Chamber wants shoppers to know what Marion offers
Marion offers just about anything a shopper could want. But how to get the message out?
That is a dilemma the Marion Chamber of Commerce retail sales committee is dealing with, Troy Leith told chamber members during their regular monthly meeting Friday.
"We need to be educating people in Marion on what's here and to shop at home," Leith said. "And to attract people into Marion to shop and spend dollars here."
One possible way to educate shoppers is through a Smart Shopper Survey which shows what's available locally. Another possible means of reaching people is through a new logo and/or marketing slogan, Leith said.
Margo Yates, chamber executive secretary, said committees are working on those items.
Planning and zoning
Susan Cooper, Marion Economic Development Director, gave a brief overview of the city's planning and zoning rules and regulations.
"If you have a comprehensive plan you can choose to act rather than be acted upon," she explained.
The city began its zoning process in 1998 after answers to a survey were compiled into the comprehensive plan. The comprehensive plan, then, dictates the city's zoning regulations.
"With the comprehensive plan in place, no matter how power shifts and changes, the zoning regulations remain in place," she said.
For many, setback requirements for new structures are the biggest issue, she said. Especially when new structures are being constructed on old lots.
"Back when our cities were platted in the 1880s to early 1900s, a residential lot was 25x50 feet. Today, they are 100x150 feet," Cooper said.
"That was adequate then," she noted. "But now the purpose of setbacks is to give a buffer area so (structures) aren't right on top of each other."
The extra room is a safety, aesthetic, and lifestyle issue, Cooper said. "If there's a fire, you need room to get a fire truck in there," she said. "These zoning regulations are in place to create better zoned structures."
Following are setback requirements in the various districts:
— Residential district: front yard, 25 feet; side yard, 8 feet; back yard, 10 feet.
— Commercial district: front yard, 20 feet; side yard, 10 feet; back yard, 10 feet.
— Industrial district: front yard, 25 feet, side yard, 10 feet, back yard, 0.
The downtown district has no setbacks.
Front yard setbacks seem to cause the biggest concern in new construction. However, the front setback is necessary to provide a clear view for motorists.
Sometimes property owners, especially in older parts of town, have no choice but to build within the setback area. In those cases, individuals must go through the variance process.
In other matters, chamber members:
— Were invited to attend the Hillbilly Hoedown at the The Big Scoop Saturday to help raise the balance due on the skate park loan.
— Heard the Farm/City Banquet is at 6 p.m. Monday.
— Were invited to help finish Santa's House at 8 a.m. Saturday and after 5 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday at the Marion High School woodshop.
