The most recent DART meeting, this past Tuesday, proceeded to revisit the Centennial Plaza Redesign Meeting that was held recently at the Community Room of the Public Safety Complex.
No idea was too crazy, and none were off the table. All of the ideas for what to preserve, what to create, and the new direction of the plaza will be compiled in a report due to the city soon. If you missed it, stay tuned for news on the next meeting and the progress of this improvement to our city.

Ribbon Cutting and more

DART’s ribbon cutting program, recognizing new businesses around town, is in full swing, or, er, cut. Come gather at the new Cannonball Candy & Soda Shop at 14 S. Uncompahgre on Nov. 16 at 4 p.m.
It’s a throwback to candy shops of yore and it’s a lot of fun.
On Nov. 29, stop by the new Critical Fitness by Hers & His at 121 S. 1st St. at 4:30 p.m.
They are offering free passes, a drawing for 50% off enrollment, and 50% off coffee and smoothies.
The next day, Nov. 30, calm your spirit at Meditation Spaces, where Dawn Blanchard has created a soothing, relaxing environment to shop for items to enhance your personal meditation space, as well as oil paintings, glass art, incense, books, and more. That’s at 12 S. Uncompahgre Avenue at 4:30 p.m.

Upcoming parade and holiday happenings

The 2023 Parade of Lights will be on Dec. 2, but there’s a lot more Holiday Cheer coming to town.
The annual tree lighting will be on Nov. 24 at the Historic County Courthouse. Santa’s Cabin pops up again by Brooks & Brooks on Main Street beginning on Nov. 24 and periodically through Christmas.
And Small Business Saturday will surely take on a gift-giving theme on Nov. 25; as they say, “Put your money where your heart is – shop local!”
All of those goings on remind us to remind you that street closures are a thing in Montrose.
For the tree lighting, avoid North 1st Street between Cascade and Park between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
For the Parade of Lights, a large section of downtown will be closed from 4pm-8pm. Main Street from Pythian on the east side all the way to Rio Grande west will be closed, as well as some sections north and south of Main.
December’s DART meeting will be held at 8 a.m. on Tuesday the 5th at the Community Room of the Public Safety Complex. Hope to see you there!
Right now is a great time to get involved. Tuesday’s meeting began with an earnest discussion about how Montrose can achieve graduate status in the Colorado Main Street program, part of Main Street America.
DART seeks to develop strong teams in four segments: Economic Vitality, Design, Organization, and Promotion.
Each team would be tasked with specific duties and would have the relative authority to move DART’s mission forward with final approval coming from the DART board.
If you’ve seen the lighting improvement in the alley behind Phelanies, the amazing mural behind Chow Down, or the improvements to the Pocket Park between Cascade and Uncompahgre on Main Street, you’ve seen some of what these committees will be actively involved in.
DART is the Montrose Development and Revitalization Team. Be a part! DART is designed to help Montrose businesses grow and prosper. The open-to-the public group meets at 8:00 am on the first Tuesday of each month at The Community Room in the Public Safety Complex at 434 S. 1st Street. The November meeting was delayed to the second Tuesday, the 14th, due to Election Day on the 7th.
Folks can also join remotely via Google Meet.
Joining Info: Video call link: https://meet.google.com/euw-qqdv-edn
Contact Michelle Wingfield at mwingfield@cityofmontrose.org for more information about getting involved with DART.

This article is by Kevin Clay, a local business owner and a freelance contributor for the Montrose Business Times.