Looking ahead on Main Street
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share thisThe long, deep recession has taken its toll on downtown Scranton, as it has just about everywhere else. But as the economy fitfully and slowly begins to improve, it's important to be ready to resume growth.
To that end, formal implementation in Scranton of a program that boosts downtown business centers could provide substantial help.
Scranton Tomorrow, a civic advocacy group, is the state-designated coordinator of the Main Street Scranton initiative. Modeled on Main Street programs in 1,600 other cities, the initiative deals with common infrastructure as well as individual projects.
Activities will range from the preservation or restoration of traditional architecture through facade grants and incentives for owners to invest in their buildings. And the initiative will promote key elements of vibrant downtown life, including safety, business promotion, environmental improvements and so on.
Downtown development always is a challenge despite substantial progress that has been made, and the determination of many downtown businesses to hang tough. The Main Street initiative is a good way to make the most of the city's existing assets while looking to the future.
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