November 29, 2018 | Community Spotlight: Four Boston Main Street Districts Awarded Over $50K in Grants
Photo credit: Boston Main Streets
The Boston Main Streets Foundation recently awarded two Connecting Communities Exploration grants to four Boston Main Streets districts, including Allston-Brighton.
A total of $35,000 was awarded to Allston Village Main Streets and Brighton Main Streets to launch the AllBright Arts Crawl, a two-day event showcasing the artistic community’s long-standing contribution to the two neighborhoods. This weekend will connect Allston and Brighton through pedicabs, bikes and self-directed walking and biking tours. There will be art installations and pop-up shows in local businesses and outdoor locations for artists, musicians and performers, as well as art making demonstrations at open studios.
$15,400 was awarded to Hyde Park Main Streets and Mattapan Main Streets to conduct an interactive trolley tour — “The Main Streets Line: The Culture Connection” — for residents and visitors to learn about and explore the history and present attractions of the two neighborhoods. The series of stops integrated into the tour will offer the best of the area’s cultural cuisine, historical landmarks and boutiques with guided tours from local emcees.
Hyde Park Main Streets and Mattapan Main Streets conduct an interactive trolley tour — “The Main Streets Line: The Culture Connection.”
The Connecting Communities Exploration grants support the promotion of connectivity, exploration and programming meant to spur economic growth between neighborhoods and deepen local understanding of the history and vitality of the district centers. The grant, offered by the Boston Main Streets Foundation in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development and New Urban Mechanics, is part of a suite of challenge grants that builds upon the successful Main Streets Explorer pilot program that provided a trolley between Roslindale, Hyde Park and West Roxbury business districts in December 2017.
“Boston has so many great local communities that each offer a unique experience to residents and neighbors nearby,” said Joel Sklar, chair of the board of the Boston Main Streets Foundation. “By supporting connection and exchange between these neighborhoods, we are building an economic and social ecosystem that promotes the Main Streets Program’s vision for a thriving and vibrant city.”
“I am excited to celebrate the Connecting Communities and Exploration grant that will allow our communities to learn and explore our neighborhoods most dynamic small businesses,” said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “From employing neighbors, contributing to local nonprofits and civic life, to investing in neighborhood improvement efforts, Boston’s Main Streets are committed to their communities and I’m proud of initiatives like connecting communities that are making Boston Main Streets more accessible to all.”
The Boston Main Streets Foundation and the city of Boston are committed to supporting Boston Main Streets exploration, strategies, and programs. With coordinated programming between Main Streets Districts and thoughtful transportation, the Main Streets Foundation and city of Boston hope to enable exploration, connection and investment in neighborhoods across Boston.