Ortonville? The Main Street program has officially kicked off in the village.
On April 26 and 27, several officials toured downtown and spoke with business owners and other members of the community about what they envisioned for Ortonville and how to make the visions reality.
Nick Kalogeresis, program officer of the National Trust Main Street Center came from Chicago to conduct the needs assessment in the program whose mission is to maximize economic potential within the context of historic preservation.
‘We’re finding out what the issues are and figuring out what services we’re going to deliver,? Kalogeresis said. ‘This is a time to get to know the community, see the issues of downtown, talk to a cross-segment of the community and provide initial feedback about observations and recommendations. It’s a time to get the program off the ground.?
The Main Street program uses a four-point approach: organization? building consensus and cooperation; promotion? marketing the downtown’s assets to local citizens, new businesses, customers and new private investors; design’improving the physical appearance of the downtown by rehabilitating historic buildings and encouraging new compatible construction and long-term design management; and economic restructuring? strengthening the downtown’s existing economic base and finding ways to expand it with new opportunities.
Ortonville is one of only 10 communities in Oakland County who have the Main Street designation. Main Street communities are provided with technical services? experts who help determine how to achieve goals the community has for their downtown.
Duriing the needs assessment, several issues were discussed, said Bob Donohue, Main Street Oakland County coordinator and principal planner. Those issues included: signage on M-15; road improvements; building improvements; facade and sign grants; event promotions; and the need for curbs, parking and access.
‘We’re hearing people say they want more diverse businesses downtown,? Donohue said, noting that the number one problem the village faces is septic systems/lack of sewers. He added that Main Street officials are working with the county health department and applying pressure to bring financial resources from the state.
More than discussion is taking place in Ortonville’s Main Street program. Julie Courtney has been hired as the Downtown Development Authority executive director. Courtney has a master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University in historic preservation and has done research on several heritage projects as well as worked for the Michigan Department of Transportation.
Committees, one for each of the four points have begun forming. Members of the community are invited to become a part of the downtown’s revitalization by joining. Committees will be meeting throughout the summer to form work plans.
Community members interested in volunteering are invited to call the village offices at (248) 627-4976.