MainStreet has done so much

It saddens me to hear about the situation that MainStreet Libertyville is in at this moment, but it upsets me more to read about how everyone is focusing on the events and portraying MainStreet as "party central."

True, all the events that people recognize as part of Libertyville are promoted through MainStreet Libertyville (except for Libertyville Days which is the civic center's fundraiser) but MainStreet is more than just events and I would like to educate the population about the purpose of MainStreet Libertyville, which was formed in 1989.

I have volunteered with MainStreet since 1996 and was on the board from 2002 to 2005 as the promotions chair. I believe in what MainStreet Libertyville stood for and still stands for which is defined in their mission statement: "To enhance our community identity and heritage, to foster a center of activity and to ensure economic stability in the heart of Libertyville through concentrated efforts of education, design, promotion and economic revitalization."

An affiliate of the Illinois Main Street Program, MainStreet Libertyville is a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization that works in cooperation with the village of Libertyville to revitalize the Heritage Area (downtown).

MainStreet Libertyville is modeled after a program established in 1970 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation's National Main Street Center designed specifically to tackle the challenges that historic town centers like ours face in today's marketplace (the mom-and-pop establishments versus the big-box stores).

MainStreet Libertyville has been awarded the prestigious Great American MainStreet Award in 1997, which is given to five communities each year from the National Trust Main Street Center. Through the years, MainStreet Libertyville has been recognized by the state for various other awards including Farmer's Market, design of storefronts and windows, signage, publications, etc.

Over the years, there have been more than 22 building facade grants awarded and projects completed. The architectural sign grant program was established for new businesses. There is also a design assistance program. MainStreet is involved with the business recruitment incentives to attract new businesses to town. Do you remember the empty storefronts years ago? Now look at what has been accomplished. There are marketing initiatives such as the MainStreet Libertyville's Web site (www.mainstreetlibertyville.org) and a downtown map brochure that is distributed throughout area hotels so visitors can know what to do and where to go while in Libertyville. Money Magazine has ranked Libertyville the No. 52 best community in America.

I really will hate to see MainStreet Libertyville close their doors. They have done so much for the community. The volunteers have put forth many hours to run this organization. Now the organization is in a situation that they are reaching out to the village of Libertyville (which should be a one-third budget partner), residents, corporations, and retailers to financially back them so they can continue to enhance this community and make it a place to proudly say "I live in Libertyville, what a great place to live!"

Donna Goodwin

Libertyville