(1/27) Town Operations Specialist, Brandy Malocha, asked the Town Council for direction regarding the future of Emmitsburg's downtown area. In particular, if there was any interest in fully joining the Main Street Program. The Program was started in 1998 by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development to improve the economy and appearance of downtown business districts.

Currently, Emmitsburg is an official affiliate of the Main Street Program, meaning they are not full members but rather in the early stages of developing a program. Being an affiliate does offer perks similar to the original designation, but it is not as many as it would be if Emmitsburg was a full member. By becoming a full member of the Main Street Program, Emmitsburg can see more and larger grants that can be used to better the Town, thus resulting in an increase of tourism to attract business. One example of an increase in benefits as an affiliate is Emmitsburg receives $10,000 in improvement grants, however, as full members they can get $25,000 annually.

Malocha said that one of the most important things that needs to be done before applying for the official designation is to hire a Main Street Manager. The Main Street Manager would be required to do 20 to 25 hours a week, concentrating on the plans to revitalize and improve the Commercial District of Town. This includes creating tactics to increase business to the Town, maintaining and improving the historic character of the downtown area, organizing events, and the overall management of the Program and its volunteers. Malocha said she could be designated Manager if the Council desired and still keep her position as Operations Specialist.

Although the Program does include funding from the State level, it does need its initial boost from the Town to demonstrate that it can provide a sustainable funding program. Typically, a Main Street Program submits an annual action plan that details how it plans to spend the money, what sort of matching funds it’s providing and then, after spending the money, it will also provide receipts to the State for reimbursement. The Program awards a set $20,000-25,000 grant annually to each Main Street Town.

Another big requirement is having established and running committees with volunteers. This has proven challenging for Malocha to find volunteers for the Town’s current programs due to the lack of participation by the Town's businesses. "If you look at some of our committees that we are struggling to fill, it’s always the same people," she said. "It’s wonderful and I’m glad that we have support, but it’s limited."

Commissioner Valerie Turnquist was in favor of the Program from the start of Malocha's presentation. However, she did ask whether the Town has enough businesses to warrant the Program’s benefits. With this question in mind, Town Manager Cathy Willets suggested the Town formally gauge interest from residents and business owners before doing any extra legwork. "If you don't have the support of your residents and you don't have the support of your businesses this is a waste of time," she said.

Malocha told the Council that it would take 3 to 5 years to address all of the requirements before applying to be full members of the Program. After discussing the requirements to be full members and the difficulties involved, the Council decided to remain affiliates of the Program until more businesses move into Town and the other requirements can be filled.