Representatives of Prairie Grove will present their case in Little Rock next week on why the downtown area should be a part of the Main Street Arkansas program.
The Main Street Arkansas Advisory Board will meet May 15 to look at applications from cities interested in joining the program, according to Greg Phillips, director of Main Street Arkansas.
The board may make a decision that day or shortly afterward, he said, adding the advisory board is made up of people representing Preserve Arkansas, Arkansas Historical Preservation Program and Arkansas Economic Development Commission.
Prairie Grove, Mena and Hope have applied to be a part of Main Street Arkansas. Specifically, Prairie Grove is applying for Arkansas Downtown Network, which falls under the Main Street program.
The financial commitment for the Network is less costly than the overall Main Street Arkansas. Requirements include a nine-member advisory committee, a commitment to remain in the program for at least three years and a minimum annual budget of $4,350.
Phillips said the advisory board can vote to accept none or any of the applications. If Prairie Grove is not accepted into the program, it will have to wait two years to submit another application.
"The advisory board will look for a readiness and a commitment at the local level when considering the applications," Phillips said.
Prairie Grove submitted its application by the March 30 deadline.
Mayor Sonny Hudson said it's hard to tell how an application will be perceived, but he's optimistic about Prairie Grove's chances.
"I think we're well suited for it and in a good position," Hudson said.
The application states that Prairie Grove will benefit from being a part of Main Street Arkansas.
"We believe it will help the downtown focus on its long-term health and success," the application says. "There are many opportunities for improvement to the existing buildings that will only enhance the appeal of this area to regional and local shoppers."
A committee of 10 people serve on Prairie Grove's Downtown Network steering committee. Members are chairman Rick Ault (who owns a downtown business), Hudson and Larry Oelrich with the city, Chamber representatives Dale Reed and Taryn Golden, school Superintendent Allen Williams and business leaders Shannon Stearman, Cathy Sargent, Kay Shreve, Rick Reed and Mike Willard.
The physical boundaries of Prairie Grove's Downtown Network district would start on the west end of downtown with the historic Presbyterian Church and extend along both sides of Buchanan Street to include Mock Park and the Chamber building. The district also includes several areas off Buchanan Street to allow for future development.
The application lists downtown strengths and challenges.
Strengths are an active downtown with a diversity of businesses, shops and stores for local residents and visitors to the community. Diverse businesses range from antique and flea market shops to businesses that sell coffee, baked goods, flowers, art, hardware, drugs, clothing and gift items.
The school district's administrative offices will be in the downtown area in the fall.
Downtown has adequate parking, along with green space for people to enjoy being outside. It is used as a venue for many community events throughout the year.
Challenges are that Highway 62B travels through the middle of downtown businesses and can be a hindrance to events and other amenities in the area. Traffic at times affects easy walking and strolling from one side of the street to the other.
Planters along downtown are not very attractive and are not always maintained. Alcohol is not permitted in the downtown area and that may have hindered some restaurants from opening. Parking is adequate but not attractive. In addition, many people enter stores through the back doors from the parking lot and the rear facades are not very appealing.
If selected, Prairie Grove's goals would be to develop a marketing strategy and brand for its downtown, develop a plan to upgrade the rear facades of the downtown businesses, restore the historical integrity of buildings and sustain diversity and encourage expansion and redevelopment where possible.
Another goal is to continue and expand using downtown for community events, concerts, festivals and venues.
One of the requirements of the program is that the proposal must be supported not only by downtown merchants and city government but the community as a whole.
Prairie Grove's application notes support is coming from the school district, downtown property and business owners, the city, Chamber of Commerce and many citizens who have attended meetings about revitalizing the downtown area.
Prairie Grove would meet the required budget with $2,500 from the city budget, $1,175 from the Chamber budget and $1,175 from local business contributions.
General News on 05/09/2018