Columbia mayor stakes success of first term on revitalization of Main Street within two years (Greenville: real estate, 2015)

[Charlestondata]

At the news conference for the announcement of the facade restoration plan, the mayor said that if Main Street is not dramatically different in looks and in vibrancy within two years, his first term will have have been a failure. It seems obvious the city had this program ready to announce and implement before taking the Greenville field trip the other week.

http://www.thestate.com/2011/03/09/1728560/main-street-boost-main-street.html (broken link)

[gsupstate]

Well then he may very well fail. The success of any area has little to do with the buildings and more to do with the people, energy and attitude. This program is a nice step, but it won't ensure success.

[gvillesc]

I think "success" needs to be defined. If their trip to Greenville exposed anything, it should have been that progress and sustainable success takes time. And, like Gsupstate said, it's not about the look, but the energy. If it were about the appearance, then Main Street is already a success because it's been streetscaped and looking good.

Maybe they've got some tricks up their sleeves to unveil in the coming months. Fingers crossed.

[Woodlands]

oh no not again... Well maybe the third time is the charm. Mayors have come and gone with "Revitalizing Main Street" . To be quite frank... alot has been done on Main Street though there is certainly more to do. I can agree with what others has said in that revitalization is a marathon not a sprint...it takes time. I wouldnt have staked my political career on it.. at least not verbally. Showing committment through actions and policies would have been enough.

[Palmetto_Guy]

Originally Posted by gvillesc

I think "success" needs to be defined. If their trip to Greenville exposed anything, it should have been that progress and sustainable success takes time.

And Columbia already knows this (although Benjamin himself may not). Revitalizing the Vista didn't take overnight and it's still a work in progress.

And, like Gsupstate said, it's not about the look, but the energy. If it were about the appearance, then Main Street is already a success because it's been streetscaped and looking good.

That's only half of it. There are still tacky and faded facades and storefronts in need of lots of TLC such as these that are in the photo gallery that accompany the article:

[Charlestondata]

Compared to what Greenville started with 30 years ago Columbia is leaps and bounds ahead of the game. While some hope Benjamin will fail in this mission, he won't. Hang on to your hats.

[kingofCola]

And I'm predicting that's on the horizon when you look out 2012-2015.

[Charlestondata]

Originally Posted by gsupstate

Well then he may very well fail. The success of any area has little to do with the buildings and more to do with the people, energy and attitude. This program is a nice step, but it won't ensure success.

So now it's Columbians themselves who are inferior and won't be able to make Main Street more vital because of their lack of energy and bad attitudes. Have it your way.

[Skyliner]

Mayor Benjamin is on the right track, in my opinion. He seems to understand the ingredients necessary for positive urban transformation.

Greenville's downtown success story started with and has been sustained by the progressive vision of City leaders and supportive citizens, who have proactively implemented their plans by making calculated investments in revitalization and beautification. These guided public investments have always been followed by (and frequently accompanied by) private investment in the same areas, ultimately multiplying the total effect by maximizing attractive elements and encouraging more effective usage of prime real estate at a fraction of the total cost.

[Charlestondata]

It's so refreshing to hear from a Greenville person with an objective perspective regarding Columbia's affairs.