The mission of Main Street Batesville is to promote the community of Batesville and its citizens quality of life by maintaining and enhancing the historic downtown business district and by encouraging the preservation and revitalization of that district. In addition, it is to increase community awareness of the importance of maintaining a viable downtown business presence to achieve the above.
Established in 1985 with assistance from the National Trust for Historic Preservation (public participation in preservation of sites, buildings and objects of significance in American history and culture). To revitalize the program the board was reformed four years ago and has made significant progress since that time.
Advantages to Batesville
- Increase visitation traffic to district = more business throughout community
- Protection of property values = property taxes = less demolition/condemnation
- Coordinate with Chamber = new/expanded business to Batesville
- Attractive downtown area to show prospective employees of industries = easier for industry to attract desired "new hires"
- Positive coverage on downtown events = positive Batesville image
- Multi-faceted shopping = easier for all especially for senior citizens
- Access to grants/loans = reduce costs to city (Christmas lights)
- Link with other community events (White River Water Carnival, County Fair, parades, etc.)
- Youth involvement (window displays, Kids Stuff) = a plus for youth and the clubs to which they belong
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Our Purpose
Promote historic preservation of Batesville central business district
- Prepare survey of historic properties in the district
- Nominate qualified properties to the Nat'l Register of Historic Places
- Provide historic architectural and design assistance to property owners
Educate public on importance of preserving the Main Street business district
- Architectural tours, lectures on town history
- Workshops on rehabilitation of historic buildings in district
Lessen the burdens of local government
- Researching common community problems pertaining to the district
- Identifying, planning and funding restoration projects which create jobs, augment the local tax base and protect the public's investment
Take remedial action to eliminate physical, economic and social causes of deterioration in the district
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