Rediscover Martinsville and City of Martinsville

Partner on Blight Remediation

On Monday night, September 20, the Martinsville City Council approved funding for a project designed to remediate blight on a major public corner in downtown Martinsville. The project to improve the public sidewalk surrounding the vacant lot at the southeast corner of Main and Washington Street was conceived and proposed by Rediscover Martinsville, the city’s Main Street organization. The design itself was recommended in the 2010 Martinsville Planning Study for Downtown Revitalization directed by Rediscover Martinsville volunteers.

The proposed project includes extending grass and tree plots along Main Street from Jackson to Washington Street as shown below. Smaller trees and planting beds will be created along Washington Street. In addition, a low brick wall capped with limestone surround the lot. A vehicular entrance will be located on Main Street, with a pedestrian entrance or entrances along Washington Street. The lot will continue to be used for parking and for special public events.

Rediscover Martinsville is pursuing grant funding and donations to help defray the project cost. If you or your company or organization would like to make a contribution to this significant improvement project, contact Rediscover Martinsville at 765-352-8261 or email rediscovermartinsville@gmail.com.  Contributions can be sent to Rediscover Martinsville, P. O. Box 1123, Martinsville, IN 46151. Checks should be made out to Rediscover Martinsville/CFMC. In the memo line, please write “Blight Remediation” Fund 402.

For more information, contact project leader Joanne Stuttgen at 7565-349-1537 or email jstuttgen@comcast.net.
                       

Modeled on the National Main Street program and a chartered member of Indiana Main Street, Rediscover Martinsville fosters community economic development through projects that design, promote, organize, and fund efforts to revitalize our remarkable downtown. Board members, project leaders, volunteers, sponsors and other community support are needed to accomplish this mission. The future of downtown Martinsville is the responsibility of all of us.

The heart of Rediscover Martinsville is our volunteer base. Committee work, promotional events, fundraisers, new ideas and support for all we hope for stem from volunteers.

Thanks to all our volunteers! Your efforts have proven that you love Martinsville and give support to the mission and vision. Without you it doesn't happen!

BENEFITS

The health of downtown is at the very heart of the quality of life within a community. A prosperous, attractive downtown business district becomes a visible barometer for the well being of the entire community. The Main Street program includes many benefits.

Protects the existing tax base

The Main Street program protects and enhances private investment in banks, businesses, and commercial property as well as public

investment in streets, sidewalks, water, and sewer lines.

An incubator for new business

A viable downtown offers opportunities and incentives for the new entrepreneur such as lower rent and technical assistance.

Attraction for industrial development

Downtown reflects the overall image a community projects to potential investors. An invigorated downtown makes a very positive statement about the whole community.

Provides a point of focus and stability

A vibrant downtown gives the whole community and region a sense of pride and positive self-image. It serves as an anchor for the community providing stability necessary for economic growth.

Preserves the historical fabric of the community

In a healthy downtown, property owners are more willing to invest in and maintain historic commercial buildings, thereby preserving an important part of the community’s and Indiana’s heritage.

Attracts new businesses, creates jobs, and strengthens service and retail markets

By diversifying the business mix and recruiting new businesses, dollars that would be spent elsewhere are spent locally.