FAIRMONT — The city of Fairmont is asking residents for input on potential improvements to the downtown area. A new online survey is open through September 11th, asking what could encourage people to spend more time downtown, including easier parking, outdoor dining, better lighting, public art, greenspace and a cleaner appearance. The project area covers downtown from Main Street to Park Street and Blue Earth Avenue to Fourth Street. City officials say accessibility improvements are a top priority and will be a required part of the project. A community workshop and open house will be held September 10th from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Southern Minnesota Educational Campus. Feedback from the survey and open house will help guide the city’s steering committee as it develops the plan.Cost estimates are expected in early October. The city had previously set aside about one-point-two million dollars for the project, but no additional funding is currently included in the budget. Residents can find the survey through the city of Fairmont’s website or by scanning QR codes posted at downtown businesses and throughout the area.
