City of Hart, Michigan
MEMORANDUM
To: mayor clancy aerts & city council
From: STAN RICKARD, City Manager
Date: february 26, 2010
RE: michigan main street program – letter of interest
The City of Hart has completed the required training for the Michigan Main Street Associate Level. Our volunteers visited the Main Street communities of Niles, Clare, Lansing Old Town, Manistee, Grand Haven, Portland, Howell, and Boyne City; and completed other components.
Volunteers who attended (or are scheduled) one or more of the training events include: Anne Hardy, Bill Hegg, Bruce Vanderhoof, Barb Vanderhoof, Clancy Aerts, Dave Spitler, Dick Huntington, Ginny Huntington, Gayle Forner, Gene Davidson, Jim Hodges, Joan Lundborg, Joe Lesausky, Lee-Ann Shannon, Linda Foster, Linda Kotzian, Michelle Angel-Powell, Nancy Sterk, Sara Bizon, and Tim White.
MSHDA will be asking eligible Associate Level communities to send a “letter of interest” to enter the “Selected Level” in the Michigan Main Street program. I understand that about eight (8) communities will be eligible for “Selected Level” in 2010 and no more than four (4) will be selected.
Main Street is a proven program to revitalize downtowns using a four-point approach that emphasizes promotion, organization, design and economic restructuring. Our volunteers heard success stories from eight (8) very different communities. There is a vision and leadership vacuum in downtown Hart that must be filled to revitalize the downtown community.
Main Street is a significant commitment of time and resources. However, the eight success stories we heard credit Main Street as the catalyst that rejuvenated their downtowns.
The “letter of interest” is due March 5, 2010 and full applications are due May 7, 2010.
I recommend adoption of Resolution 10-20 authorizing the City of Hart to transmit a “letter of interest” to apply for the Michigan Main Street Selected Level.
