Building a Safer, More Connected Greeley: Enhancing Transportation, Local Businesses, and Nightlife.
(7 minute read)
Greeley is city that is always growing by adapting, and optimizing its public transit, nightlife, and local business assistance can play a big role in the community. All three are important in contributing to improved safety, accessibility, and convenience for residents and visitors alike. With careful planning, Greeley can continue to be an energetic up-and-coming city with a community spirit. This is how we can enhance each of these areas of focus for a better, more unified Greeley.
Improved Transportation System:
An improved public transport system will render Greeley more accessible, secure, and convenient for all its residents. By expanding the number of bus stops, security, and reducing waiting times, we can make the system more attuned to the city's expanding needs.
A better public transportation system will render Greeley more accessible, convenient, and secure for all of its residents. By putting more bus stops, increasing security, and lowering waiting time, we can render the system more attuned to the growing needs of the city.
More bus stops at strategic places, for instance, workstations, schools, shopping areas, and health centers, will make public transport convenient to use. More routes to cover hitherto unreached areas will offer an opportunity for more citizens to access basic services without having to travel long distances. More bus stops along cycle tracks and sidewalks will make the transport system integrated.
Bus stop security must be improved. CCTV cameras and LED lights at every stop will deter crime and make riders feel safer, especially during nighttime. Increased police patrols and emergency call boxes at dangerous stops will provide an extra measure of safety.
Reducing wait time will enable the system to be used more and to be more efficient. Additional buses during peak hours will prevent the buses from getting too crowded, and app-based bus tracking and electronic signs will enable commuters to plan their trip. Coordinating traffic lights and providing for bus lanes will enable the system to be more reliable and reduce delays.
An improved public transport system will also reduce traffic jams during rush hours. By offering a viable alternative to driving, more people will use buses, which will reduce the number of cars on the road, particularly during rush hours. With fewer cars, we can expect smoother flow of traffic, reduced stress for drivers, and less wear and tear on Greeley's infrastructure meaning less taxes spent on maintaining roads. The reduction in automobile traffic will also diminish the chances of accidents, making it a safer world for everyone.
With these enhancements, we can build a quicker, safer, more convenient transportation network for all of Greeley. By investing in public transportation, we'll make a more connected, thriving, and less traffic-clogged city for everyone.
Enhancing Food Access and Supporting Locally Owned Convenience Stores in Greeley:
To support locally owned convenience stores in Greeley and to help provide greater food access, especially in underserved areas such as East Greeley, we can leverage existing systems present. There are various programs available throughout Greeley, such as the Greeley Community Development Fund (GCDF) and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), that are designed to assist small businesses and enhance the economic condition of the overall city. These initiatives offer new and existing businesses financial incentives, such as grants for renovating or expanding stores. By tapping into these already available funds, we can offer incentives to convenience stores that open or expand in their current underserved neighborhoods so that residents can get fresh groceries and food in their own neighborhoods.
Presently, Greeley also has organizations such as Meals on Wheels that deliver food to disabled and elderly individuals. More collaborations with such groups and convenience stores within the local area would enable individuals who are potentially housebound or have mobility issues to obtain essential items without needing to venture outdoors. And by offering convenience stores features such as wheelchair ramps, extra-wide aisles, and lowered checkout counters, we can make shopping more accessible to everyone. These would be in addition to the city's attempts to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, which make stores welcoming to all.
Another aspect is offering longer store hours to accommodate those who must have access to food and essentials beyond peak hours. Greeley can offer economic incentives, in the form of tax credit or grants, to convenience stores willing to remain open later in the night or during weekends. Incentives could be drawn from programs such as the DDA or GCDF, which already provide funding for business development within the city. Through promoting long working hours, Greeley can ensure that the residents of the area always have what they need, even after other stores have closed.
To add to these enhancements, community collaborations with entities such as the Greeley Food Co-op can be utilized for the promotion of locally grown or sustainable food items in convenience stores. This supports local businesses and farmers while making healthier food choices available to residents, enhancing the health of the population as a whole.
By strengthening those existing systems and developing more supportive policies for locally owned convenience stores, Greeley can facilitate easier access to food and necessities for every member of the community, particularly residents of underserved neighborhoods. It will render Greeley a more accessible, equitable, and richer city where local businesses can develop and serve the city.
Enhancing Nightlife:
In order to enhance Greeley's nightlife and make it a safer, more vibrant environment for both residents and visitors, there are some strategic measures that can be taken. These measures will not only enhance safety but also encourage a vibrant environment that will attract varied crowds and support the local economy.
One of the most important aspects to a thriving nightlife community is the safety of all parties involved. Putting up more street lights in strategic locations, such as areas surrounding entertainment, parking lots, and pathways, will greatly enhance nighttime visibility. Here, though, we need to find a balance, as the lighting must not be obtrusive to nearby residents. With the use of energy-saving LED light that emits bright but unobtrusive light, we can have adequately well-lighted areas that are both safe and beautiful. Strategic placement of lighting in crowded areas, like in and around premier clubs, bars, and entertainment districts, will increase safety, generate foot traffic, and provide easier navigation of streets at night. It has the effect of lessening accidents and criminal activity and promoting a friendly ambiance.
In addition to improved lighting, a Nightlife Commission can be formed to exclusively tackle Greeley nightlife and entertainment concerns. This commission would collaborate with local business, city government, and residents in order to enhance the entertainment experience and reduce problems like noise, safety, and congestion. The commission could help with event coordination and help businesses with regulations about nightlife, and see to it that Greeley's nighttime economy develops in a manner that works for all. Since having an official nightlife organization, Greeley can prioritize developing sustainable, vibrant entertainment activities and finding a balance with what the community requires.
Nightlife districts would also improve Greeley's nightlife. By concentrating nightlife activity in designated districts, the city can limit disruptions to residential areas and offer vibrant, secure areas for nighttime entertainment. They would be subject to rules on noise, operating hours, and crowding, allowing the intensity of night activity to thrive without overwhelming the rest of the city. Properly designed nighttime zones keep entertainment establishments contained in areas where they are sustainable, benefiting residents and visitors. This zoning idea would allow individuals to more easily locate entertainment venues and keep things quiet for those residing outside of these areas.
Lastly, creating more pedestrian-oriented spaces would do much to achieve a more social and welcoming nightlife atmosphere. Greeley might redevelop its downtown or popular spaces by adding wide, safe sidewalks, public seating, and green spaces that encourage people to linger and socialize.
These spaces are designed to be cozy, with benches, tables, and little stage areas for live acts. By making people move around and enjoy the night in such open spaces, a stronger sense of community is built, and a more vibrant and fun nightlife is established. Such brightly lit active areas with plenty of pedestrian activity also happen to be safer for everyone involved. In addition, they allow small businesses like cafes and food trucks to remain open later, providing additional choices to individuals for how they want to spend their evening. Putting these initiatives together—improved lighting, nightlife commission, zones, and pedestrian-friendly spaces—Greeley can develop its nightlife in a manner that is beneficial to residents, businesses, and visitors. These changes will help make Greeley a safe, vibrant, and thriving city where everyone can enjoy the night-time economy with a balance between the city and its population. With these strategic investments, Greeley's night life can continue growing and thriving, and the city remains welcoming, exciting, and safe for all.
With these strategic improvements to public transportation, nightlife, and neighborhood-owned convenience stores, Greeley can be a more convenient, safer, and more enjoyable city for all of its citizens. By building upon the current infrastructure and taking thoughtful steps, such as enhanced lighting, safer mobility options, and improved access to vital services, Greeley can build a stronger, more united community. Supporting local business, growing the nightlife economy, and delivering quality-of-life services to underserved communities are all key drivers that will help the city thrive in ways that benefit everyone. Through all our collective effort and investment, Greeley will be a safer and more vibrant place to live.
Who Am I?
(3 Minute read)
Hello! My name is Antonio Molina-Haro, and I am running for city council at large. I am a Passionate and driven young leader with a fresh perspective and I’m ready to bring this to Greeley’s people as a leader. I am 20 years old, and already I've built a solid foundation in leadership experience that started at in my early education and continued throughout my whole life. I was born in Greeley and raised in a nearby town called Gill but moved into Greeley and I’ve called Greeley home for the past five years, and I’m deeply committed to improving our community.
After graduating from high school in 2023, I dove straight into my academic journey, pursuing a degree in political science. Throughout my college career I remained involved in student government, and I’m on track to earn my bachelor’s degree. Beyond the classroom, I’ve spent time researching infrastructure in other cities in our ever-evolving country and world. I have been doing independent research since early high school, demonstrating my curiosity and drive to find innovative solutions to the challenges we face.
When I'm not studying or working, you can find me reading, having meaningful conversations about important issues, or keeping up with world events if find that are important. I’m passionate about connecting with people on a deep level and understanding their perspectives. This drive to engage on this level with others and see the world through a broader lens shapes my vision for a connected, innovative, and dynamic Greeley.
With my background in leadership, political science, and deep love and passion for this community, I’m eager to serve and bring fresh and impactful ideas and practical solutions to make Greeley a better place for all of us.
