Input sought on potential for Imperial’s City Square

    After just celebrating Smokin’ on Broadway at what’s become known as “City Square,” Imperial residents are being urged to take part in future planning for that space.
    City Square is the entire block between 7th and 8th Streets along Broadway which is city-owned.
    Residents can lend their opinions on what they want that space to look like and what it can be used for in the future.
    They can  do that in two ways—by completing a survey and attending a public input meeting July 13.
    The survey in underway now, and Community Development Director Tyler Pribbeno said some responses have already been received.
    The survey asks what types of amenities responders would like to see at City Square, the top three events there and what improvements are needed.
    It also asks what funding opportunities are supported and if the responder would support a minor tax increase to fund the City Square’s ongoing maintenance.
    The survey can be accessed at: kwiksurveys.com/s/Sglz5ARc or by scanning the QR Code on the posters at the city office, library or newspaper office. The QR Code can also be accessed on the city’s website at imperial-ne.com.
    Pribbeno said paper surveys can also be picked up at the city office. Survey responses should be turned in by July 23.
    For these planning efforts, Imperial was awarded a matching $14,000 Civic and Community Center Financing Fund (CCCFF) grant through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to complete this feasibility study.
    “I can’t undersell how important it is for people to come out and let us know what they want for that space for those who come to our town and those who live here,” Pribbeno  said in an earlier interview.
    City officials want to see the space used more, too, he said.
Input meeting
    People interested in the City Square development should attend the public meeting Tuesday, July 13, at 6:30 p.m. in the Lied Imperial Public Library.
    The meeting will include city officials and Miller & Associates personnel to gather input on the community’s vision, desired amenities at City Square and potential improvements.