Cleveland and Dayton MainStreet programs have received Main Street/Green Street Innovation Grants from Tennessee’s Department of Economic and Community Development.
They are among 21 downtown organizations in the state that received the grants, distributed through the department’s MainStreet Tennessee program.
The grants “will not only enhance and improve individual downtown communities, but they also support the state’s efforts to advance sustainability and economic development across Tennessee,” Commissioner Matt Kisber said in a news release.
OTHER RECIPIENTS* Cookeville: $5,000; alleyway improvement for a pocket park* Franklin: $6,000; interactive website, downtown bike racks* Greeneville: $6,000; promote walking, improve website, promote buying local* Kingsport: $5,000; energy efficient heating, cooling for downtown building* Murfreesboro: $5,000; signs, tents for the weekly farmers marketSource: MainStreet Tennessee
Cleveland MainStreet’s $6,000 grant will be used to develop four green initiative projects, Executive Director Sharon Marr said.
“The MainStreet Cleveland website will be completely redesigned to include the historic walking trail map and a downloadable brochure,” she said.
The site has not had a major design change since its debut in 2004, she said, and maps will be added showing the connection to downtown sidewalks and the popular greenway.
Bike racks also will be added to the First Street Square park. The racks are meant to encourage Lee University students, just two blocks away, and residents in nearby neighborhoods to bicycle to downtown.
The grant also will fund three new trash receptacles to First Street Square and the addition of flowering shrubs and evergreens to the new park and along the streets.
Marr said the projects are in line with MainStreet’s mission of adding green initiatives to enhance and promote downtown.
“Promoting the greenway tie-in to downtown sidewalks offers residents a safe walking or biking path around the city,” she said.
MainStreet Dayton will use a $5,000 grant for a billboard, posters and advertising to promote a buy-local shopping campaign.
The MainStreet Tennessee grants are $5,000 each, but 10 of the 21 recipients received an extra $1,000 because they participate as MainStreet Mentors, said Rick Meredith, assistant Tennessee commissioner for community development.
Mentors share their experiences and offer advice to other communities taking part in Tennessee Downtowns, another program that encourages downtown revitalization.