M’boro approves ‘Main Street’ program

Published 9:57 pm Friday, July 30, 2010

MURFREESBORO — Officials here have agreed to allow the town to participate in the Department of Commerce’s Small Town Main Street program.

On Tuesday, members of the Murfreesboro Town Council unanimously approved a resolution entering the town into the program.

Small Town Main Street strives to promote downtown revitalization based on economic development within the context of historic preservation.

Mayor Pro-Tem Molly Eubank motioned to approve the resolution; it was seconded by Councilwoman Sarah Wallace.

Town Administrator Lee H. Capps told council he would like to bring their attention to the responsibilities listed in the resolution.

“There are responsibilities involved with time, spirit of cooperation, time limit of participation and time limit of function during the course of the program,” he said. “It (the program) works based on those nine items, and those last two do involve money.”

The nine conditions set for the town in the resolution are:

The town will actively participate in the Small Town Main Street program for an initial period of no less than one year.

A contact person in the community will be designated for the technical assistance team to coordinate with in order to provide continuity and leadership for the effort.

Assist in organizing a volunteer committee and working subcommittees that are representative of the entire community to provide focus for the program.

Support the volunteer committee and will assist the committee and team in conducting a community assessment and community projects and any other necessary activities. Cooperate with the technical assistance team and committee to develop a community vision and plan of action.

Implement the plan of action to the fullest extent possible.

Develop and actively participate in local and regional partnerships and networks, and share resources and information gained through the program with other communities in the region.

Pay for an economic data report.

Reimbursement of certain travel related expenses, mileage and meals.