Main Street gets another boost

By AMY SATTERWHITE / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

Main Street and Court Square may get a face lift as demonstrated by the example shown here after city officials moved ahead with funding options Monday. (Amy Satterwhite photo)

Initiatives on Main Street got another giant boost this week after members of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen adopted a resolution to authorize up to $4 million in general obligation bonds.

According to Mayor Royce Davenport, Monday’s action allows the city to borrow up to that amount, but city officials may not be forced to borrow that much due to grant funds received and expected.

Last week, Gov. Don Sundquist personally appeared in McMinnville to announce a $480,000 grant to contribute to phase one of the downtown master plan, which is expected to cost an estimated $4.8 million.

Main Street McMinnville Director Amy Jo Stanford said more is expected. A $600,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission, she said, has been received but no official announcement has been given.

Additionally, she said officials hope to obtain a $285,000 grant via the state. Main Street is expecting a county contribution of $140,000, while McMinnville Electric System is expected to donate more than $600,000 of in-kind services for a street lighting system and underground wiring. The city’s current contribution to the project from bond funds is expected to total $2.4 million, she added.

Stanford said the Farmers’ Market pavilion, which is becoming closer to reality after Davenport noted a contract with the Farmers’ Market Association has been agreed upon, is also part of the total $4.8 million figure.

Of the $120,000 expected to build the pavilion, she noted $50,000 has been received as a grant by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as well as a $35,000 contribution by the city, a $25,000 commitment by the county and $10,000 from the farmers.

Stanford hoped Monday’s action would result in beginning construction in the phase one area, which is on Main Street between Chancery and Spring streets, by January, 2004. Improvements such as new utilities, new roads, new sidewalks and others are planned, with the hope of revitalizing the downtown area to better attract business there.

A portion of the bond amount is also expected to pay for a new fire truck for McMinnville Fire Department, Davenport said. At last report, the truck was expected to cost $659,000 and was a 95-foot ladder truck, although officials tossed around alternatives during budget sessions this summer.