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Leaders still open to aiding Main Street

Despite the city manager's opposition, some commissioners would help the Downtown Largo Main Street Association, but want changes.

By LORRI HELFAND
Published December 14, 2005

LARGO - The city may help fund the Downtown Largo Main Street Association even though its own staff has advised against it.

The nonprofit has asked the city to waive $19,000 in special event fees and fund an association manager for $40,000.

City Manager Steve Stanton said the city has supported the organization long enough. For three years, the city provided $50,000 a year in grants for the manager's position, and in 2004, the city provided a manager through its own community development department.

Last year was the first year that the city did not bankroll the position.

Stanton said Main Street has not followed its mission to champion development in downtown and foster support from property owners and businesses that have a stake in the area.

"If you can't achieve your mission, sometimes organizations need to die," Stanton said earlier this week.

Commissioner Pat Gerard said she understands the need for funding. But, she added before the meeting, "I'm not sure it's the city's responsibility to keep them going forever."

But at Tuesday's work session, most of the commissioners seemed open to waiving the fees if the association committed to certain goals.

Commissioner Gay Gentry leaned toward waiving the fees and funding the manager if Main Street met with the city, Largo/Mid-Pinellas Chamber of Commerce and Clearwater-Largo Road Business Group to formalize a plan to revitalize downtown.

"I don't have any trouble supporting the funds, but I can't support them unless there's some sort of summit," Gentry said.

Commissioner Mary Gray Black supported funding a manager, saying it was essential to Main Street's success.

But Mayor Bob Jackson and Commissioner Andrew Guyette wanted proof that the association had a solid plan before considering funding a manager.

"A simple business plan with goals," Guyette said. "That's all I'm asking you, so we know what to expect from you before we dish out more money again."

Main Street's mission is to improve the appearance and business climate in downtown Largo. The group organizes several events a year, including the annual Celebrate the Season festival and parade earlier this month and Art Fest, a juried art festival that replaced the annual Art Hop this year.

For more than a year, Main Street has struggled with a lack of leadership. A few months ago, resident John Atanasio stepped in to head the association when then-president Sam Hunter resigned.

The nonprofit organization hasn't replaced its full-time manager since Terry Moore left last year to work for the city as the special events coordinator.

Atanasio said the city's prior investment is reason enough to stand by the organization and help it succeed.

"The city has expended millions of dollars to get downtown where it is today," he said. "We can't walk away."

The commission could decide in January whether to waive the event fees. President-elect Charles Graul, who takes the helm then, said the association may hold a summit with the chamber and the city in March.

Lorri Helfand can be reached at 727 445-4155 or lorri@sptimes.com

[Last modified December 14, 2005, 00:14:15]