This is an important story, one to keep an eye on: the Cherokee Indian tribe is planning on remaking the town of Cherokee into an image that better reflects the local Native American heritage, not to mention getting rid of a few dozen awful signs and other bad design issues that ruin the little town.
The folks over at the Smoky Mountain News had the story here a couple weeks back, and I’ve been meaning to note it.
Snippet:
Hicks said downtown revitalization is overdue. Throughout the short commercial district that comprises downtown Cherokee, building awnings are slumped, tin roofs are rusted and bare plywood walls are exposed.
“I think it is all about perception. When you see a town and see it has not been well-maintained, when you leave, one of the big questions you are going to ask is ‘Do I need to come back? Is this town really investing in me?’” Hicks said. “We’ve created a structure that gives us the resources we need.”
The tribe, which has profited from casino gaming over the past 10 years, is offering 1 percent interest construction loans to merchants or building owners downtown who are willing to renovate the façade of their stores. The tribe will pay outright for 80 percent of architectural costs up to $8,000. Only five have taken the tribe up on its offer since the program was launched more than one year ago, however.
“It’s difficult to explain you have to spend money to make money. The downtown area is struggling. It is hard to get them to come take out a loan. But in the long run, if they renovate, it is going to bring more people into the area,” said Suzie Jones, the business resource coordinator with the tribe.
Now, Hicks hopes the $3 million project will jumpstart the private sector…
Hicks, by the way, is Principal Chief Michell Hicks, a strong and active leader with a real vision he’s trying to install.
A bold move by the tribe, no doubt, to try and move the local business folks along. But the tribe knows, as does the operator of its casino, Harrahs, that it must take action now to continue to compete for the gambling business that floods the area with millions of visitors.
I think the changes are for the best – anyone who has visited and picked up a rubber-tipped arrow or watched the fake Indians schill for a tourist photo feels a little dirty seeing that. It’s time to move the town into the 21st century.