Lorain City Council unanimously passed a resolution honoring and commending Main Street Lorain for its revitalization efforts in the downtown area at a regular meeting Dec. 4.
Main Street Lorain began in 2019, assisting with strengthening the community through a comprehensive development approach focusing on economic development, historic preservation, free programming and enhanced marketing efforts, according to the resolution that was read aloud by Ward 2 Councilwoman Victoria Kempton.
Main Street Lorain is comprised of local businesses, organizations and individuals “who believe in our mission of revitalizing downtown Lorain. These businesses, organizations, and individuals support our programs and initiatives, advocate for our vision of a walkable, inclusive, and vibrant downtown, and are at the ready to offer a helping hand,” according to the organization’s website.
The financial support of the organization’s members contributes directly to the operations of Main Street Lorain.
“We don’t do this work alone; we do this as a community,” said Max Schaefer, executive director of Main Street Lorain who was in attendance to receive the resolution. “Our small businesses in downtown Lorain do not thrive and do not succeed unless its the support coming from the entire community.
“So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you very much Councilwoman Kempton, the city administration and the rest of City Council.”
Main Street Lorain has played a major part in the beautification of the downtown district “to make Lorain a place where residents want to live, work and play,” the resolution stated.
The resolution credited the organization for transforming Broadway “into a vibrant neighborhood with their tireless work decorating, cleaning and advertising to draw interest and create a place of belonging in the heart of our City.”
The organization hosts many events such as the Cookie Crawl, Small Business Saturday, Community Movie Night at the Palace, Coffee and Conversation, the Monster Mash Dash and others throughout the year.
As Kempton read the resolution, she also recognized the following members of the promotions committee and event volunteers: Schaefer, Mia Arredondo, Jevon Terance, Brittany Visalden, Billy Visalden, Jenny Smith, Jacki Jakacki, Jade Blair, Ashleigh Hacker, Ben Maniaci, Jocelyn Cairns, Ali Cariglio, Monica Morell, Liz Yelenic, Nancy Bruce, Aliah Kimbro, Sheila Jakacki, Bob Jakacki, Joyce Ferlic-Arredondo, Jen Pribanic and Joe Kowalczyk.
At Main Street Lorain’s most recent event, the sixth annual Cookie Crawl on Nov. 25, the group provided 290 dozen cookies with 35 businesses and organizations participating and becoming the most successful event to date, the document stated.
In other news, City Council voted to place two measures on the March primary ballot which include a question to voters whether to increase Council terms to four years from two years as well as an income tax renewal that would include an increase of one-quarter of one percent (1/4 of 1-percent) and would go in effect Jan. 1, 2025, if approved by voters.
Council also passed legislation which will allow city officials to monitor and govern short term rentals in the city.
A short term rental is classified as a rental agreement that is less than 29 days.
