City girds for Main Street push
Copyright © 2001 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.
WATERVILLE — In an effort to consolidate groups, focus energy and build consensus in regard to downtown revitalization, community leaders and volunteers soon will have an active Main Street Program in place for Waterville.
Part of a national initiative with proven success in more than 1,000 communities across the country, the Main Street Program is about investing in old-time business districts to ensure their future viability.
But Peter Lyford, a community-development expert, said the movement goes beyond preservation of aging buildings. What it also does, he said, is make economic sense.
Lyford, who works for Kennebec Valley Council of Governments, said national statistics offer proof.
Typically, he said, the average investment to create one new job is nearly $10,000. In communities that have Main Street Program, that investment per job created falls to less than $2,000.
"We are talking about something here that is five times less," he said.
Lyford suggested an enthusiasm factor may be involved.
"Based on statistics I've seen, a good Main Street Program generates a lot of interest and a lot of reinvestment — it's a case of acting as a catalyst for reinvestment."
Lyford, one of 13 members of the Waterville Main Street board of directors, hopes to convince city councilors to be enthusiastic about the program, which aims to boost interest in downtown areas through activities, promotions, investment and planning that has a vision.
The City Council on Tuesday night was scheduled to vote on whether to support the Waterville Main Street program, including its board of directors' effort to obtain money and assistance from the newly formed Maine Downtown Center.
Downtown businessman George Gordon was one of about 50 people who gathered at the Freedom Cafe Monday night to discuss the initiative.
That assembly included most of the groups, businesses, agencies and institutions with an interest in downtown.
Faye W. Nicholson, executive director of REM, the grassroots citizens' group, said she initially was skeptical about the drive for a Main Street Program. But Nicholson, who attended Monday's meeting, said she has changed her opinion.
Nicholson said she likes the idea of an organization that can draw upon the wisdom and experience of thousands already involved in the same program.
"I think it is a very, very wise program," she said, "and I commend the leadership to have the wisdom to pursue this."
Avrum R. Vinick, Colby College's director of gifts, said the meeting made clear the community's commitment to a Main Street Program.
"In terms of the feeling at the meeting, it was very upbeat," he said. "It was a good presentation, and people really responded."
Vinick said supporters included Colby College President William "Bro" Adams.
Gordon, a Main Street board member, said getting a cross-section of the community is one key to the success of a Main Street Program.
"Everybody realizes if downtown is to become the active, prosperous part of the city it has the potential to be, we have to bring in all of these players to have their say," he said.
A Main Street Program also needs money and at least a three-year commitment. Gordon said the goal is to have an annual budget of $100,000.
That budget will pay for a full-time director, office space, operational money and, in the second year, a part-time assistant, Gordon said.
The Waterville Main Street board also hopes to become one of three Maine cities or towns the state designates as a Main Street Maine community.
Communities chosen get access — via the state — to intensive training in the Main Street Program approach — an education with a reported $30,000 value, Lyford said.
One reason for Monday's meeting was to encourage people to write letters in support of Waterville as a Main Street Maine community.
But whether or not the city is chosen, Gordon said Waterville Main Street already has collected about $60,000 in pledges and will continue to move forward.
He expects a director will be hired this fall.
To reach Colin Hickey
Phone: 861-9205