Published: July 17, 2008 08:00 pm      

Program designed to revitalize Manistee

MANISTEE -- Officials called a program designed to pump life into downtown Manistee an "important step" toward a healthier city.

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority chose Manistee for participation in its "Michigan Main Street" program. The city will tap the know-how of national and state experts on promotion, historic rehabilitation, economic growth and more over the course of the five-year program.

"It's not one aspect of downtown revitalization, we're bringing in folks to look at (all aspects)," said Joe Borgstrom, MSHDA's community assistance director.

Manistee will join about 30 other municipalities across the state that have worked with program since its inception in 2003. Among the first to participate was Boyne City, and officials there said it helped them with historic building improvements, business recruitment, downtown promotion and more.

"I think the community's much better off because of it, that's for sure," Boyne City Main Street manager Hugh Conklin said.

MSHDA announced Manistee's acceptance into the program Thursday. It will be provided at no cost to the city, Borgstrom said, although the city is required to hire a full-time Main Street director to coordinate the program's various aspects.

Manistee officials are excited.

"It's a very important step for Manistee," said Jon Rose, the city's community development director. "It kind of takes our downtown to the next level."

Rose said the city expects to get some form of technical assistance "every couple of months" for the program's duration. Borgstrom said visiting experts will work with the city's Downtown Development Authority to develop and implement improvement strategies.

The city already has demonstrated a dedication to improving its downtown facilities, Rose said, likely making it attractive to MSHDA.

"We have aggressively pursued any opportunities to improve our marketability and our attractiveness, along with our knowledge base," Rose said.

Main Street has developed into a "strong brand," Borgstrom said. Participating cities have attracted more contact from developers and businesses, he said.

"What we've seen is they've seen more interest from developers because they are Main Street," he said. "They've demonstrated that they've got their act together as communities."

Rose hopes the city's downtown will be more active by the program's end.

"We've got one of the most beautiful downtowns around, but it's like having a stage or a movie set," he said. "We need to occupy it with the vibrancy of people now."