|
|||
| Appal Home | |||
|
|||
| Search The Website | |||
|
|
|
| -*- |
|
Main Street Revitalization in Beattyville (2 of 12) Posted: April 30, 2002 Get Ready. Company’s Coming! Second of twelve articles first appearing in the "Three Forks Tradition" newspaper By: Larrey Riddle In my last column I discussed the potential for regional tourism and the role a vital downtown for Beattyville plays in developing that industry locally. The rewards for successful Main Street program to a community are great: increased revenue, new job generation, rehabilitation of buildings, a healthier business environment, and more visitors. The National Main Street Project (www.mainst.org) offers a blueprint for successful Main Street revitalization. They have found that successes are based on a comprehensive strategy of work, tailored to the needs and opportunities in each community, in four broad areas, called the Main Street Four Point Approach. They include these elements: Organization: Building consensus and cooperation among the many groups and individuals who have a role in the revitalization process. Design: Enhancing the physical appearance of the commercial district by rehabilitating historic buildings, encouraging supportive new construction, developing sensitive design management systems, and long-term planning. Promotion: Marketing the traditional commercial district's assets to customers, potential investors, new businesses, local citizens and visitors. Economic Restructuring: Strengthening the district's existing economic base while finding ways to expand it to meet new opportunities – and challenges from outlying development. The National Main Street Center's experience in helping communities bring their downtowns back to life has shown repeatedly that the Main Street Four Point Approach succeeds only when combined with the following eight principles: The plan for Main Street must be comprehensive: A single project cannot revitalize a downtown or commercial neighborhood. An ongoing series of initiatives is vital to build community support and create lasting progress. Work is accomplished one step at a time: Small projects make a big difference. They demonstrate that "things are happening" on Main Street and hone the skills and confidence the program will need to tackle more complex problems. The process should be action oriented: Frequent, visible changes in the look and activities of the commercial district will reinforce the perception of positive change. Small, but dramatic improvements early in the process will remind the community that the revitalization effort is under way. The program must be driven by the community: Although the National Main Street Center or the Kentucky Main Street program can provide valuable direction and hands-on technical assistance, only local leadership can initiate long-term success by fostering and demonstrating community involvement and commitment to the revitalization effort. There must be a public/private partnership: Every local Main Street program needs the support and expertise of both the public and private sectors. For an effective partnership, each must recognize the strengths and weaknesses of the other. The plan must identify and capitalize on existing assets: One of the National Main Street Center's key goals is to help communities recognize and make the best use of their unique offerings. Local assets provide the solid foundation for a successful Main Street initiative. There must be a commitment to quality: From storefront design to promotional campaigns to special events, quality must be the main goal. Change is difficult, but can be accomplished: Changing community attitudes and habits are essential to bring about a commercial district renaissance. A carefully planned Main Street program will help shift public perceptions and practices to support and sustain the revitalization process. |
| BROWSE | Headlines and Postings |
|
|
|
|
|