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Main Street
The History of the Main Street Approach
Main Street is a philosophy, a program, and a proven comprehensive approach to downtown commercial district revitalization developed in the 1970s. Based out of Washington, DC, the National Main Street Center advances the Main Street Four Point Approach, which combines historic preservation with economic development to restore prosperity and vitality to downtowns and neighborhood business districts. The Center supports a network of more than 40 statewide, citywide, and countrywide programs with more than 1200 active Main Street programs nationally. The History of Main Street Atlantic City
Downtown Atlantic City was designated an official Main Street community on November 21, 2002 and is one of 26 designated Main Street communities throughout the State of New Jersey. Main Street New Jersey, a program of the Department of Community Affairs, has been effectively supporting communities throughout the state in efforts to revitalize their historic or traditional downtown districts since 1989. Since its designation, Main Street Atlantic City has been functioning under the auspices of the Atlantic City Special Improvement District, a nonprofit organization formed in Atlantic City in 1992, to improve the business environment in the city. SID's purpose is not to replace city services, but instead to compliment the efforts of the city's public safety and public works departments. SID's leadership recognized the importance of breathing new life into the downtown
district of Atlantic City, and therefore the need to focus additional resources on this area. SID's efforts were having an important impact in the downtown district but there needs to be a more concentrated effort to really result in long-term change. There was a need to go beyond physical improvements and begin to influence the market and create sustainable economic and social
changes. Ultimately, through SID's commitment and hard work, Main Street Atlantic City was born!! |
