Ortonville- The Main Street program is about to get its first report card and it appears the program may make the honor roll.
Representatives from Main Street Oakland County and the National Trust’s Main Street Center will evaluate Ortonville’s 2005 Main Street progress, during a day-long visit Feb. 7. Their plans include completing a report and viewing budgets, sponsorships and seeing how the downtown is doing in general and whether there has been a decrease in the number of jobs or businesses.
Main Street Manager Julie Courtney believes the number of jobs and businesses has remained fairly steady- surprising in a poor economy. She also listed a number of building improvements in the past year, including the Brandon Substation and Hamilton’s, both of which replaced roofs, as well as the Citgo gas station, which added a new store.
‘I feel very positive,? Courtney said. ‘We’re off to a great start and I feel momentum building. Volunteers are working very hard and are enthusiastic, making ideas a reality. These people are making it happen. The review will be good.?
Ortonville was named a Main Street community in September 2004 and is one of only 10 communities in Oakland County with the designation. The Main Street program, begun in 1980 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is an economic development program with a historic preservation-based philosophy.
As a Main Street community, Ortonville will receive assistance from experts such as architects, planners, retailers, former downtown managers, county staff, national trust staff and more. They will assist the village in a variety of ways including helping the community receive grant money.
The program is in the start-up and transition phase. This phase lasts for years one to three and is followed by three more phases: catalyst and growth for years four to seven; growth and maintenance for years eight to 15; and maintenance/recommitment for years 16 and beyond.
The organization committee is currently reviewing the budget and ranking each work plan based on feasibility. They are planning to create a signature fund-raising event, possibly an auction, which would be in the fall.
‘It could be a social event so it would be fun for the public to attend,? says Courtney. ‘Businesses would donate items and we could auction them off. It involves a lot of details and we are still nailing those down.?
The promotion committee is working on a brochure, to include a map, which will highlight local businesses and the downtown district. They are also planning Creekfest, to be June 10 this year.
The committee is also working on an entrance to Crossman Park, between the Glass with Class bead store and a currently vacant building, with an initial sketch for the property owner, who wants to ensure it remains a drive with handicapped accessibility.
‘We’re hoping to start work this summer, combining brick pavers and a walkway with plantings and possibly incorporating a mural on the wall of the bead store,? Courtney said. ‘We want to get the community involved. It could be a pain-by-number so the community could help.?
The Main Street program continues to need volunteers and sponsors.
‘We can always use volunteers for the committees and for specific tasks, like Creekfest,? says Courtney. ‘We also need a long-term sponsorship plan and program in place to ensure (Main Street) remains vibrant in the future.?
For more information on volunteering or becoming a sponsor for the Main Street program, call Julie Courtney at (248) 627-8070.