Wakefield Main Streets Program

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.


Residents, businesses and business property
owners can learn more about the Main Streets Program and its missions and
goals, by attending an informational session that 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.