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The afternoon air
bristled with a bit of a chill, but the atmosphere along Atlantic Avenue
on Thursday, November 21, couldn't have been more warm and festive. The
honorable mayor of the city of Atlantic City, Lorenzo T. Langford, Department
of Community Affairs Commissioner Susan Bass Levin and many other local
dignitaries gathered at Center City Park in downtown Atlantic City to
officially recognize it as a designated Main Street New Jersey community. Main Street is a community-based, grassroots program designed to promote the historic and economic redevelopment of traditional business districts throughout the state. The Four Point Approach (Organization, Economic Restructuring, Design and Promotions) is the driving force behind this endeavor. "Main Street will allow us to reach out to our merchants and convince them that this is a good thing for them and for Atlantic City," Main Street Atlantic City Manager Cynthia Hammond said. The day began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Miller's Menswear to officially unveil facade enhancements to Miller's, Bike World, Wood's Pawn Broker and Easy Entrance Fashions. The group of nearly 50 participants then made their way down the street to Triangle Reprocenter for a few words before hopping on a trolley to Lefty's 1200 Club. After a short stroll across the street to Center City Park, Commissioner Levin presented Mayor Langford with the official Main Street Atlantic City designation. A VIP reception was held afterward at Lefty's. Main Street communities are eligible to receive technical support and training to assist in restoring the downtown districts as centers of community and economic activity. Main Street Atlantic City's goals and aspirations are numerous. "We would like to see our downtown kept cleaner and better lit at night," Hammond said. "We will also strive to have nicer storefronts, which will bring more customers downtown." The Main Street organization, even with its vast expertise and knowledge, can only do so much. This project remains a community-based endeavor. "Community volunteering is extremely important because they are stakeholders in this program," Hammond said. "Without the cooperation of the community this program will not be as successful." The Main Street Atlantic City program is actively seeking volunteers for its four committees: Organization, Economic Restructuring, Design and Promotions. If you are interested in making a difference in downtown Atlantic City, please contact Cynthia Hammond at 609-344-8338. |
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