Main Street Zephyrhills Inc. has received accreditation from the National Main Street program after meeting commercial district revitalization performance standards set by the National Main Street Center.
To become accredited, Main Street Zephyrhills had to meet 10 standards of performance. They include:
• Have broad-based community support for the commercial district revitalization process, with strong support from both the public and private sectors.
• Has a comprehensive Main Street work plan.
• Possesses an historic preservation ethic.
• Has a paid, professional executive director.
• Reports key statistics.
• Be a current member of the National Trust Main Street Network.
The National Main Street Center is a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The National Main Street Center launched last year, using principles they say have been used in 2,000 communities, producing $59.6 billion in investment, creating nearly 503,000 jobs, according to the organization’s website.
Main Street Zephyrhills’ performance will be evaluated each year by Florida Main Street. In the past seven years alone, there have been 444 public and private, new or rehabilitation projects completed within the Main Street Zephyrhills district, totaling more than $2.6 million, officials said. The district also has seen a net gain of 308 jobs as well as more than 15,000 hours of volunteer service.
Main Street Zephyrhills also has worked with city officials on its Facade Beautification Grant Program.
“Downtown Zephyrhills is the focal point and heart of the community and its economic health, whether perceived or actual, plays a large part in the impression people have the area,” said Gina Granger, executive director of Main Street Zephyrhills, in a release.
