Downtown Blackstone

Economic restructuring - the economic restructuring committee has the job of identifying new market opportunities for the traditional commercial district, finding new useds for historic commercial buildings and stimulating investment in property. To succeed, this committee must develop a thorough understanding of the community's economic condition and opportunities for incremental market growth. Specifically: * strengthening existing businesses and recruiting new ones, * finding new economic uses for traditional main street buildings, * developing financial incestives and capital for building rehabilitations and business development; * monitoring the economic performance of the district. * economic restructuring plan.

Promotions and organization - these committees have the job of promoting Downtown as the center of commerce, culture and community life for residents and visitors alike. To be effective they must move beyond cookie-cutter Downtown promotion ideas. Specifically - * understanding the changing market - identifying both potential shoppers and the competition; * identifying Downtown assets - including people, buildings, heritage and institutions; * defining main streets market niche - its unique position in the marketplace:

Design - the design committee plays a key role in shaping the physical image of main street as a place attractive to shoppers, investors, business owners and visitors. To succeed this committee must persuade business owners, building owners and civic leaders to adopt a specific approach for physical improvements to buildings, businessess and public improvements. Specifically - * educating others about good design, - enhancing the image of each business as well as that of the district, * providing good design advice - encouraging quality improvements to private properties and public spaces;