Main Street Perry presents multi‑phase downtown master plan; council backs planning and grant pursuit

Main Street Perry presented a concept master plan for the downtown square that would reorganize vehicle access, add a northwest stage with terraced seating, enlarge contiguous green space and add permanent lighting and banners.

The plan preserves three historically listed features — the bandstand, the well house and the fountain — which cannot be moved, and instead reorients parking and circulation to free the core for festivals and pedestrian activity. Presenters said the concept includes a new performance stage at the northwest corner, terraced seating and an open lawn for families and festivals, while keeping a smaller play/greenspace near the existing bandstand to support the library and nearby businesses.

Main Street said it has secured a Toro Green Space grant and has applied to the Malzahn Foundation for matching funds; the organization also cited a new Main Street incentive grant that could provide up to $150,000 annually beginning January of next year. Presenters said the first construction phase will likely prioritize moving the parking and building the new stage, while subsequent phases would add permanent lighting, pavers and restrooms.

Council members asked about restroom access for events, the need for utility work, how the National Register status of features constrains design and how to phase work so annual events (including the September celebration) are not disrupted. Main Street representatives and county staff said the project will require multiple agreements because much of the property is county‑owned and that the implementation timeline will depend on grant awards and surveys to locate existing utilities.

The council encouraged staff to continue coordinating with the county and funders and to return with cost estimates and a phased implementation plan. No formal action or vote to appropriate funds occurred at the meeting.