Main Street is a fixture in many towns and cities. According to MIT Docubase, there are more than 10,000 streets known as Main Street in the United States. There is no official counting of Main Streets in Canada, but the name also is popular throughout the country.
While “Main Street” is the actual name of many streets, it’s often a moniker given to a specific area, avenue or boulevard in the center of town that serves as the hub of the community. It’s on Main Street where people may gather to shop, visit the library, eat at restaurants, or sit in the park. Main Street’s offerings vary from town to town, but one constant is the need to bolster Main Street so it’s a place people want to be. Here are some ideas to strengthen Main Street that communities can get behind.
Enhance the environment
Community members can establish fundraisers and utilize the proceeds along with municipal funds to help maintain and improve the Main Street area. Refurbishments to benches, new paint and signage, safer sidewalks and pathways, and improved landscaping can draw visitors to the area.
Hold events
A community event geared toward supporting a charity or sporting event will draw crowds to Main Street. People on the outskirts of town may not regularly visit, but could be drawn in by a concert, walk-a-thon, celebrity book signing, or another event.
Promote local deals Local business owners along Main Street can regularly offer promotions to attract new clientele. Special “locals only” deals could offer a percentage off a purchase or a free gift for those who live in the vicinity.
Improve security
Community members want to feel safe when they are walking around Main Street. They can speak up at town meetings regarding preferences for police patrols, adequate lighting and cameras that can dissuade the potential for any unruly Paying for college is on the minds of plenty of prospective students each and every year. The cost of attending colleges and universities continues to climb. And depending on the institution, the total cost of attendance, which can include tuition, room and board, food, and more, can range anywhere from $30,000 per year to more than $80,000 annually for prestigious schools. Students banking on scholarships may be in for a surprise. The organization TuitionHero says only one in eight college students actually gets a scholarship from an outside organization. Generally speaking, students with higher grades command the largest share of academic behavior.
Keep teens and tweens in mind
Finding ways to incorporate elements into Main Street offerings that will enage children can be vital to promoting the area. Whether it’s a nearby skate park, arcade, trendy coffee shop, or another place kids can safely hang out with friends, such features can revitalize the Main Street experience for the town’s youngest demographic.
All members of the community can work together to make Main Street a bustling spot to enjoy.
scholarships. However, there are scholarships available for just about any student. Some pertain to a specific area of study, while others are sponsored by a cultural group or employment sector. The good news is that many expensive schools offset their high costs by offering incoming students their own grants and merit scholarships based on various factors, including academics, relationship with alumni and financial need. Students applying to colleges should speak with their high school guidance counselors about scholarships and meet with college admissions directors about what might be available to make college more affordable.
