Main Street headed in right direction: Director Dan Gray is moving back to England
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Gray was hired in October, 1999 with high accolades to spearhead the non-profit downtown revitalization organization supported by city and county funds, as well as by private donations. He said the move could have come sooner, but noted he has three primary goals he would like to help achieve before he leaves to pursue other opportunities in his field.
Among them are:
• Financial backing for the first phase of master plan improvements for downtown;
• Restoration of the Park Theater;
• Funding for a proposed farmers’ market pavilion.
“I want to ensure the first phase of the master plan improvements has received the necessary financial backing to be implemented and that it is guaranteed to happen whether I am here or not,” Gray said in a statement announcing his resignation.
The first phase of the downtown master plan involves rebuilding the infrastructure of Main Street, generally described as an area located between the library and the fire department, including Court Square. That plan was developed by planning consultant firm EG&G, Inc. last year and city officials have applied for a grant.
Although city budget talks do not typically begin until June, Gray’s wish as it relates to phase one may be addressed before that time in the form of a city-hired design engineer, which would indicate a desire to commit to the project.
As far as the theater effort, a plan to obtain the building was given a preliminary nod by city officials last week after members of the Building and Grounds Committee approved swapping city-owned property and $40,000 with theater owner Jerry Williamson. That recommendation is to be ultimately decided by members of the full city board, however.
With regard to the market, Gray applied for three grants several weeks ago and said last week he expects to get more feedback on some of them next month. The farmers’ market proposal is a pole-barn type structure that would have utilities and rest rooms and Gray has said the effort is being made in order to keep the market downtown, which benefits the downtown area.
Although some city officials have been publicly skeptical about the amount of tangible progress in the downtown region, Gray noted there have been 12 new downtown business additions in the past two years, creating 21 jobs. He noted there have been more than $1.3 million of public and private investments in properties and infrastructure as well as 14 building rehabilitation projects.
Main Street McMinnville Board President Mark Latka said Gray will be missed, but interviewing is under way to ensure continuity of the program that is currently operating under the direction of a “strong board.”
“Dan has some opportunities. He misses home. He’s been in the states for six years and been here 2-1/2 years, and he just wants to go home,” Latka said. “He’s been so wonderful in pushing the project along. McMinnville has been very fortunate to have someone of Dan’s caliber running the program. It’s been very easy for the board to get things done.”
Gray said his time in McMinnville has been enjoyable.
“My decision to leave McMinnville is motivated by the opportunities that are currently available in this field in England and by my desire to be closer to home,” he said. “I have greatly enjoyed working and living in McMinnville and I am grateful for all the support the program has received from the people of Warren County.”
Dan Gray’s primary accomplishments
• Net gain of 12 new downtown businesses, including five retail stores, a tax return office, an insurance agency, a transportation company, two corporate offices, an art gallery and a museum
• Net increase of 21 downtown jobs in last two years
• $1.3 million in public and private investment in properties and infrastructure
• 14 building rehabilitation projects
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Who will be his replacement?
Gray said interviews have gone well and there should be an announcement in the upcoming weeks. He didn’t rule out the possibility of a local person filling his shoes as Main Street director.