MainStreet to revamp downtown
Main Street is the Downtown Development Authority in charge of revitalization and economic development efforts within the historical Milledgeville business district.
Though Washlesky is still busy getting acclimated, ongoing and future projects flood the Main Street agenda. Parking, landscaping and the proposed farmer’s market consume short-term plans.
Parking remains a hot topic within the city’s downtown area. The new 15-space lot, formerly a skate park beside the Golden Pantry off Hancock Street, is the most recent attempt at curtailing complaints.
“We want to see what we can do to work better with the parking situation. Some of it is real and some perceived. People feel like if they can’t park right in front of the store or restaurant, there’s no parking,” Washlesky said.
Both Washlesky and Main Street Board Chairman Justin Jones agree the new parking lot and surrounding area need a facelift. According to Jones, cleaning up the land around the Golden Pantry could provide a better look for one of downtown Milledgeville’s main gateways.
The Main Street board also voted to pick up a farmer’s market project. The launch date is early spring, with the tentative location set at the parking lot adjacent to the post office.
The produce would have to be Georgia grown. Based on Jones’s estimations, 25 farmers are ready to sell organic fruits and vegetables. The market will be held on Tuesdays to avoid competition with other venues in the Middle Georgia area.
Eventually, Washlesky would like to see more retail business downtown to compliment the abundance of restaurants. Main Street Secretary April Bragg said she wants downtown to be more of a destination for the college and the greater community.
“We want the whole shop and dine and stroll experience,” Bragg said. “We want people to spend an afternoon or an entire evening, instead of just coming in to eat dinner and then head off somewhere else for entertainment.”
Soliciting vendors and entrepreneurs to fill empty storefront space is a major part of Washlesky’s long term Main Street plan. So far, Washlesky is adapting and feeling comfortable in her new home.
“Sometimes, some new blood can make things right again,” Washlesky said. “We’ll work with anybody and everybody that needs help.”
Washlesky has extensive retail and Main Street experience from consultant and director positions held in North Carolina. Three years in the jewelry business familiarized Washlesky with the challenges of a downtown historic district.
Washlesky replaced Heather Holder, who left her seven-year post to pursue a similar position with NewTown Macon last August. In her absence, the Main Street board operated without a director through the close of last year.
The replacement search lasted a few hectic months, during which Main Street became part of the city government.
Washlesky has knowledge of Milledgeville’s new system because she has operated under a similar structure in North Carolina.
Washlesky still has to learn the different state standards, but Jones is excited about her presence.
“In everybody’s opinion, Belinda was by far the best candidate we interviewed. Her strongest point was her past Main Street experience,” Jones said. “The communities she’d left were like, ‘She’s a big loss to us, and a great asset to your city.’”
Bragg said Washlesky’s experience under the city structure is a huge help as the board’s role adapts to change.
“We really don’t know what to expect. (Washlesky) is apparently very accustomed to working under this type of structure,” Bragg said. “We have been the polar opposite until now. We’re anxious to see what kind of role we are going to play as a board.”
Jones looks forward to handing over the bookkeeping to the city’s finance department. Other advantages of the city government include more credibility, accountability and a direct line of support to city services. Washlesky said reporting to City Manager Scott Wood adds to her accountability, because Wood knows her schedule and project agenda.
Communication with downtown merchants is a high priority for Washlesky. She wants to meet a new merchant every day and get to know them. Eventually, Washlesky hopes to get the merchants together for monthly meetings to discuss current issues and Main Street plans to improve commerce.
Speaking as a merchant from J.C. Grant Company, Jones said merchants can be an interesting bunch to please.
“We all have our own quirks and issues,” Jones said. “I think (Washlesky) will be better at building relationships with the downtown merchants.”
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Feb 27 2009. Filed under News.
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