Businesses and community members advocate for funding Main Street Corydon...

alex porter - reporter

In front of an emotional audience of at least 23, including multiple downtown Corydon business and real estate owners, Janelle Amy, Executive Director for the Main Street Corydon organization, presented a formal proposal to the Town of Corydon for annual financial support totaling $75,000 to help Main Street continue to provide events, resources and activities that support downtown Corydon during the Town of Corydon’s Council meeting on Tuesday, Sept 20th.

In years past, the Main Street Corydon organization has received a generous amount of funding from the Town. However, earlier this month, the Town of Corydon stated there is not any funding in the budget to allocate to Main Street.

In previous years, Main Street received considerable support from the town in the form of CEDIT funds allocated for Economic Development organizations and projects. Main Street’s proposal of $75,000 is modest compared to previous years of financial support, representing one third of the organization's overall budget. A modest percentage compared to other Main Street Indiana accredited organizations in the state. Main Street would raise the additional two thirds needed through events and fundraising.

A strong and passionate audience was in attendance supporting Main Street’s proposal.

“Within months of taking over Main Street, Janelle has made Main Street Corydon personal. When she says she is going to do something, she follows through, Kerry Zimmerman, Owner of Zimmerman Art Glass said. “I think this is something we definitely need to get onboard with because Janelle is doing a great job.”

Matt and Philip Pike, from Brandenburg KY, owners of four downtown Corydon buildings which support multiple downtown businesses were next to speak.

“We could have gone and done this in Elizabethtown, Hardinsburg, New Albany or our hometown of Brandenburg. We actually get flack from some people locally. A question I get a lot is why can’t Brandenburg be more like this? Why don’t we have wine walks, sweet stroll, awesome Farmer’s Market, Popcorn and Christmas festivals,” Matt Pike said. “Our answer is always the same to the people at home. Our town invests very little and we don’t have a Main Street program.” Getting a few laughs from the audience, Pike mentioned that Brandedburg actually has a more beautiful downtown than Corydon but they don’t have the money invested in it. “We love being here and we love investing Corydon’s downtown,” Pike said.

Amy also addressed some of the negative issues from Main Street Corydon’s past, which were present when she became Executive Director less than a year ago. A $100,000 debt to Whitestone Development Services (formerly Luckett and Farley Development Services) had been a major concern. Garnering a strong round of applause from the audience, Janele announced that thanks to a more manageable loan from First Harrison Bank, as well as the generosity of an anonymous donor, the debt is now paid, eliminating the cloud of the legal agreement.

Another critique from the past was lack of transparency as many downtown events and happenings would be canceled last minute. In 2022, Main Street worked hard to eliminate this issue, successfully planning and executing multiple events such as Sweet Strolls, Wine Walks, Colors of Corydon Art Festival, Glasstoberfest, Cinema on Chestnut, Light Up Corydon and the popular return of the Popcorn Festival. All of which drove revenue and customer foot traffic for downtown businesses.

Amanda Ramos, Corydon resident, emotionally spoke to the importance of Main Street’s work in fostering a community that her new daughter would love and chose to live in.

“Janelle is the type of person I want leading the way. She is so reliable. She went on TV twice for us! She is the type of person I want leading the way. We should invest in her. She has earned it and we’ve earned it. We deserve it,” Ramos said.

“Does anybody have a kleenex?” Harlan R. Fisher, Town Council for the Fourth Ward said. Brian Bates, owner of Vintage Treasures Antique Mall & Flea Emporium spoke to the importance a strong downtown has regarding legacy. “What we’re seeing right now is a changing of demographics in the downtown over the last five to seven years. Families with two or three kids, riding their bikes and skateboards,” Bates said. “We’re watching these kids out playing in the park. They are making memories about downtown Corydon. The legacy goes beyond making money for a store. We’re trying to make a place for people to go. “There is a whole cast of characters in this town looking for things to do. We’ve seen such a ground swell in 9 months. It’s ridiculous. The park was packed during the movie night.” Bates said. “We can be a community that is vibrant and family friendly, or we can choose not to do be. It’s all about legacy,” he said.

The Town Council did not vote on approving the funding. Only three of the five council members were present.

Treggie M. King, Clerk-Treasure mentioned that the entire council should be present to vote on such an initiative. King also mentioned the council would need to move quickly as some budget reports have already been submitted.

Janelle Amy committed to being on the agenda during the Town Council’s next meeting in October for an update from the council and to answer any questions they might have.