SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Sioux Falls Mayor Mike Huether acknowledged that some downtown businesses are struggling in the shadow of the Copper Lounge collapse.
Huether says entrepreneurs are telling him about paying bills, making payroll and their dependence on holiday shoppers.
Huether says while it was important to avoid downtown days after the collapse, he says the situation has stabilized and he wants folks to come back downtown.
Huether says downtown Sioux Falls is safe for visitors and shoppers, has plenty of parking and travel is easier.
He says as the intersection opened partway to motorists and pedestrians, he noticed how that movement helped to buoy everyone downtown. He says as the property is cleaned and roads and sidewalks are fully opened the downtown will come back even stronger than ever.
Downtown Sioux Falls is reacting to the tragic events that occurred on Friday, December 2nd, by organizing a special First Friday event on December 9th.
The event will feature great sales, events, expanded hours, and is also a chance for the community to give back to the families and businesses affected. For more information go to http://dtsf.com/.