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Ashland considering a downtown district

downtown ashland
http://www.ashlandmo.us

The Ashland Planning and Zoning Commission has updated a proposal to create a downtown district. The expanded zone includes more businesses than the original 2009 plan. The proposal would establish architectural standards for a uniformed downtown area. 

Southern Boone Economic Development Council member Kim Ponder says a downtown district could bring large increases in local sales: “As a growing community and one located right between Columbia and Jefferson City, it allows us so many more opportunities to expand our retail base, to expand the sources that we provide our community and potentially attract visitors to shop locally.”

Ponder says many refer to Ashland as a “bedroom city,” with many residents working in Columbia or Jefferson City during the day and returning to Ashland at night. She says the downtown district will help attract businesses that will provide jobs in town and increase economic development.