For Anthony McNeal, downtown manager of Main Street Mount Vernon, 2020 has been a challenging year; as it has for many nonprofit organizations. He talked to the Mount Vernon News about the group’s mission and goals.
What is the mission of Main Street Mount Vernon?
It’s the economic development office for the central business district of Mount Vernon. It’s also in charge of restoration and revitalization, keeping historic value downtown. It’s also in charge of beautification, keeping downtown clean and looking pretty.
How is downtown doing right now?
There was a period in August when we had a sidewalk sale and there was a great turnout for that and it really seemed like we were turning the page heading into fall and winter. With the second wave, it’s becoming a little bit harder to get people to come downtown. Even in a regular year without COVID January through April is really the rough season for most of our merchants. We encourage people to shop downtown. Shop local first. Through the holiday season and the spring, we’ve got to continue to support the small businesses downtown. Downtown is really the core of any city.
What about people who live downtown?
We’re just finishing up a project of second-story lots above an entire block of downtown. Having those residents going to the local shops and restaurants over the winter will help, but we still need the help of the entire community.
Do you have any upcoming events?
We do have some merchant events over the holiday season. Those are listed on our Facebook page.
What do you envision for downtown this summer?
That is a decision that is up to the board. Personally, I would like to have some semblance of what a First Friday normally is. First Friday is a downtown event where we shut down Main Street and spokes off of Main Street and our square, and we have community organizations and businesses line the street with vendors and food trucks. We have musicians play on several different stages. It’s an overall celebration trying to bring people downtown. These are usually held on the first Friday of May, June, July, August and September. The final decision is completely up to the board, and we will follow all the health guidelines. But we really would like to get back to some kind of community-involved event.
Main Street Mount Vernon
Anthony McNeal, manager
501 S. Main St.
Mount Vernon, OH 43050
(740) 393-1481
Open:
Monday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m. - noon
Closed:
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
and Sunday
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