The Alton Chamber of Commerce will hold a town hall meeting July 6 to gather public input on plans for the community’s pocket park.
The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at Collins Coffee on Court Square, near the pocket park. The chamber previously discussed the park during its June 18 meeting at Collins Coffee. Eight people attended.
Members discussed ongoing conversations with the city council about park development and expressed support for maintaining green space in the park. The group also discussed concerns about the level of authority held by the city’s current park advisory committee.
As part of the discussion, members reviewed the possibility of petitioning for a small property tax to support park funding and management through a formal park board.
At the town hall, the chamber plans to provide printed site plans, inspiration photos and low-, medium- and high-cost estimates to help gather community feedback on possible plans for the park. Members voted to pay for materials needed for the meeting.
During the June meeting, the chamber also discussed regaining access to its Facebook page and website, sending membership letters to local businesses and preparing its next quarterly newsletter.
The newsletter is expected to focus primarily on the pocket park and the upcoming town hall. A First Amendment Forum also will be mentioned.
Members also voted to reelect the chamber’s current officers, though Treasurer Kelly Haddock noted she expects to step down next month because of scheduling conflicts.
