Policy, Development & Renewal of Infrastructure, Urban Renewal, General & Miscellaneous Infrastructure Policies

Main Street

Name: Main Street
Author: Louis Ii Lopilato
ISBN: 9780761824671

by Louis Ii Lopilato

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Overview

This book demonstrates how communities can harness 'main street's' dynamic forces and make them work to their advantage. In the 21st century, those downtown marketplaces that meet the exacting standards of demanding shoppers will realize success. Contrary to popular belief, size is not the sole determinant of prosperity. Success will come only to those municipalities— small towns, medium and large size cities- with stores, restaurants and ambiance that meet the needs of consumers who are turned off by the sterility of malls. Elected officials, municipal managers, landlords, storeowners and residents must enter into an open-minded alliance, a partnership of mutual respect, to broaden their perspectives and understanding of what 'main street' should be.

Synopsis

This book demonstrates how communities can harness _main street's_ dynamic forces and make them work to their advantage. In the 21st century, those downtown marketplaces that meet the exacting standards of demanding shoppers will realize success.

About the Author, Louis Ii Lopilato

Louis Lopilato, II is Charles Matero Professor of Economics, Mercy College, New York.

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Editorials

Peter Derrick

'Main Street' shows that the same process that restored urban neighborhoods in the Bronx from the 1980s—a community-based, 'bottoms-up' approach—turns out to be key to the successful revitalization of main streets in many urban centers. Lopilato summarizes case studies of numerous cities of various sizes and the dynamic forces that determine which downtown revitalization efforts succeed and which fail. He concludes that each case is unique and that no one factor alone results in success, but that 'top-down' efforts by elected officials and planners usually fail. Success comes from good leadership and by involving the entire community—neighborhood residents, merchants, landlords, planners, and government officials—in a sustained grassroots effort to bring main streets back to life.

Robert W. Elliott

For those struggling to understand the dynamics of downtown revitalization, Louis Lopilato's 'Main Street' examines communities of all sizes and offers the central insight that revitalization comes from the grassroots. Lopilato translates the lessons learned from his numerous case studies into tools for revitalization. This volume belongs in any main street practitioner's tool box.

Joel Spruck

Louis Lopilato has traveled thousands of miles and spent countless hours analyzing the history of downtown shopping districts and their successes and failures. He has insightful advice for town planners in need of revitalizing their commercial districts or maintaining successful ones in light of the ubiquitous mall. He is a strong advocate of community-oriented shopping districts, which deliver unique products and services in a convenient, safe, and inviting setting. ' Main Street' is invaluable for those of us who love the cities and towns of America and want to preserve and strengthen their unique charm, vitality, and history.