Main Street LaGrange moving forward


Main Street LaGrange representatives met with planners from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs Monday to continue the organization’s efforts on behalf of the Town of LaGrange.

The goal of the national Main Street program is to revitalize the economy, appearance and image of downtown commercial districts.

Main Street LaGrange is in its beginning phase, though it does now own a building on Spring Street, bequeathed earlier this year by the LaGrange County Commissioners.

Main Street LaGrange has achieved nonprofit status and will apply early next year for level-one Main Street status with OCRA. That will make it eligible for grants.

OCRA works with local, state and national partners to provide resources and technical assistance to aid communities in shaping and achieving their vision for economic development. One of the focuses is on maintaining and developing traditional downtown amenities.

Main Street LaGrange will promote the town and engage residents in strengthening their community. The organization could host community events, work with businesses and raise funds for local causes.

Among the ideas tossed around by the board are benches, pet stations and bike racks downtown.

At this time, two more volunteer board members are being sought to serve on Main Street LaGrange, a treasurer and a secretary. Interested individuals may contact Matt Bontrager at 440-4079 or matt@lagrangefamilydentistry.com.

The momentum is building and the group feels positive moving forward, said Bontrager, co-chair with Nancy Flores. Bontrager said the Town of LaGrange and its Manager Mark Eagleson are on board.

Around 20 people attended Monday’s meeting, including business owners and representatives from the LaGrange County Community Foundation and LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation.

“The place is becoming more important than product.” This quote from the National Association of Realtors was shared on Monday to show that a thriving metropolitan area attracts residents with interests and talents that can add even more texture to the town. It can create jobs and help protect a community’s historic resources.

For every community with an Indiana Main Street program, there’s an average of $5.5 million in public and private investment in the downtown. The funding can rehabilitate buildings and help existing businesses expand.

The first step for Main Street LaGrange is to get in OCRA’s Downtown Affiliate Network. From there, it can aspire to be accredited by Indiana Main Street and ultimately could be nationally accredited.

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