Could Elk Grove Learn from Galt's Old Town Plans?

The city of Galt, Elk Grove's dimunitive neighbor to the south, is working on plans for a $14 million entertainment center to draw visitors and residents to its Old Town neighborhood, the Sacramento Bee reported Monday.

The complex could include a movie theater, bowling alley, food stands and more and create about 60 jobs, according to the Bee.

The project reminded us of similar ideas we've heard readers bring up in relation to Elk Grove's Old Town. When Elk Grove's own struggling historic district's monthly street fairs were , some of you for how to revitalize the area.

"Maybe some kind of a theater, small concerts, plays, dessert place," user Elk Grove Laguna Forums suggested.

"Everyone who looks at Old Town cites the need for...some kind of anchor store or complex," commented Tom Waltman.

Sounds like officials in Galt might have been reading from the same playbook.

The Galt project does face a major hitch: it hinges on using funds from redevelopment bonds the city issued last year, before the state of California eliminated redevelopment agencies.

If the city can't access those funds, it will have to find another way to raise $14 million—a large sum for a city of 24,000 like Galt, but not much more than Elk Grove City Council members are currently planning to spend on .

Could a similar entertainment center work in Old Town Elk Grove? What would the city have to do to make it happen? Tell us in the comments.