6. HRSR 06-07-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Recognizing that quick-fix solutions do not work, the Main Street Approach° advocates a return to community self- relianceand the redevelopment of Main Street project areas based on their traditional assets: personal service, local ownership, a unique physical environment and a sense of community. It is an incremental, long-term, total community effort differing in philosophy and effect from capital-intensive, quick-fix projects. The Main Street Approach° incorporates activities in four distinctive areas; each of these combine to build a positive, identifiable image for the Main Street project area. ORGANIZATION: The Main Street Approach° to revitalization is a total community effort. To be successful, a local program must organize many different public and private sectors of the community to unite for the common goal of a better downtown/neighborhood. Groups and individuals typically involved in Main Street programs include business people, merchants, property owners, local government, financial institutions, industry, clergy, schools, utilities, residents and civic groups. Building the organization's capacity with enough people, funds and local enthusiasm to implement the program is critical to successful district revitalization. PROMOTION: Promoting and marketing a main street district can attract customers and investors to the area and increase community economic viability. Main Street programs work to market the district and community through a series of aggressive, targeted activities such as: special events and festivals, events to boost retail sales, image development, cooperative advertising, marketing the entire district and developing heritage tourism opportunities. DESIGN: The physical appearance of a business district sets that district apart from any other. A physically attractive district is more appealing to shoppers, residents, visitors and potential investors. The Main Street design philosophy is based on a historic preservation ethic and involves improving the appearance of all physical things in the project area, including buildings, signs, window displays, and public improvements. ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING: Using the Main Street Approach°, communities work to retain existing commercial businesses by analyzing current market forces in order to develop long-term solutions. The Main Street program works to identify the strengths, challenges and opportunities for the project area and assists in expanding existing businesses and/or recruiting complementary new business to fill vacant spaces. NATIONAL MAIN STREET CENTER'S STANDARDS FOR ACCREDITATION 1. Has broad-based community support for the commercial district revitalization process, with strong support from both the public and private sectors. 2. Has developed vision and mission statements relevant to community conditions and to the local Main Street program's organizational stage. 3. Has a comprehensive Main Street work plan. 4. Possesses an historic preservation ethic. 5. Has an active board of directors and committees. 6. Has an adequate budget. 7. Has a paid professional executive director. 8. Conducts a program of ongoing training for staff and volunteers. 9. Reports key statistics. 10. Has current membership in the National Trust's National Main Street Network membership program. Revitalization can be approached in many different ways. The primary objective of the Main Street Approach° is to foster economic development within the context of historic preservation. Downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts across the country have prospered by using this cost-effective approach of attracting new investment to their districts while reusing the existing building stock and amenities.