by Cathy Slade

Roslindale Village Main Street (“RVMS”) Director Janice Williams and Board President Charlie McCarthy traveled to New Orleans in June to receive an award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation at its National Convention. The Urban Pioneer Award was given in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the inception of RVMS and its tremendous success. Of the original Main Streets established in the country, RVMS is the only one still in existence that is in a neighborhood of a big city.

Janice and Charlie were surprised to learn of the award. Said Janice, “We were very honored to be recognized, especially at the conference where there were Main Street Programs from all over the nation and fourteen foreign countries.” Charlie added, “It was good recognition for the hundreds of people who have volunteered to make our Main Street what it is today.”

The award was presented during the opening plenary by Trust President Richard Moe. He noted the significance of the success of the first urban Main Street in spawning an entire urban Main Streets Program. In 1995, Mayor Menino began expanding the program to other city neighborhoods, eventually creating nineteen active Main Streets throughout Boston. In a way, the award is also a credit to Mayor Menino’s leadership and vision for a strong revitalized city.

RVMS was honored once more when Charlie was asked to serve on a panel to discuss the successes and challenges of RVMS. He was in good company as both the Vice President of Fannie Mae Corp., who is a full professor at Columbia University, and a former City Council President who now serves as Executive Director of a Main Street Program in Ohio, were also on the Panel.

Charlie said that being in a large hall that can accommodate 600 people, and addressing nearly 300 audience members, was a little intimidating at first, but he felt comfortable in no time. In his words, he “told the story” of RVMS. He painted a picture of the central business district in 1985 and compared it with today, giving timelines and milestones of continuing success. He mentioned the huge reservoir of volunteers and the 400 community supporters. He also spoke of the relationship with Healthy Roslindale and credited the Rossie Reps with successful implementation of their promotional events.

The Trust was the first organization to hold a major conference in New Orleans since the devastation wreaked on the city by Hurricane Katrina. Other conferences either were canceled or relocated. It is fitting that the Trust chose New Orleans as the host city for its national conference since that choice fits so well with the mission of preservation and revitalization.

The Lt. Governor and a City Councilor spoke about preserving what makes New Orleans unique, particularly its culture, art and architecture. They stated that it is important to save this piece of Americana which would be lost forever, if the city were not rebuilt. Joining staff and board members of the many Main Street programs were business, government and community leaders from Louisiana and Mississippi, where the Trust has set a goal of starting multiple new programs in devastated areas.

According to Janice, who has traveled to New Orleans many times, it was very sad to see the city as it is now. The saddest part was the lack of people. She said the city used to be like New York, always bustling with activity and people, but it now seems deserted. Only half the establishments on Bourbon Street are open, and there is no spirit of excitement in the air.

She believes it will take a long time to rebuild and that people of the city were grateful to the Trust for making a commitment to visit New Orleans and for living up to its mission of preservation and revitalization. It is a mission with a message that was heard loud and clear by New Orleaners.