BROOKSVILLE- Duane Chichester, Business Development Coordinator for City of Brooksville, discussed the Main Street Program (Community Redevelopment Agency) for the city and explained that they are still in the process of completing the initial application. Four committees have been formed and chairs assigned, the website is active, and they are actively seeking funding.
The committees have been designated for organization, promotion, design, and economic vitality. Council member Frankie Burnett stated he would like to see more diversity on the committees. He explained that “participatory democracy” was important, and that people of various races, education levels and business experiences should also be considered. Chichester responded that the chairman of the local NAACP was contacted but had not responded. He has also reached out to the Rotary and Kiwanis groups, among others, and they will send letters of support.
Fundraising for the CRA comes from three main sources – City/County government, the private sector, and from various events/activities. The goal is to divide those sources into fairly equal parts, each bringing in approximately $300,000. So far, the Program has applied for a one-time grant of $25,000 from the Department of Economic Opportunity which will be used for an economic impact study. Letters of support and commitment are still needed as well.
Local citizens are welcome to partner with the Program. Investment opportunities for individuals and families range from $50 – $150, and local business memberships are between $200 – $15,000 with perks for each level for both citizens and businesses. Council member Kemmerer felt having people involved would benefit the Program. Chichester agreed that having volunteers who commit their time will also be important, and encouraged residents and partners to “think big.” He reminded the council that the more people who are involved, the better for everyone.
The goal is for both private and public sector partners to see success. Some measures that the Main Street CRA will use to demonstrate the success of the program include increase in real estate values, additional businesses and jobs generated, and the number of projects that are completed.
Cliff Manuel, President of the Brooksville Vision Foundation, advocated for the program, stating, “This is everybody’s Main Street.” The program has to have $103,000 in money and in-kind donations. He asked the Council for $51,000 and advised that the same amount will be requested from the County. The rest is made up of donations from the private sector. Manuel stated that while he is asking for a three-year commitment, he hopes that the Program will eventually become self-sustaining with increased vitality to the downtown area and various events.
Chichester stated Brooksville is the heart of the county and downtown Brooksville is the heart of the city. As a person’s heart is an indicator of the wellness of the body, so the downtown area reflects the county’s health. Manuel would like to have active members on the committees, people who will be willing to work.
The deadline for submitting the application is July 1. By August, Chichester expects to receive confirmation that the application has been approved. The website for the program is http://brooksvillevisionfoundation.com.
The council approved Res. No. 2016-03, which was to authorize participation in the Main Street Program, 5-0. With a vote of 4-1, the council also approved the $51,000 donation for the next three years. Council member Betty Erhard voted against the donations.