Those who are tired of Butler's downtown business district standing still are no doubt excited about the prospect of "The Centre City Project."

The project, as proposed, could inject a measure of new life to the center city and be the seed for further redevelopment.

City Councilman Mike Kelly, who also is chairman of the city redevelopment authority, was correct in observing that "you can see the return on investment" from what is being proposed.

Likewise, Perry O'Malley, executive director of the city redevelopment authority and the county redevelopment and housing authorities, was on target in observing that "maybe this will give the private sector the push it needs to get involved in downtown Butler."

"The Centre City Project," if it comes about as envisioned, would not only be a source of local pride and confidence, but would make Butler attractive to others from outside the county. That is because the plan includes a convention center as well as a hotel.

Kelly, in his remarks about the plan, said small-market convention centers are in demand.

"You need an awfully large event to go to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center (in Pittsburgh) to have your event make any money," he said. "Here you can have the smaller, specialized events, plus ours will also be a technology center that can be used to host meetings — a place where you can put people up and meet."

And, Butler's advantage in that scenario is its relatively close proximity to a major metropolitan area like Pittsburgh.

In addition to the proposed convention center and hotel, the project is to entail a U-shaped three-story condominium, with commercial space on the ground floor.

A two-story parking garage is envisioned as part of the convention center complex, while the condominium is to have its own parking lot in the middle of the "U."

The project also includes development of the former Wishing Well property and the renovation of the Gatto Cycle Shop building, which is the site of the former Troutman Department Store.

Numbers such as $30 million and $40 million are being voiced in connection with the project, and that would represent a big economic shot in the arm not only for the city but for the companies and workers that will construct the project's various components.

Before the work can begin, the various pieces of the project's financial puzzle must be properly assembled, and that will involve contacts with the county's legislative delegation.

Important at this juncture is that there is a vision on paper on which to focus and begin pursuing its various elements.

The city has been marking time too long; this plan is a refreshing change that holds important opportunities for generations of future Butler residents.