Workshop draws Main Streets

Leaders from cities across Ohio gathered in Morley Library for a Heritage Ohio Main Street Revitalization Series

Community leaders from cities all across Ohio recently came together at Morley Library in Painesville for the Heritage Ohio Main Street Revitalization Series.

These Main Street communities heard from local speakers including Painesville City Manager Monica Irelan, Painesville Assistant City Manager Doug Lewis and Painesville City Planner Lynn White, who discussed the importance of municipalities and Main Street partnerships. Downtown Painesville Organization Executive Director David Polakowski led the discussion.

“Painesville is unique,” Irelan said. “It is a true community and it is something you don’t find nationwide very often. It’s a fun place to live, but it has had some

tough times in the past and I would say since I’ve been here, I’ve seen a lot more joyfulness coming forth and a lot more positivity.”

As a previous downtown development director, Irelan understands the importance of a Main Street program.

“We just went through a strategic plan with council and we went through a substrategic plan for our community development department,” she said. “Now I am taking that back to the Downtown Painesville Organization board to make sure the DPO strategic plan helps or accents or gets onboard with the city’s economic development plan.”

Irelan emphasized that the city and DPO have a collaborative relationship.

In fact, she said the DPO was created by the city and the relationship has always been strong.

DPO Board president Debra Remington added that Irelan also sits on the board representing the city and Lake Erie College President Brian Posler, Painesville Schools Superintendent Josh Englehart and a representative from Painesville City Council sits on the board as non-voting members.

“It’s just another tool of communication to get everyone on the same page,” she said. “We have all the really major key components that make our city work, all working together and knowing what we’re doing as we’re deciding it.”

The workshop promoted dialogue and representatives from other communities were able to ask questions and share information about their individual communities.

Historical preservation,

revitalization and economic development efforts are ongoing in Painesville.

The city has concentrated its efforts on improving the downtown because it benefits everyone around, Lewis said.

“Having a strong core helps the community attract other industries, so that is very important,” he said.

TAWANA ROBERTS — THE NEWSHERALD Downtown Painesville Organization Executive Director David Polakowski shared information Sept. 12 about the city.