Posted below is a Letter to the Editor of the Hardy, AR newspaper we wrote in response to a comment quoted in the previous week's edition.
Dear Editor,
I’m compelled to respond to the recent comments in your newspaper “We have put $101,000 in Main Street since its inception. We’re not seeing the improvements we ought to be seeing.”
For the record, in Main Street Hardy’s thirteen years of existence, that investment averages $7,769.23 per year. For that investment Main Street Hardy has received $82,853.96 in Main Street Arkansas grant funds, $21,500 in board and staff development training, $11,950 in technical assistance (architectural, small business and interior design assistance) and has leveraged 7,161 volunteer hours. These hours invested are valued at $69,771.06 by the Independent Sector, the nation’s leading non-profit advocate. Downtown Hardy has also seen net gains of 52 businesses and 212 jobs since it began in 1994. Hardy has experienced an investment of $232,800 in private funds in its downtown.
So, that $101,000 investment by the city and the citizens of Hardy has returned $418,815.02.
However, that return on investment would be endangered if the city were to eliminate its commitment to Main Street Hardy. In fact, it would send a signal that the city no longer values its historic downtown enough to continue to invest in professional management of the area. Downtown revitalization and Main Street provides a context for development to occur. Strengthening the downtown core creates a solid employment base for the entire community and for future development. It shows that a community is striving to improve and that a community cares about both its history and its future. Downtown is the most visible indicator of a community’s pride, and a program like Main Street Hardy shows that there is concern about progress. It is evidence that a community has accepted responsibility for its fate.
Downtown Hardy is a major tourist draw. When people travel, they want to see unique places. Downtown Hardy is that unique place. In a town the size of Hardy, it’s particularly worth noting that your downtown represents a significant portion of your community's tax base. If this district declines, its property will decrease in value. This increases the tax burden on other parts of your community.
Hardy is unique not just for its architecture or its proximity to the Spring River, or for wisely embracing all the benefits that come with its geography. It’s unique for being the smallest community in the Main Street Arkansas network and is seen and touted as a model small community. It’s extraordinary that a town with a population well under 1,000 could accomplish so much, including hosting a Main Street program. This is an accomplishment that towns ten times the size of Hardy often can’t achieve.
On behalf of the Main Street Arkansas program and staff, I hope that the current leadership will continue to support Main Street Hardy and continue to partner with Main Street Arkansas to build upon the progress so many have worked so hard to create.
Sincerely,
Cary Tyson
Director, Main Street Arkansas
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