YOUR TOWN ALABAMA NEEDS YOU!!! In order to assist communities with their needs, we need to know what information would most benefit you and your community, articles you found interesting, success stories from your efforts and interesting clip art for the newsletter. Send us an Main Street Program Continued
Many downtown areas have experienced decline in recent years as a result of competing shopping centers and changing consumer habits. Vacant buildings, deteriorated storefronts, and declining sales are outward signs of this loss in economic vitality. Through the Main Street program, Alabama cities are reaffirming their commitment to the historic and economic core of their communities. In these cities, public and private resources are being brought together to develop creative strategies for revitalization and to build a positive and unified downtown identity.
Alabama programs (List of Participants in Alabama)participating in the statewide network include Alexander City, Anniston, Decatur, Dothan, Eufaula, Florence, Gadsden, Greenville, Mobile, Opelika, Selma, and Winfield.
Programs participating through December 31, 2002, reported these cumulative reinvestment statistics:
- 1,381 net new businesses
- 5,153 net new jobs
- $140,390,745 in public improvements in the downtown area
- $325,964,601 in private sector investment in building rehabilitations
What services are available to members of the Alabama Main Street Network?
Design assistance in the form of site visits, telephone consultations, facade renderings, graphic design proposals, written technical reports on maintenance and structural issues, and recommendations on signage, awnings, and color scheme.
- Training of local program managers and boards of directors.
- Current statewide and national reinvestment statistics.
- Information and assistance on the Alabama Historical Commission's grant programs.
- Information and assistance in utilizing historic preservation tax incentives.
- Information and assistance in complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
For more information contact Elizabeth Brown, Deputy SHPO, at (334) 242-2663, or ebrown@preserveala.org
