Le Mars' downtown, like many communities, is undergoing a transformation. As recent as a decade ago, who would have guessed that the Internet would be used for as much commerce as it is today, or that the "big box" stores would be in towns with populations under 10,000?

The ever changing climate keeps retailers and economic development folks on their toes. The annual economic development report given to the Le Mars City Council last week indicated that six businesses opened and two closed in downtown during 2007. The downtown netted a gain of nine employees.

Finding ways to retain businesses and attract shoppers is not a new problem, in fact it is a very old problem that is constantly changing. Trying to find ways to make your downtown, which is the heart of your community, unique and vital is the true challenge.

A few years back, a Streetscape program was initiated for downtown Le Mars. It involved planting some trees on Central Ave. and replacing some of the sidewalk with colored brick pavers. The idea was to create a friendly and welcoming environment where people would like to linger. The initial plan called for Plymouth Street to have the same treatment, extending from Central to Business Hwy. 75. The Plymouth Street portion has been delayed numerous times.

The focal point of the Streetscape project is the intersection of Central and Plymouth, where a diamond shaped pattern was created. The brick pavers on the crosswalks have not fared well over the past few years, with many of the bricks starting to break down from the weight of the average 7,900 vehicles that pass through the intersection daily.

Now, the city council is faced with repairing the intersection. The options will be presented in the coming weeks, and there will be a rush to blame someone, anyone for this added expense.

That will simply be time poorly spent, because the fact remains that the intersection will have to be repaired. It would be better for all involved to focus on a long term, low cost and low maintenance fix.

The idea of creating a unique space in downtown Le Mars is a sound one. The Streetscape project was ambitious, but never was brought to full fruition. John F. Kennedy once said "Victory has a thousand fathers, but defeat is an orphan."

Let's fix this bump in the road and get on with improving downtown.