National Experts To Assess Wheaton Urban District; Public Meeting Set For July 21

Header--Montgomery County, Maryland. Press Releases

Ba/wheatonpr 99-249

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 2, 1999
Contact: Natalie Cantor, 240-777-8100

NATIONAL EXPERTS TO ASSESS
WHEATON URBAN DISTRICT;
PUBLIC MEETING SET FOR JULY 21

Two national experts on commercial revitalization will visit Wheaton on July 21 and 22 to assess the district's greatest challenges and opportunities, and to recommend a course of action for economic revitalization.

Lauren Adkins and Scott Day, program associates with the National Main Street Center in Washington, D.C., will conduct two days of meetings, tours and interviews, then meet with community leaders to present their observations and propose a course of action to strengthen the revitalization efforts.

According to Adkins, the Assessment will focus on the Urban District's greatest needs and will give business and community leaders an achievable list of activities to strengthen the economy and make the best possible use of its traditional commercial buildings.

Natalie Cantor, director of the Mid-County Services Center, which oversees the Wheaton Urban District, said, "The Assessment will provide us with an objective analysis of our biggest needs. Wheaton has recently been declared an Enterprise Zone and hopes to revitalize its downtown in conjunction with the massive renovation of Westfield Shopping Town Wheaton (Wheaton Plaza), slated to begin next year."

"Urban commercial districts are one of the most important parts of a community's economy," said Day. "It is also the community's most public place, a place that truly belongs to everyone and reflects the community's evolution and vision. Healthy business districts are a sign of a healthy community."

The National Main Street Center, a program of the nonprofit National Trust for Historic Preservation, has helped more than 1,300 communities throughout the United States revitalize their downtowns. To date, communities participating in the Main Street program have generated over $10.9 billion in new commercial investment and rehabilitated more than 60,900 buildings -- with a net gain of more than 174,000 new jobs and 47,000 new businesses. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Main Street Center's impressive track record in helping communities create new jobs and attract investments makes the Main Street program one of the most successful economic development programs in the nation.

In addition to offering on-site assistance to communities, the Main Street Center publishes training materials, offers workshops and conferences, conducts research on critical revitalization issues, sponsors a professional downtown management certification program, and provides national advocacy.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Main Street Center's parent organization, was chartered by Congress in 1949. A nonprofit organization with more than 250,000 members, the National Trust has seven regional offices, owns 18 historic house museums and works with thousands of local community groups nationwide.

PUBLIC MEETING

As part of the Main Street Assessment, the public is invited to attend a luncheon meeting, conducted by Adkins and Day, on July 21 at the Royal Mile Pub, 2407 Price Ave., beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Persons interested in the revitalization of Wheaton are invited to attend. However, since space is limited, reservations are required and will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $10.00 per person (including tax and gratuity).

For a reservation, call 240-777-8100, no later than July 8.

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