Property owners from Eddy Street west to Grant Street have asked the city to create a business improvement district similar to those on South Locust Street. The businesses cite the attractive lighting, landscaping and improved appearance of South Locust Street projects.

Second Street is the city's portion of Highway 30, once known as the Lincoln Highway, and the busiest street in the city. Before Interstate 80 was constructed, it carried a good share of the nation's auto and truck traffic from coast to coast. It was a graceful street of large homes and a canopy of elm trees that cooled the quaint brick pavement. As the city changed, an asphalt top was applied to the bricks, the elms came down and it became a favorite location for fast food, office buildings and convenience stores.

The idea of a business improvement district is a good one and we applaud the initiative of the businesses involved. With the street widening project about to disrupt the area anyway, this is a good time to spruce up the aesthetics of the neighborhood. It will be cost effective to do the below-ground infrastructure at this time also, rather than tear up the pavement and curbing after the street project is complete. There are many details to be worked out, but there is time to do it properly and efficiently.

Coupled with the street widening, the business improvement district will make a dramatic impact on an area that is highly traveled, but not on the visual radar of locals.

This is a win-win situation for all involved. It will reinvigorate an important commercial neighborhood, keep property values solid and make that part of town more visually appealing.