Main Street report shows $60 million grocery leakage; city outlines EPA lead-sampling plan and names new police chief

Clinton’s Main Street committee presented a retail gap analysis showing the largest downtown leakage is grocery-store demand, estimated at about $60 million escaping the community, the committee’s representative told council.

The analysis, produced by Clarus and using Bureau of Labor statistics and local surveys, ranked grocery stores as the top "gap" category for the downtown trade area, followed by full-service restaurants and family clothing stores. The Main Street committee said it will pursue recruitment of retailers and explore incentive options used by other Main Street communities. The city currently offers a facade grant that covers up to $1,000 on a half-and-half matching basis.

Separately, engineering staff told council they will begin a lead-sampling program next Wednesday, using crews to "pothole" and collect samples from major service lines to satisfy state and EPA lead-rule requirements; the work is funded by a grant, staff said.

Council also announced that Adrian Matthews will step into the role of police chief and thanked him for his willingness to serve.