Concerned with the unstable business climate on Main Street, the Village of Greenwich retained Laberge Group to assist in setting the vision of the future by developing a Main Street Revitalization Plan. The purpose of this Plan is to analyze the current state of the economy, review market characteristics and trends, identify problems and opportunities, set goals, and design strategies to help stabilize and expand Main Street business to meet the future needs of the community.

Working with a committee of individuals representing the business community, residents, and individuals with a wide range of personal experiences, Laberge Group conducted a thorough inventory and analysis of existing socio-economic conditions within a targeted Main Street area.

Laberge Group provided numerous opportunities for public participation, holding a series of public meetings and workshops, interviewing representatives of special interest groups, and distributing mail-in surveys in order to gain a better understanding of the issues and gain a consensus on community desires and needs.

The Recommendations were divided into four categories based on the Main Street Approach to Downtown Revitalization©, a strategy developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Main Street Approach© includes four important points from which to approach main street revitalization:

·    Organization.

·    Economic Restructuring.

·    Design.

·    Promotion.

The final Plan resulted in the creation of a Vision Statement, Goals and Recommendations that build on the assets of the community and capitalize on the many local and regional opportunities. The public participation process ensured that the vision of the Plan was based on public opinion.

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