TUCSON, Ariz. — Keeping Historic Fourth Avenue historic. Tucson City Council members discussed that topic Tuesday afternoon.
It's a concern many businesses in the area have given the recent changes in the landscape. Over the past couple of years, the iconic Flycatcher closed, and Maloney's moved out of the area.
With three current construction sites in the area, the council wanted to get the conversation started about how to preserve the culture and uniqueness of Fourth Ave.
Council member Paul Cunningham brought the item up on the consent agenda on Oct. 22.
He says a transformation is coming to Fourth Ave., and he wanted to talk about how to keep it from changing, as three projects are currently underway.
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The council wants to find the right kind of businesses to come in, ones that fit with the existing culture and nostalgia.
Shannon Riggs, a member of the Historic Fourth Avenue Coalition, says she agrees.
"It's just something that I think the City is just starting to be aware of -- the community's feelings, and neighborhoods feelings -- about development and what that means for our community," Riggs said.
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Something that was mentioned was adding new regulations for businesses who want to come in, to talk with neighbors and existing businesses about what they can do for the community they're coming into, and not just that they can make money for the City.
The council is expected to look at this again within the next 90 days.
