Is there really anyone against downtown revitalization? There is?

I can honestly say I have never met a Midlander against downtown revitalization. Maybe someone once wondered what the fuss is about, but really I can't remember people marching down Wall Street calling for the end of downtown revitalization.

Still I have long supported any idea that would create a more vibrant downtown and will continue to back those primarily private sector initiatives.

With downtown on the brain, we provide kudos to the Vision 2020 report which had downtown front and center. The Reporter-Telegram's Kathleen Thurber offered this read.

We are intrigued with the discussion of a Yucca Theatre upgrade in the next decade. Considering the Yucca's history and status in the community, we believe there is merit to what people are saying. We agree that government shouldn't take a lead role here (OK not agreeing as much as indicating a preference), but should be supportive.

We also compliment Jim Nelson for his analysis on a downtown comeback. A downtown movie theater and a central area for eateries, shops and other entertainment also will be key to downtown's success as an after 5 p.m. venue, Nelson said.

We have been talking about a similar idea for a while now. Here was a July post we offered at Live Midland.

Can the Yucca lead the way here? Maybe. Could a big piece in the revitalization puzzle come in the form of Alamo Drafthouse? In November we talked about a company calling for bids for "new construction, site work" for "Restaurant, Theaters / Auditoriums" in the downtown area. Here is the link. We think the announcement of Alamo Drafthouse locating downtown would be as big for revitalization efforts as anything we have seen downtown in the 15 years we have been in Midland.

But, yes, there needs to be a plan B. And the Yucca upgrade would be a good one.

In the next few days we will go over things in the Vision 2020 report we liked and didn't like as much (such as the idea of a children's branch of the Midland County Library to be located at the Midland County Courthouse. I mean there are perfectly good -- and recently refurbished -- courtrooms waiting for someone to use them so somebody please step up. We also already have a library downtown. Put resources into it, not spread its resources elsewhere).

But as far as our first at the report look goes, we appreciate those who spent time trying to make Midland better. Your work will make Midland a better place in 2020 and beyond. History says it's so.