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Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about PRIDE
- What does PRIDE mean?
- What is the Main Street Program?
- How much change is involved?
- As a business owner and tax payer, how much is "Revitalization" going to cost me?
- Why should I think this will work?
- How can I get involved?
1. What does PRIDE mean?
PRIDE is an acronym for Portland Revitalization Inc. Developing
Excitement, the name chosen by the Board of Directors established in 1997.
The mission of PRIDE is to enhance the appearance and economic vitality of
Portland while promoting its heritage through the National Main Street
Program.
2. What is the Main Street Program?
The national Main Street Program, sponsored in Connecticut by the Connecticut
Light and Power Company (CL&P), helps local communities rebuild their
downtowns and re-establish them as community focal points and centers of
activity. The Program promotes self-reliance and traditional
values: personal service, local ownership, unique architecture and a sense of
community. PRIDE hopes to receive the National Main Street designation and
gain, as Middletown has, the expertise of a national team of experts in
revitalization.
3. How much change is involved?
The work of the Board is focused on creating a downtown in which all of
Portland�s residents will feel a sense of pride and ownership. Without malls
and shopping strips, we want to create a shopping destination that will include
desirable places for food, drink and socialization�a welcoming community. PRIDE
seeks positive changes that will enhance living, working and shopping in
Portland.
4. As a business owner and tax payer, how much is
"Revitalization" going to cost me?
Your investment of time, energy and money will depend on your involvement.
We can quote the national average return of $32 for every dollar invested. The
money you would normally spend on maintenance and renovations will now be
augmented by funds from grants and donations solicited to enhance the beauty and
atmosphere of the town. Everything from architectural renewal to pocket parks
will improve our living environment and should also increase cash flow.
5. Why should I think this will work?
Because the timing is right. We have visionary leadership committed to
purchasing valuable land; a unique history in brownstone, tobacco and
shipbuilding; an outstanding national revitalization program to guide us; our
own town arsenal of design plans and reports; a supportive Board; and a
committed and growing population of interested citizens. Add that to a vital
network of active town organizations willing to collaborate and you have a
recipe for success. We can indeed prove that "None of us is as smart as
all of us!"
6. How can I get involved?
Call Mike Giuliano at 342-0814 and he will direct you to Action Teams
with Design, Promotion, Economic Development, and Organizational missions. You
decide how many hours you want to contribute on a one-time or ongoing basis.
WELCOME!
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