Sean C. Morgan
The SHEDG Board and the owner of the property at the corner of 12th and Main streets have agreed to give the corner a facelift to kick off SHEDG’s downtown revitalization efforts.
The project includes benches, trash cans, painting and landscaping.
“We believe this kind of thing can have a serious impact on our community, not only in economic development but also the community,” Beth Lambert, board member said. Instead of dumping more money into more plans, “we thought we’d dump money into our town instead.
“We believe that the people in our community would like to se more projects of this type happening in Sweet Home and would like to ask for consideration and discussion of a percentage of the Jamboree profits being designated to the revitalization committee’s projects.”
The revitalization committee is a subcommittee of the SHEDG board.
Under the agreement, as a partner in the improvement project, owner Shannon Thayer will purchase the benches and trash cans at half the cost from SHEDG within two years.
The property includes Thayer’s Sunshine Espresso.
SHEDG had been considering spending up to $18,000 to hire an architect to expand the downtown revitalization plan. In July, the revitalization committee brought this plan to the board.
The board discussed whether it should require match money for projects that improve local businesses, such as this property.
“I don’t think we should give anybody free stuff,” Herb Heier said.
“That is the problem with a lot of small businesses in town,” Lambert said. They don’t have money available for projects like this.
The whole point of SHEDG is to help the community and local business, Linda Garcia said.
A project like this will benefit all of the businesses on Main Street, Lerena Ruby said.
If SHEDG starts fully funding projects like this, Elmer Riemer said, it will soon begin receiving more requests from other businesses than it can handle.
Other businesses may ask why they were not selected for a project, President Ron Moore said, but SHEDG could point out that it’s a starting point. He thought Lambert’s request to dedicate a percentage of Jamboree profits to revitalization was a good idea; then SHEDG could develop a list of projects.
Ed Spencer suggested that instead of locking SHEDG funds into a percentage that it include projects in the regular budget review process.
The project “is a solution to create more park-like atmosphere on Main Street,” Lambert said. The property provides space where Sweet Home sidewalks are too narrow for benches.
Under the terms of the agreement, SHEDG owns the benches and trash receptacles. The property owner is required to maintain the project and keep plants watered. Within two years, the property owner will buy the equipment at half the construction price and make the project permanent.
“We don’t want to appear we are totally giving this to a business owner,” Moore said. The agreement means the business is helping with the project.
“I think it’s important we’re finally doing something,” Spencer said. “At least we’re making a start.”
Voting for the project in July were Spencer, Riemer, Moore, Lambert, Garcia and Ruby. Heier voted no. John Wittwer and Kevin Strong were absent.
Lambert reported Wednesday that an agreement had been signed.