Anita Dolan has resumed responsibilities of manager of the Main Street program after former Main Street manager Chelsea Schwab left for a new position.
Dolan served as Main Street manager from 2009 to 2011, then again from 2014 to 2015, when she was named the economic development/community development coordinator for the Office of Economic and Community Development.
Dolan will continue in that post along with taking over the responsibilities of manager of the Main Street program, said Sara Andrews, OECD executive director.
According to Andrews, Schwab left in mid-September to take a community development-related position for the McKean County Redevelopment Authority.
Main Street America is a program for revitalizing historic commercial districts. The program uses a four-point strategy for community transformation: economic vitality, design, organization and promotion.
Not only is Dolan already familiar with the program; she will also have help, according to Andrews.
“Anita was our Main Street manager prior to the hiring of Chelsea and is very well versed in the operation of the Main Street program,” she said. “The OECD will be hiring a part-time coordinator to assist Anita with the administration of the Main Street Manager program and to coordinate downtown events.”
The OECD is currently looking for the right person to fill the position as coordinator.
“We are currently reviewing applications and would like to start the interview process for the coordinator position in the next week or so,” Andrews explained.
The hope is hiring a part-time coordinator rather than a new manager will help save on costs while still implementing the Main Street plans. The manager had been a part-time position at one time, but a few years ago became full-time.
“Due to financial constraints we will not have a full-time manager on Main Street; but between Anita and the new coordinator, we are confident that the services provided through the Main Street program will continue as seamlessly as possible to the downtown business district, including any projects that Chelsea was working on when she left for her other position,” said Andrews.
Wearing two hats at the OECD means Dolan will be even more immersed in improvements in the city.
“We are re-structuring the program, but it will continue to function and develop using the Main Street four-point approach,” said Dolan. “As you know, our office has been very busy securing funding for the streetscape project (which will begin next year), and all of the programs will work together to ensure that the construction schedule moves forward as smoothly as possible.”
The OECD is planning renovations to Main Street, with work slated for 2019 to include a segment between Mechanic Street and Festival Way, and work slated for 2020 to include a segment between Festival Way and High Street.
Officials have talked about updates including bikes lanes, more visually prominent crosswalks, new — but fewer — trees and new parking meters.
