Downtown La Crosse getting representation, looking for members

Downtown La Crosse is getting representation from a new neighborhood group.

For several months, a steering committee has made plans for forming the Downtown Neighborhood Association.

Denny Hallemeier of the committee spells out some of the group’s goals.

“We would advocate for safe streets, pathways, biking, hiking, encouraging rehabilitation of housing where needed,” he said, adding the association will focus on promoting the strengths of downtown, including businesses, schools, and a diverse population.

The downtown group will represent the area bordered by the Mississippi River, the marsh, West Avenue and Cass Street.

“It incorporates a vast majority of what used to be called Goose Town Neighborhood Association and then a significant section of the business district of downtown,” Hallemeier said.

Those that live in the central city are being invited to join the new Downtown Neighborhood Association

“We believe that there’s a lot of energy in renewing the downtown area right now, as well as energy among local residents living within that territory,” Hallemeier said.

A membership meeting is planned for Sept. 12 at the Main Street Library.