http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=14183629
Sprucing up Springfield
Springfield, Vermont - March 3, 2011
Downtown business owners in Springfield are getting a helping hand.
"It's really about taking a fresh look and a fresh approach to a downtown," said Carol Lighthall, the director of Springfield on the Move.
The nonprofit's main goal is to spruce up the facades of downtown storefronts and buildings.
"Every building in our downtown has a story and every story is a little bit different," Lighthall said.
That's why the organization is going business-to-business on Main Street taking photos of the storefronts and enlisting a consultant to recommend several ways to improve the building appearance.
"They can experiment with colors, canopy, different design elements, so they'll have a working design and implement changes," Lighthall said.
Business owners say even a coat of paint makes a big difference in beautifying the town. It goes a long way and doesn't cost a lot.
Steve Greene owns a few of those businesses you'll find on Main Street. He has already started the transition.
"This doesn't have to be done this week or this month or this year. Springfield is going to continue to be here for a long time and once we get these plans, and everyone has a sight of what the community could look like in the future, it gives all the property owners the ability to make those changes over time," Greene said.
And they hope those changes mean new businesses in the new and improved buildings.
"We're actively recruiting businesses into empty storefronts," Lighthall said. "The types of business our town needs."
Lighthall says fundraising will facilitate the facade improvements through grants and loans to property owners and does not expect every property owner to participate.
"I'm always going to think high but aim low. If we got 10 percent participation, I would be happy," Lighthall said.
"There's always room for improvement," Greene said.
Revamping and revitalizing one storefront at a time.
The town has applied for a community development planning grant worth $30,000 which would help fund the facade design program.
Melinda Davenport - WCAX News
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