Main Streets Program Inc informational session planned

A small working group of interested individuals and community leaders have organized to help revitalize Wakefield’s downtown and have taken the first steps to create a Main Street program in Wakefield, known as Wakefield Main Streets, Inc.

            In addition to filing for incorporation as an autonomous group dedicated to enhancing the revitalization and redevelopment of Main Street, the group has appointed its first six members of the Board of Directors and will be applying for 501(c)3 status in the near future. The group will also join the national Main Street Program initiative that will enable the local organization to network with similar organizations and benefit from the collective expertise and resources.

            The Main Streets program will address a four point approach established by the National Trust for Historical Preservation to include: getting Main Street focused on its best assets and capitalize on them; how to market Main Street and achieve the image we would like; encourage everyone to work towards the same goal; and help existing businesses in the downtown to expand. According to the board, the Wakefield Main Streets program will be cognizant of the Master Plan adopted by the Planning Board in 2004, specifically the strategies for downtown, as well as ideas and suggestions to spur new economic growth and create a vibrant downtown.         “This program will need the support and input from others in order for it to succeed,” Wakefield Main Streets President Paul DiNocco said. “Town officials, property owners, business owners, business organizations, the Chamber of Commerce, and residents will need to unite in order to make any changes work. We all need to work together to make Wakefield a destination location."

            “The Main Streets program will work in conjunction with the town to enhance the restructuring of roadways, sidewalks and appearances and to  collaborate with the town to seek funds through state and federal grants. If we all work together we can make Wakefield a better place to live and work," DiNocco added.

            So that residents, businesses and business property owners can learn more about the Main Streets Program and its missions and goals, an informational session will be held on Thursday, June 12th at 7:00 p.m. at the TSB Theatre at the High School on Farm Street. For more information contact Wakefield Main Streets, Inc. Board of Directors: Larry Andrews, Paul DiNocco, Ann Hadley, Jeff Klapes, Bob Mailhoit and Susan Wetmore or email wakefieldmainstreets@gmail.com.