SALINE MAIN STREET has been recognized again this year as a Nationally Accredited Main Street community by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. The Michigan Main Street Center is part of MSHDA’s effort to create vibrant communities across the state.

A team of representatives from both the National Trust Main Street Center and the Michigan Main Street Center visited Saline last week to evaluate the Saline Main Street program. This annual evaluation is based on 10 Standards of Performance that are prescribed by the National organization for Main Street communities across America.

“The Michigan Main Street Program provides communities with the tools needed to develop into thriving districts,” said Laura Krizov, manager of the Michigan Main Street Center at MSHDA. “These tools can be used to create jobs, attract and retain residents and investment while building a sense of place in Michigan communities.”

Bob Rosenberger, Saline Main Street’s Manager explained a bit more about why the accreditation is important. In answer to a question about what concretely accreditation means for Saline and its businesses on Main Street, he explained via email:

“Accreditation is an annual opportunity to be recognized for working with our community on the 10 standards that the National and State organizations recommend to help Main Street communities reach for success.”

Rosenberger  continued: ‘“Success’ could be defined as a vibrant, thriving, growing, history-rich downtown. Since Saline became a Main Street community, we have fewer vacant storefronts in our downtown area (in fact, we have only three street-level spaces vacant currently).”

“Saline Main Street has made great strides toward its revitalization goals using the Main Street Approach®,” Krizov said.

Bob Rosenberger explained some of the strategies Saline has employed in revitalizing its downtown: “We have dynamic events that bring people downtown. As a Main Street community, we are dedicated to preserving the historic integrity of our city and beautifying our downtown area. Last year, we created Leather Bucket Alley, for example – formerly an alley that was used mostly for deliveries. Today, the alley is cleaner, more attractive and is used during the warmer months by the neighboring restaurants for outdoor seating. We also sponsor our Be Bloomin’ program which brings beautiful flowers to the planters in our downtown in the spring and summer months.”

“I’m so proud of our team,” said Bob Rosenberger, Saline Main Street’s Manager. “We’re blessed with amazing volunteers who make everything happen at Saline Main Street. This accreditation is a real honor and a wonderful recognition of the many people whose creativity, hard work and dedication to our community fuel our program.”

Last year Saline Main Street was accredited in its first year of eligibility. And this year, the Saline program joins four other Michigan Main Street communities that have received this national recognition.