The Central Avenue Tomorrow Plan was adopted by City
Council, December, 1999. The Plan provides a vision for the revitalization
of the Grand Central District and addresses urban design, transportation /
mobility, streetscape design, land use and zoning, architectural design and
marketing.
This process was community driven and included numerous
meetings, work sessions and input opportunities for the public. Many
recommendations from the Plan have been implemented, including lane
reductions on the 1st Avenues, community redevelopment designation in the
City Comprehensive Plan and Urban Village zoning with design guidelines.
The Grand Central District
has
implemented a Main Street Program, and is a Florida Main Street community.
The Florida Main Street Program successfully
combines historic preservation and economic development in local revitalization
initiatives. More than 1,500 communities in America have adopted the Main Street
Approach which is one of the most powerful economic development tools in the
nation.
How the 4 point Main Street Approach Works
The Main Street Approach builds on downtown's
inherent assets: rich architecture, small businesses, a connection with the
past, and a sense of place, not only to develop the district as a successful
marketplace, but also to make it the center of community identity once again.
Organizationally structured as a local grassroots entity, Main Street builds
consensus and develops a strategy based on citizens' vision of what their
community should be. Strategies developed are based on the area's particular
assets, resources, and problems.
The Main Street Approach is based on a
comprehensive strategy of work, using four points that provide a structural
framework to identify key problems and goals. The four points of the Main Street
Approach are:
Design
Enhancing the district's physical
appearance through building rehabilitation, compatible new construction, public
improvements, and design management systems.
Organization
Building consensus and cooperation among
public and private groups and individuals who have a vested interest in the
district and a role in the revitalization process.
Promotion
Marketing the district's assets through
events and advertising to attract customers, potential investors, new businesses,
residents and visitors.
Economic Restructuring
Strengthening the district's economic
base and creating new opportunities through careful analysis and appropriate
mixed-use development.
More Information
Committees for the above four areas of the Main Street Approach meet monthly and
do report at the monthly meeting of the general membership. Persons interested
in assisting the Grand Central Main Street efforts are encouraged to
participate.
Roco Traders' store building and window front
at 2115 Central is among the more
attractive in the District