Benicia Main Street entered itself into Independent We Stand’s third annual American Main Streets contest to win $25,000 in cash. If BMS wins, the money would be used to provide access to the freight room in a manner compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. (Photo by Nick Sestanovich)
Benicia Main Street is among this year’s nominees in Independent We Stand’s third annual American Main Streets contest. If it makes it to the final round, Benicia Main Street could receive $25,000 in cash and sponsor-related prizes.
In 2016, Independent We Stand— a nationwide movement of small-business owners— hosted its first American Main Streets contest to provide Main Street organizations with money to make necessary upgrades. The theme this year is “Local Memories. Lasting Impact.”
“Our Independent We Stand America’s Main Streets contest shines a light on the pride business owners and communities take in their Main Streets,” Independent We Stand co-founder Bill Brunelle said in a statement. “We know small businesses on these Main Streets help them thrive and have a measurable economic impact. This contest is a chance to share those stories with people from coast-to-coast.”
Deborah Housman, an event coordinator for Benicia Main Street, said the organization had previously applied for the contest and is making another go at it. If victorious, Benicia Main Street staff would use the $25,000 to provide additional room in the Southern Pacific Train Depot where they operate. The historic building was last renovated in 2000 when it was refurbished to become the Benicia Main Street office after several decades of sporadic use since its initial function as a train depot was discontinued. If granted, the money would be used to provide access to the freight room in a manner compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“The building wasn’t redone to be ADA accessible,” Housman said. “There’s still that portion that needs to be done. We’ve been actively trying to get that accomplished.”
The room provides 1,122 square feet of space which would be utilized with the money, via matching funds for a grant.
Voting for the quarterfinals runs through April 22. Housman said Benicia Main Street is focusing on making it to the next round, especially since voters can cast additional votes after 24 hours.
“The more votes we can get from Benicia, then we can make it into the next round,” she said.
The semifinalist voting runs from April 30 to May 27, and the winner will be announced on June 4. The victor will announce their plans for the $25,000 grand prize at the “Main Streets Make Us Better” event on July 4. To vote, go to mainstreetcontest.com/profile/165. For more information on Benicia Main Street, go to BeniciaMainStreet.org.
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BMS is the worst example of transparency in our city. A full twelve months now of absent meetings minutes at their web page, no willingness to release information other than tallies for the cannabis downtown survey. Pretty much a secret society within a city touting open government and transparency.
We are being sued by Amports, one of the BMS sponsors. If BMS continues to accept funds from Amports, they are no better than the “horizontal arts” (James O. Milburn) businesses of old. The city council just approved the first $100,000 to fight Amports in court, with no idea how much will be spent.
Meanwhile, had BMS been supportive of cannabis retail downtown, they would have had the money they need tomorrow. Folks in cannabusiness have tons of cash to throw around and $25k is peanuts. They love to improve the communities they operate in, this is the type of people they are.
Even though there are narrow-minded pinheads on the Board, it is important for us to support the BMS mission for the benefit of the entire city and vote every 24 hrs.
https://www.mainstreetcontest.com/profile/165
The Board of Directors of Benicia Main Street:
Mike Caplin, Maria Dellanno Saulsbury, Jerry Hayes, Helaine Bowles, Lorie Campbell, Susan Hurl, Laura Kohl, Christina Strawbridge, Carol Mayer, Toni Haughey, Bonnie Silveria, and
Ann Dunleavy
I have no problem with BMS staff, as they serve at the pleasure of the Board. But the fact remains, Amports is still listed as a proud sponsor of BMS, even though they are suing our a$$e$. BMS needs $25k for a ADA improvement, but the City of Benicia just coughed up the first hundred grand to defend ourselves in court. How could anyone on BMS Board justify a continued relationship with Amports as a sponsor? For the money?
You may want to look at the council members who supported the folks that did not want those buildings demolished. One councilmember even wants a $5.00 per car from Amports. With a declining relationship with Amports that will not happen. I am not a big fan of BMS but would not blame them for the law suit. Blame the councilmembers who supported the non demolition of those two buildings. There is where the problem is.