Benefits of Main Street
Frequently, downtown as a whole is the second or third largest employment center in the community.
30% of solid waste in landfills is from demolition of old buildings, while new construction requires many resources. It is often said that the greenest building is the one that doesn’t have to be built. Rehabilitating and re-using old buildings is an environmentally sound strategy. Additionally, more resources are required to develop in greenfield sites on the edge of town than to develop in infill spaces, where existing utilities may be used.
Large investments have been made over time in downtown infrastructure, so it is often more efficient to keep downtown vibrant than extend infrastructure to new development. Local government can support strategic development and capitalize on the value and potential investment that commercial districts can attract.
The healthier the downtown businesses are, the higher the rents building owners can collect, resulting in higher property values and a higher tax base for the community. Because of its compact nature, a healthy downtown generally pays more in property taxes per acre than anywhere else in your jurisdiction. A vibrant downtown attracts not just locals, but regional shoppers and tourists – and sales tax revenue – to your jurisdiction.
A vacant and deteriorated downtown breeds crime. Keeping your downtown and commercial districts active and alive helps citizens to feel safe and want to take part in the community.
The city’s decisions on zoning, land use and commercial sprawl impacts the health of downtown. In addition, local government is the keeper of public lands, buildings, streetscape, and infrastructure, so community consensus is important.
Industrial development prospects expect to tour downtown and assess for themselves your community’s values with respect to maintaining and supporting a healthy central business district. If downtown is vacant and deteriorated, potential industry tenants may question the community’s respect for the industrial park in a few years.
Downtown was historically the cultural, educational, commercial, recreational and governmental center of your community. Residents expect these amenities to exist in your community to enhance their quality of life. Downtown will continue to be this quality of life center, if given the opportunity.
Big towns, small towns, all towns started around a commercial district or downtown. It is the heart and soul of your community and should reflect the pride of local leadership and community. It is the face you project to visitors, investors and to yourselves. The reputation of your community is based on the condition of your downtown.