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More effort made for Town Center
(by Andrea Cordle, Southwest Editor - March 04, 2010)
Members of Grove City Town Center Incorporated are asking Grove City Council for $75,000 to implement a local main street network program.
The request was made at council's March 1 meeting.
Town Center Inc. is a non-profit organization that aims to stimulate economic development and market the city's Town Center. Members of the group want to become a local main street network program through the Heritage Ohio Main Street Program. They believe is would be an additional tool to revitalize downtown Grove City.
Town Center Inc. member, Karen Dover, explained the group consists of 229 business and property owners that work together to enhance the area. She believes new business development should be the first priority. To accomplish that, Dover suggested the group hire a business development manager.
Part of the $75,000 from the city's general fund would pay for the business manager. Dover said about 90 percent of the funds would go towards staff/administration support and marketing. Dover, the owner of Mill Street Market, said she wants to make sure Town Center Inc. has the funds secure before they bring the business development manager on board.
"We have strong business people with a lot of experience. You are getting our services for free," Dover said.
Another city group tried the Heritage Ohio Main Street Program in 2003. It failed.
Dover explained in the last program the city agreed to match funds. The group would do fundraising activities and raise $20,000. Then the city would put forth $20,000. Dover said she believes one of the reasons the previous effort did not work was because it asked busy business owners to do a lot of fundraising.
"It exhausted the people involved," Dover said.
Town Center Inc. has not sought grant dollars; it has only asked the city for funding.
Dover said the group members want a full commitment from the city.
"The money needs to be there."
Council unanimously agreed to postpone the vote until the March 15 public meeting. Councilman Steven Bennett said they needed more time to review the ordinance.
Town Center grant program
Council unanimously approved a Town Center commercial revitalization grant program.
This program is designed to assist business owners with improving their property. Grant money could be used for such things as facade painting, exterior lighting, signage, landscaping, window replacement, and parking lot striping.
The maximum grant award is $10,000 per building, per year. Council could make an exception based on circumstance.
To learn more about the program or the eligibility, contact the city's development department at development@grovecityohio.gov.
Green Frame plan
Council passed a resolution to support the Green Frame plan for the Town Center.
In 2007, the city signed a contract with Lincoln Street Studios for the development of a Town Center plan. As part of the plan, a Green Framework component calls for trees, improved walk-ability, public parking and increased streetscape improvements.
The Town Center consists of the area along Broadway from Southwest Boulevard to the Windsor Park entrance. As part of the Green Frame plan, streetscape improvements (curb/gutter improvements, brickwork, and streetlights) of some kind would be made to Grove City Road, Columbus Street, Grant Avenue, Park Street, Jackson Alley and Civic Place.
"This is not going to happen tomorrow," said Council President Ted Berry.
The Town Center Green Frame is an $18 million investment, according to engineer Mike Keller. This cost does not include land acquisition.
The city plans to apply for grants to offset the cost.
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