The Martinsville Bulletin reported about city plans to revitalize the uptown business district.

The project would hopefully be funded by a variety of grants and private sources, such as area property owners. Recently about 80 people participated in a “Vision Day” which was held to get area residents’ opinions on how the district should be revitalized. Comments made by residents are being compiled and will be used to develop the master plan, according to officials.

"City officials aim to have a master plan for revitalizing the uptown business district by the end of this year, Martinsville City Council learned Tuesday.

Once that plan is done, the city can apply for a block grant of up to $1.4 million from the state in March that can be put toward the revitalization, according to Community Development Director Wayne Knox.
He said the city has issued a request for proposals from firms interested in creating the master plan.

Knox said the city likely would find out next June whether it receives the grant. If the grant is provided, revitalization efforts spurred by the master plan could start by the end of 2010, he indicated."

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