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Council Debates Timing of Main Street Matters Grant Application for Downtown Revitalization
Summary
Council discussed pursuing a state Main Street Matters grant to fund planning or infrastructure studies for a downtown corridor; some members said pursuing the grant now is premature because larger nearby developments could change priorities.
Millersville council members debated whether to proceed with an application to the state's Main Street Matters grant program to support planning and business-retention work in the borough’s downtown corridor. Staff and the consulting firm pitched a short application; some council members said it is premature given pending larger development in the area.
The nut graf: The Main Street Matters program supports local planning or infrastructure projects aimed at downtown revitalization. Staff presented a consultant-prepared draft application and noted the program's short window; council members expressed divided views about timing, given ongoing and forthcoming development that could reshape priorities in the Manor Avenue–George Street corridor.
Rebecca explained the opportunity and why the borough might be a good candidate, noting that the program opened recently and "closes in 2 weeks." She described connections to the borough’s 2016 downtown district zoning and the comprehensive plan and said the consulting firm that prepared the park master plan can prepare an application estimated at about $4,000 for application preparation.
Council member Mary Anne questioned the timing and said, "I've been on council a long time, and this is about the fourth time some consultant was hired, to get us a main street, bring more businesses along... I'm more inclined to just brush it off." Other council members echoed concerns that pending development at parcels referred to as 741 and 999 could alter the borough’s commercial needs and priorities. Rebecca said the application is inexpensive and that she could write the grant in-house if council preferred, but she also acknowledged the program might return in future cycles.
Ending: No formal motion was taken on pursuing the Main Street Matters grant at this meeting; staff will hold the opportunity open for future consideration and may return with a recommendation if timing and priorities align.
