Meeker: Project 45 has leveled up, bringing an increase in annual grant funding and opportunities for consultants to work on local downtown projects. Meeker: Project 45 is part of the Colorado Main Street Program, which offers support for community-led downtown revitalization. The larger organization is Main Street America, a grassroots network “committed to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development.”
In April, the Town of Meeker received notification that Meeker: Project 45 — so named because Meeker was the 45th municipality incorporated in Colorado — had successfully moved up from a Candidate community to a Designated community.
“The Meeker Chamber — Main Street program has worked to build a strong relationship with the town, the Rio Blanco Historical Society, local business owners, and the community at large,” said Gayle Langley, Main Street Coordinator for DOLA via email. “This past November, our Colorado’s Main Street managers voted Meeker as the ‘Main Street Community of the Year.’”
Meeker Chamber Director Stephanie Kobald oversees the Project 45 board, established late last fall, and the Town of Meeker acts as the fiduciary agent. Kobald has been nominated to serve on the state Main Street board, as well.
“Main Street was formed to preserve historic downtowns,” Kobald said. “It functions as an organizational group and can take the lead on projects.”
The blue and white wayfinding signs around town are one of the completed Project 45 tasks, as are the bike lanes that were added to Market Street. Project 45 also participated in the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations through a grant.
Residents will next see light pole’ flags designed by art students from Meeker High School, and the inclusion of a “parklet” that will make its first stop outside Meeker Drugs.
“They’re our pilot business for the parklet,” Kobald said. The “parklet” is a kind of mobile platform that creates a curbside outdoor space for dining or entertaining. The parklet is here, Kobald said, and will be set up by town staff.
The Project 45 program also brought in consultants to assist with conceptual Market Street improvements that have led to plans for a crosswalk at Fifth and Market streets that will provide safer pedestrian access from downtown to City Park.
With the new level, grant funding for the program increases from $2,500 a year to $5,000 a year, with the option to spend three years of grant funds at one time on one bigger project.
Ideas and suggestions are welcome. Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 12 p.m. at the Heritage Culture Center, or virtually. For more information, contact Kobald at 970-878-5510.
BY NIKI TURNER | [email protected]
