Visingardi wins first façade grant in downtown

By Lindsey Wooten – Wayne Main Street’s board of directors approved Paul Visingardi’s application for Wayne Main Street’s Façade Grant Incentive program. The Façade Grant program was developed by the Design Committee to help improve the appearance of buildings in Wayne Main Street’s downtown district.
The Façade Grant is funded by Wayne Main Street and reimburses up to 50 percent of the project’s total cost to the recipient with a maximum of $10,000. Interested candidates must submit an application to the design committee for review. Grants are provided on a first-approved, first-funded basis. The funding cycle begins on Jan. 1 of every year.
Visingardi, building owner of 3023 South Wayne Rd., was approved for a $9,957.50 grant. He will receive the reimbursement check after construction is completed and a final inspection has been conducted. Planned Home Improvement of Westland, Mich. has been hired to complete the project. Wayne Main Street previously awarded Visingardi design services through the Michigan Main Street Center, which will be implemented in the construction process. Design services provide business owners with recommendations on how to improve the exterior façade of their building to increase curb appeal while adhering to the Secretary of Interiors Standards for Rehabilitation of historic buildings.
Visingardi is hoping that the new improvements will attract potential tenants to the building. The improved façade of Visingardi’s building will be great improvement for downtown Wayne. The improvements will be made with respect to preserving the historic elements of the building.
Individuals interested in learning more about the Façade Grant should visit the website, www.downtownwayne.org/business/grant, where the application and more information can be found. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Live Jazz – Tickets Available
The sounds of jazz will fill the air at Avenue Bistro as part of a fundraiser for the Wayne Main Street program.
Drink, dine and gather on The Avenue’s recently finished outdoor patio from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, while supporting Wayne Main Street’s efforts to revitalize downtown Wayne.
“Jazz at the Avenue: An evening with Wayne Main Street” will consist of a strolling buffet dinner with craft beer and wine pairings, silent auction, photo booth, and the sounds of acclaimed jazzmen Jesse Kramer, Glenn Tucker and Jordan Schug. A private cash bar also will be available.
Among items in the silent auction is a VIP tour and tasting for six people at Chateau Chantal Winery on Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City and autographed memorabilia donated by the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings.
Avenue American Bistro is located at 3632 Elizabeth St. at Michigan Avenue. Seating for “Jazz at the Avenue” is limited. Tickets are $50 per person and are available at jazzattheave.eventbrite.com.
The event is being sponsored by the Ford Motor Co., Chateau Chantal Winery, American Jetway Corp., Wayne McDonald’s, Wayne Community Living Services and Appliance Avenue.
Wayne Main Street, a Michigan Main Street program, is a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to creating a more vibrant, inviting and visually appealing downtown Wayne where residents enjoy spending their leisure time and businesses prosper. For more information, call 734-629-6822.

Volunteers needed for Clean-Up Day
Downtown Clean-Up Volunteers needed! This is a great way to have an impact on your downtown with immediate visible results.
Sunday, July 12th 10:00 AM – meet at office of Wayne Main Street (35000 Sims Street).
Volunteers will help clean up downtown after the Cruisin’ US12 event. The goal of the day is to dispose of litter that has been left on the sidewalks and in the grass from the day before. Volunteers must be able to bend over and cover at least one block of town.
Coordinator:
Lindsey Wooten,
(734) 629-6822.

Time Commitment:
2 hours maximum

Gloves and garbage bags will be provided. Wear comfortable clothes, sunscreen, and walking shoes!
To volunteer, please call (734) 629-6822 or email director@downtownwayne.org.
Local Advocate Receives National Award
Lindsey Wooten will participate in “Walkable Communities” training program.
America Walks, a national advocacy organization that promotes walking and walkable communities, announced last month that Lindsey Wooten of Wayne Main Street has been awarded a Walking College Fellowship.
The Fellowship will enable Lindsey Wooten and 24 other advocates from around the country to participate in a five-month training program designed to strengthen local efforts to make communities more walkable and livable.  “We are delighted to welcome Lindsey Wooten as a member of our inaugural Walking College class,” said Ian Thomas, State and Local Program Director with America Walks, “This program was developed in response to the finding, from our recent survey of 532 local walking organizations, that access to technical assistance and a national peer network are among the most pressing needs for these groups.”
The Walking College curriculum has been designed to expand the capacity of local advocates to be effective community change agents.  Topics include the science behind the benefits of walking, evaluation of built environments, as well as communication skills and building relationships with stakeholders and decision makers.  At the conclusion of the Walking College, Fellows will develop a Community Action Plan for implementation over the following 12-months.