Main Street Committee Making Progress

Local residents looking to put Reisterstown’s Main Street on the map have formed various committees and are planning public meetings to get more community members involved.

As they work towards Main Street Maryland status, the group has formed the five committees required by the state: organization, design, promotion, economic restructuring and clean, safe and green.

“We’re moving along,” said Amy Mantay, western sector coordinator at the Baltimore County Department of Planning. She will act as a part-time Main Street manager for two years to help Reisterstown earn its Main Street designation.

To receive the title, the Main Street committee must meet several requirements, including having a program manager for at least three years, having a board of directors, providing a budget for at least three years and having a defined central business district with historic commercial buildings.

Subcommittees, which are still seeking new members, started meeting and have assigned chairpersons.

The county department of planning recently did a parking survey, and Mantay is working with the committee to do a “walkability” survey, which will look at pedestrian amenities, speed limits, parking and how close buildings are to roads.

A new website features a list of “10 Great Reasons to Come to Reisterstown” as well as an interactive map of the area.

Mantay said a meeting that business owners will be invited to will be held in February, and a public kickoff meeting will be held in March, with both dates to be announced.

The Main Street Committee meets every Monday at Reter’s Crab House at 10 a.m. The meetings are open to the public.