Ortonville- The Main Street program had some bumps in the road this year, but despite missing recertification at the year-end assessment, program officials remain positive.
Bob Donohue and Julie Courtney of Main Street Oakland County came for a visit on Jan. 14 for the annual review of the vilage’s economic development program. The village was named a Main Street community in 2004 and as such receives free technical assistance from architects, planners, and more.
‘It was a difficult summer with detracting comments,? noted Donohue during a summary for the public at the end of the day-long visit. ‘Some transition of staff and board members is typical. There is an ebb and flow? All in all, we continue to see a strong base for this program. There is always room for improvement.?
Donohue said the village met 7 of the 10 criterion used to evaluate progress in Main Street communities. They succeeded in broad-based community support; vision and mission statements; historic preservation ethic; paid, professional DDA/Main Street Program Director; program of ongoing training; reporting of key statistics; and Main Street Network membership.
They came up short in three areas: a comprehensive work plan; active board and committees; and an adequate operating budget.
‘Don’t take it as a negative,? Donohue said. ‘You haven’t fallen off your game. Things are good here and better than we thought they would be. We are impressed by the effort of such a small town.?
Donohue stressed the village needs to concentrate on business retention, as growth will be a struggle until sewers come to the village. He also recommended the program develop new projects for the economic restructuring committee.
‘We need to increase our volunteer base,? said Main Street Manager Molly LaLone. ‘We’re ready to make wonderful things happen.?
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