The hall takes up a lot of space on the waterfront. We want the developer to either lease it or purchase it, but it's important to get (the property) back on the city's tax rolls.

The fact is people are parking all over the city. So even if you are not on the parade route, you can get business.

We try to encourage businesses to stay open. We want them to take advantage of special events like this.

We've never done a study, but we think the number of people coming downtown will impact the downtown economy. We hope they will see a restaurant or retail shop they like and come back.

As part of the revitalization program, years ago the owner [of the building] agreed to give the town space that would be used on a rotating basis to house community groups.

[The city government has identified space for 3,000 FEMA trailers and is looking for space for up to 2,000 more.] The mayor has made it clear that first priority will go to people who are here looking for work, ... We need to stimulate the economy now.