August 26th Mainstreet Vision Town Hall Recap
Andrews Vision Meeting Sparks Excitement for a Thriving Downtown
On August 26, more than 90 Andrews residents came together for the Andrews Vision Community Meeting, representing a vibrant mix of longtime locals, new residents, and business owners. The energy in the room was unmistakable — people shared dozens of ideas to make Andrews a more beautiful, walkable, and welcoming town for all.
A Shared Vision for Andrews
Across all the discussions, one message stood out: the community wants a thriving, connected downtown that celebrates local culture, creativity, and outdoor living. Residents envision Andrews as:
A lively small-town hub with shops, restaurants, and evening activities.
A true gathering place for family events, live music, and cultural celebrations.
A walkable, beautiful downtown full of flowers, murals, and safe, well-lit sidewalks.
A gateway to outdoor recreation, linking trails, rivers, and forests directly to Main Street.
Top Priorities from the Community
Several themes came up again and again:
Filling empty storefronts and supporting new business growth.
Adding more local shops and restaurants for greater variety and affordability.
Hosting more community events — festivals, live music, block parties, and youth activities.
Beautifying downtown with flowers, murals, lighting, and benches.
Connecting outdoor recreation and tourism to Main Street.
Celebrating Andrews’ culture and heritage through arts, history, and community pride.
Quick Wins to Build Momentum
Participants also identified several “low-hanging fruit” projects that could make an immediate impact:
Filling empty windows with art or student displays.
Hosting monthly downtown nights with live music and extended shop hours.
Adding trees, murals, and string lights for instant charm.
Launching a community events calendar and newsletter.
Trying small outdoor events like movie nights or food truck Fridays.
Next Steps: Forming Action Teams
To turn these ideas into action, three community teams have formed:
Beautification Team – focusing on lighting, murals, flowers, signage, and downtown improvements.
Youth & Families Team – planning activities and events that bring generations together and build community spirit.
Business & Tourism Team – supporting local entrepreneurs, filling empty storefronts, and linking downtown with outdoor recreation and visitors.
The Andrews Vision effort is all about neighbors working together to make downtown Andrews more lively, creative, and connected — a place where both locals and visitors want to gather, explore, and belong. We would love for you to get involved.