MainStreet gets help from friends

New memberships have spiked in recent weeks, but MainStreet Libertyville, the group formed in 1989 to improve downtown, remains in a precarious financial position.

Support has escalated since the not-for-profit group, well known for its events but not necessarily its behind-the-scenes role, two weeks ago issued a public plea for funds.

Finances remain a problem, however, and the group today will ask village trustees to release $10,000 in budgeted funding months sooner than normal. Supporters are expected to show up in force for the board meeting at 8 p.m. at village hall, 118 W. Cook Ave.

The request is expected to be approved, as the money already has been budgeted, according to Mayor Jeff Harger. Since MainStreet's inception, the village has provided a portion of the funding, though the annual level has dropped in recent years from $50,000.

"I'm getting truckloads of phone calls," Harger said Monday. He noted the $10,000 was included by village staff, as MainStreet executives did not attend village budget hearings and didn't make a formal request for any funding this fiscal year.

The longer haul is still uncertain for MainStreet, which has laid off staff and notified its landlord it will move out of its office space at the end of the year. Response has been encouraging, however, since executives of the group warned it could go out of business.

Executive Director Randy Nelson said 47 new residential memberships have been received the last two weeks, adding to the base of 400. Amounts pledged vary but generally were between $40 and $100, he said.

"We always knew that we've had the core of support," he said. "Since the word has gotten out, we get 100 phone calls a day."

That interest will be enough for the group to proceed with a membership drive through its newsletter, which in addition to every Libertyville household will also be sent to businesses. About 12,500 copies will be mailed in two to three weeks.

The MainStreet board also is working on a recovery plan. Office and storage space has been donated by local businessmen. Nelson is the group's last paid employee and his salary is guaranteed only through the end of the month.

"I plan on working as long as I can on a volunteer basis," he said.

MainStreet's money concerns intensified in September when Street Dance, its traditional biggest fundraiser, fell tens of thousands of dollars short of expectations.

That triggered layoffs and other measures and eventually, the public plea. Calls and e-mails have been circulating around town and Libertyville's plight also has generated national notice. All MainStreet groups, whether in Illinois or other states, have to meet criteria of the National Main Street Center overseen by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

"The National Trust put out word through their network to see if they can find an angel for us," Nelson said.

"This is just the beginning of the momentum. We need to increase it."