Main Street Marion has meeting

By: Contributed | SCNow
Published: September 26, 2008

Committee chairmen briefed the membership on what has gone on during the summer months. The following is a brief recap.

The Economic Restructuring Committee, chaired by Shan Williams, is working on a detailed booklet to give to new businesses looking to be in the downtown historic district. This booklet will have all the information needed to help businesses secure the licenses and forms, as well as the pertinent information of what Marion has to offer. The ER Committee is also working with the city to see what incentives can be made available to new business owners, both for start-up and also rehabbing of their buildings in the historic district.

The Promotions Committee, chaired by Ann Flynn, talked about developing a new brochure for tourists visiting the downtown. This brochure will give a walking tour of the interesting architecture of the historic area. Also, the brochure will list “eating places and points of interest between Liberty Street and Jones Avenue.”

The Design Committee, chaired by Denley Caughman, is putting together a detailed composite of all the commercial buildings in the historic district and is working with building owners and using volunteers knowledgeable in the construction trade to be able to put together grant packages. The grants would be to help finance not only façades, but to complete inside and outside repairs. The Design Committee has also come up with a new logo for Main Street Marion that will be unveiled within the next few days.

The Organization Committee, chaired by Karen Grice, talked about plans for a New Year’s party set for Dec. 31, at the Marion Emporium, from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
This party will be a take-off of Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball. Whether you come in a tux or businesses casual, you must wear a combination of Black and White. Music, heavy hor’dourves and all the spirits you want will be provided for only $50 per person. Invitations will be mailed out beginning Oct. 1.
Also, an update on the streetscape was given, with all paperwork completed.

The City was going to start this week, but because of impending hurricanes, work will not take place until the end of the month.