[photoLith]

Main Street survey suggests Little Rock is ready for change

Sharon Priest, executive director of Downtown Little Rock Partnership, said after a study of the survey results, "The overwhelming responses of ideas and comments indicated a resounding sentiment of 'We are ready for change.'"

The Main Street Survey results were released by a group working as a subcommittee of the Main Street Revitalization Task Force headed by Mayor Mark Stodola and Bob East, of East Harding and a Downtown Little Rock Partnership board member.

Property owners, residents, employers, employees, clients, patrons and other stakeholders interested in revitalization of downtown Little Rock's Main Street were invited earlier in the year to express their thoughts about the future of Main Street in a survey.

Of the 1897 responses and 370 additional comments, most of the interest focused on the issues of safety, shopping, beautification, parks, transportation, affordable workforce housing, and historic significance of the current building structures remaining on Main Street.

"The survey results tell us we're on the right track in our committee work for Main Street revitalization," added Priest. "People want a great downtown." There are five subcommittees that have been working since last fall on safety, streetscape, peer city review, existing structures, and marketing.

More activity on Main Street is favored by 51.1 percent. Priest said that activities are already in the planning stages for events along Main Street. "We want people to turn the corner from President Clinton Avenue and Markham onto Main Street," said Priest. "We agree that there needs to be more activity. We also anticipate an announcement of new development on Main Street in the next couple of weeks from the mayor that will help bring more people to Main Street. "

A grocery store, pharmacy, and a major retail chain store on Main Street were the top contenders on the "want" list by survey respondents. 67.9% said they dine occasionally downtown, with 300 saying they dine daily. Casual dining topped the list of dining preferences with a coffee shop and a bar/grill almost evenly running a close second.

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Downtown Little Rocks Main Street right now looks pretty terrible. Most of the buildings are abandoned and the retail consists of thrift stores and pawn shops. Its pretty scuzzy and a blight to the city. Most of the focus in the city has been the River Market area of downtown. 10 years ago, that area was pretty crappy too and the city has really turned it around into a place for the community and tourists alike. Hopefully the same can be done for Main Street in the coming decade or decades.