The Coalition for Westport discusses that too. Members talk about attracting retailers like grocery and hardware stores, book shops and pharmacies; about 2nd-floor apartments; about a movie theater, cafes and other attractions that draw nighttime crowds.
To get a discussion going, the Coalition is sponsoring a forum. “Let’s Talk About Downtown and the Future of Main Street” is set for next Monday (May 13, 7 p.m., 24 Elm Street — in Bedford Square, next to HSBC Bank 56 Church Lane, the Visual Brand office).
Panelists include Joseph McGee, Business Council of Fairfield County vice president for public policy and programs; David Kooris, deputy commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, and a representative of the downtown business community.
All Westporters — and stakeholders — are invited.
The event is free.
So is the parking.