It’s been nearly two years (October 16, 2014 to be exact) since Discover Main Street first began bringing you news about the new Main Street in Clarence, NY. In that two year span, we have brought you nearly 200 stories of the businesses, people, music, developments and activities that make Main Street Clarence a vibrant, growing part of community life.

But that’s not the whole story.

Behind the scenes, there has been a slow, steady process with the cooperation of the Town of Clarence, the Clarence IDA, The Clarence Chamber of Commerce, the Clarence Hollow Association, Discover Main Street and other stakeholders working on a master plan for the new Main Street.

This important study will be the guide for the future character and economic stability of the town. The “Smart Growth” study will assist in ensuring suitable commercial and residential development along the Main Street Corridor.

IDA sources point out that one of the goals is to support sufficient commercial development to meet the town’s ever increasing need for additional tax revenue.

One key aspect of this plan? “It is anticipated that the resulting revenue growth will ensure the continued and efficient operation of the schools and town services without burdening the individual taxpayer.”

Our take: both the public and private leadership of the Town has recognized that Main Street development will provide a substantial permanent source of funding the Clarence School District that can help ease the burden on individual homeowners. In fact, a strong Main Street commercial district could keep Clarence schools great and still potentially lower the school tax rate.

Members of the Clarence Industrial Development Agency, the Main Street Redevelopment Board and the design and planning professionals of Clark Patterson Lee will be present to answer questions and assist in the public understanding of this important study and its potential effect on the community.

The new Main Street Clarence is happening. Now is a chance to show your support and have your ideas incorporated into the final result. Our system works best when everyone’s ideas are included.

If you want a multi-modal, bike friendly, walkable community, make your voice heard. If you want smaller stores and boutiques and places for our young people to start and grow businesses, make your voice heard. If you want beautiful public spaces and more venues for music and entertainment, make your voice heard.

This is your moment, your chance to have a say in where our Clarence Main Street is headed for the next generation. Spread the word, then come out to the Clarence High School Library on October 6th.

The New Clarence Main Street just got real.