Four members of Danville City Youth Council met with staff from the departments of Economic Development and Community Development this week to discuss projects that affect teens as well as to offer input on future projects.
Discussions ranged in topics from downtown infrastructure, future projects, the Riverwalk, businesses, places teens visit or spend time out of school and opportunities for teens.
The following are several highlights:
- When students are out of school they are looking for a place to relax and enjoy social engagement with peers. Currently they do this through visiting shops downtown, however hours of operation for many do not facilitate socialization
- Many teens utilize the Riverwalk trail to connect with downtown and stated that they appreciated the use of free wifi downtown
- The perception and reality of violence in our community is a deterrent from hanging out in public spaces
- They would like to see the city focus on creating more jobs for residents to help reduce crime; students felt strongly that both teens and adults have too much idle time, which is a factor in crime
- Students would like to see the city move toward use of Snapchat to update students on happenings around town and updates so they are aware of what’s happening. Students are using this social media platform to receive most all of their news and information of what is happening
- A focus and expansion on performing arts would attract students to return to Danville after college as well as an increase in population base to support business
- Students would like to also see the city continue to focus on walkability and connectivity of spaces and places where they can be active and participate in social activities
The next meeting will be held at 4 p.m. on March 14 at the Danville City Auditorium.