Downtown group reports $3.19M in investment, new grants and a small-business relief program

Heidi, representing the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation, told the Town of Smithfield council the downtown economic picture is strengthening. “In the last fiscal year, we saw... $3,190,000 in total investment,” she said, and reported that roughly $2.7 million of that was private investment while about $489,000 was public spending on projects such as a library park and restoration of the Hastings House.

Heidi said the DSDC regained its Main Street America accreditation after completing a five-year strategic plan and meeting national standards. She said the organization paid out more than $13,000 in grants this year and is proposing a new small-business impact grant to help businesses affected by Market Street construction; “at this point, the proposal is up to $5,000,” she said. She also announced a downtown business alliance meeting on Aug. 13 and said the DSDC will help activate the Smithfield Performing Arts Center with regular programming beginning in October, including the Ava Gardner Film Festival.

Councilors asked about transparency and public records for the nonprofit’s contract with the town. Heidi said DSDC is a 501(c)(3) and must be mindful of legal constraints but that the group’s meetings are public and board materials are open when appropriate; she invited any councilor or resident to attend a DSDC board meeting. The presentation closed with council praise for the organization’s progress and a reminder that the DSDC and the town will continue coordinating on downtown planning and sidewalk/streetscape improvements.