Gov. Ritter and Lt. Gov O'Brien Applaud Sustainable Main Streets Accomplishments

Press Release

Gov. Bill Ritter and Lt. Gov. Barbara O'Brien today praised four communities that have launched significant improvements to their downtown corridors to create a better quality of life for residents and a brighter economic future as part of the Sustainable Main Streets Initiative launched in April.

"Congratulations to the leaders of Rifle, Monte Vista, Fowler and the Five Points neighborhood of Denver for taking charge of their future and working with state agencies and my office to turn ideas into reality," Gov. Ritter said. "In just seven months, these communities have embraced the Sustainable Main Streets Initiative and advanced innovative projects that will create lasting benefits for their residents."

"It has been inspiring to visit the pilot Sustainable Main Streets communities over the past several months, walk down their streets and talk with residents about their ideas about how to develop their central corridors," said Lt. Gov. O'Brien. "These communities are developing strong partnerships with state and federal agencies as they find ways to push ahead on major initiatives. I am excited to see what develops in the next year or two."

Gov. Ritter launched the Sustainable Main Streets Initiative in April with the goal of helping smaller communities across Colorado revitalize their downtown corridors, boost economic development and incorporate improved energy efficiency and technology into their projects. The project has been led by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, the Governor's Office of Economic Development and the Governor's Office.

"Coloradans expect their government agencies to work but that is easier said than done," said Susan Kirkpatrick, Executive Director of DOLA. "Governor Ritter's pilot program put ideas into action and the results demonstrate the power of deliberate cooperation."

More information about the program and a video about the pilot communities can be found at here.

The following summarizes the goals and accomplishments of each Sustainable Main Street pilot community:

RIFLE:
The City of Rifle's goals were to create a more pedestrian-friendly community with increased transportation choices, to build a unified economic strategy for downtown, and to renovate its historic Ute Theater.

Rifle's outcomes:

* A redevelopment plan for the Valley Lumber site. Rifle also devised a toolbox of financing mechanisms with which to move forward with those plans.
* Rifle created a Small Business Resource Center through a partnership between the library, the Rifle Economic Development Corporation, the Roaring Fork Business Resource Center, the Downtown Development Authority and the Chamber of Commerce.
* Rifle secured funding and has nearly completed exterior renovation of the Ute Theater.
* With funding from US DOT and HUD, they will evaluate land use and building scenarios -- which will allow stakeholders to identify alternatives for sustainable downtown revitalization

MONTE VISTA:
Monte Vista chose to focus on reducing vacant storefronts, encouraging investment and enhancing pedestrian safety downtown.

Monte Vista's outcomes:

* The city and CDOT developed a plan for improving the functionality and safety of the main highway intersection downtown, while focusing on elements like business development and making main street more pedestrian-friendly.
* Monte Vista is initiating a branding campaign and conducting a market analysis to identify ways to improve tourism and business.
* They have made significant strides in a project to turn the historic Journal Building into an arts and culture center for the San Luis Valley.
* Monte Vista was awarded a $28 million BEST grant and matched with $4 million in local funds. Some funds will also improve the public Bill Metz Park.
* Monte Vista's Valley-Wide Health Systems will be transferring the health clinic to an abandoned hardware store on the main street. The clinic is a stellar example of partnerships that balance economic and public health needs.

FOWLER:
Fowler's focus has been on improving the pedestrian friendliness of Main Street, increasing investment in downtown redevelopment, preserving historic structures, and improving the energy efficiency of the town as a whole.

Fowler's outcomes include the following:

* CDOT has committed $300,000 to make pedestrian safety improvements to the intersection of Main Street and Highway 50. DOLA has committed $200,000 to help move the project forward. Construction will begin next summer and will include pedestrian activated crossing signals and crosswalks.
* An emergency preparedness and response plan for downtown is nearing completion to protect the safety of Fowler citizens and visitors.
* A revolving loan fund for business improvements has been marketed to Main Street businesses.
* A design guide for businesses for physical improvements is being developed that will provide best practices for economic development and historic preservation.
* Fowler created a new Certified Application Assistance Site to help families, adults and children to apply for public health care assistance programs.
* Vibrant Solar installed solar panels at seven sites in town which will save the town $20,000 in the first year of operation.

FIVE POINTS:
Five Points has focused its efforts on a catalyst project on the Welton Street corridor. The community is developing a master plan and vision which will center on health and wellness, energy efficiency and transit alternatives.

Five Points outcomes:

* Identified business development strategies at and around the historic Rossonian Hotel, an anchor structure for the community. To move the project forward, a charrette has been formed to explore redevelopment options for the site.
* Development of a master plan, including a community survey which has had more the 700 respondents to date. A Community Advisory Team has been convened to guide the process and work.
* Development of a "Green Mile' business corridor, a place with commitment to energy efficiency, healthy living, water conservation and air quality.
* Complete plans for a Health and Wellness village that capitalizes on partnerships aimed at improving the health and wellness of its citizens.
* The Five Points community is also studying and planning ways to improve the Welton corridor through multi-modal transportation options.

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