Main Street Committee Making Progress
Subcommittees have been formed to help move historic Reisterstown towards Main Street Maryland status.
Local residents looking to put Reisterstown’s Main Street on the map have formed various committees and are planning public meetings to get more community members involved.
As they work towards Main Street Maryland status, the group has formed the five committees required by the state: organization, design, promotion, economic restructuring and clean, safe and green.
“We’re moving along,” said Amy Mantay, western sector coordinator at the Baltimore County Department of Planning. She will act as a part-time Main Street manager for two years to help Reisterstown earn its Main Street designation.
To receive the title, the Main Street committee must meet several requirements, including having a program manager for at least three years, having a board of directors, providing a budget for at least three years and having a defined central business district with historic commercial buildings.
Subcommittees, which are still seeking new members, started meeting and have assigned chairpersons.
The county department of planning recently did a parking survey, and Mantay is working with the committee to do a “walkability” survey, which will look at pedestrian amenities, speed limits, parking and how close buildings are to roads.
A new website features a list of “10 Great Reasons to Come to Reisterstown” as well as an interactive map of the area.
Mantay said a meeting that business owners will be invited to will be held in February, and a public kickoff meeting will be held in March, with both dates to be announced.
The Main Street Committee meets every Monday at Reter’s Crab House at 10 a.m. The meetings are open to the public.
Joan Carson
12:39 am on Thursday, January 31, 2013
My yearly dues is due ! Please can I have the address where to send my check to.
Thank you
Joan Carson
Meadow Briar. JM101263@aol.com
kathy gambrill
12:57 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
Hi Joan,
Your dues are due next month. You may send a check to R.I.A.- PO Box 856 Reisterstown, Md 21136. They are $25 for one year. If you ever need information, you may email me at ria@gambrill.net. I'll be happy to answer any questions Thank you! Kathy Gambrill,membership chair
CP
9:41 am on Thursday, January 31, 2013
You need more foot traffic. Bars, cafes and restaurants create foot traffic. Bel Air built a garage off their main street and works great. They have tons of bars and restaurants along the main drag. People are everywhere.
CP
9:42 am on Thursday, January 31, 2013
There is no reason for me to visit Main Street these days. Martha and Marys every so often is about it.
michael mooney
12:05 pm on Thursday, January 31, 2013
I live on one of town and work on the other yet have very little incentive to stop anywhere along the way. There is very little place to park in order to walk someplace and very little business to attract a person virtually no disposable income. With the planning meetings at 10:00 am on Mondays prohibits my attendance as I must be at my meager job then. Just some thoughts on how to get more input from a resident -
Buck Harmon
8:49 am on Monday, February 4, 2013
I completely agree that the meeting time limits the opportunity for many to participate, I'd love to get involved, but the meeting time just doesn't work at all...damn shame..
Buck Harmon
8:52 am on Monday, February 4, 2013
Great that they meet every week though...how about staggering the meetings throughout the month..
Joan Carson
12:57 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
I have had my shop Meadow Briar on Main Street for 13 years. I have many wonderful
Customers who would rather shop small than go to the mall ! My Trapp "Private Gardens" Candles are my BEST sellers ! A votive burns 15hrs. I look for items that you don't see at the MALL ! People,walk,jog,stroll babies,ride bikes,etc. it's Great.
Michelle S.
8:33 am on Monday, February 4, 2013
I think revitalization is necessary. I think the biggest turn off is the place doesn't seem inviting enough. The shops, in old homes that line Main Street, is a great idea but look like they are falling apart, need a new coat of paint, or just plain need to be beautified. I don't see many "new" shops or similar reasons to visit. I do see a lot of Consignment shops and after one or two, you want to find something else. Not to mention during the winter you will see less foot traffic - it's cold! The street lights are nice, regarding beautifying, however mini gardens, more placement of trash recepticals, more cross walks, this would be ideal. I could even see Middle School/High School students get involved with community clean up projects too. There's options and potential, but there has to be a true desire to make Reisterstown Main Street more desirable.
Mary Molinaro
1:02 pm on Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Great ideas everyone -- the morning meetings provide an opportunity to those who can meet during the day. However, you can always attend the Reisterstown Improvement Association monthly meetings (3rd Tuesday of each month, 7pm @ Long & Foster). This is the Association formed in 2010 after the workshop to include property owners, business owners, and community residents interested in improving Main Street and includes the committee work of the morning meetings. Come participate and see what exciting things can be done in Reisterstown!