Facade Improvement, Picayune, ARPA

Picayune Main Street, Inc.
Believes Community Development Precedes Economic Development
 
Picayune Main Street, Inc. was established in 1996. Our program is strong and respected in the community, with success in Downtown improvement projects and successful events.
 
COVID-19 Impact
As a result of the COVID-19 public health crisis, the downtown district in Picayune, MS suffered the loss of 13 businesses. Business closures occurred because of mandatory closures, capacity restrictions, and a decrease in visitors to the downtown district.
 
Although Picayune as a whole did not experience a drastic decrease in retail sales due to revenue garnered by big box stores like Wal-Mart, the small businesses in Picayune Main Street, Inc. District, small businesses suffered greatly from decreased visitation and spending between 2020-2022.
 
Many locally owned, established businesses were approved for the Payroll Protection Program, which in turn helped keep their doors open. The newer businesses that did not have the payroll comparison required to qualify closed their doors within a few months because of Covid.
 
Solution
To support existing businesses and create a more hospitable environment for future business, Picayune Main Street, Inc. will invest our ARPA funds in our downtown district through a Master Façade Program. Grant applications will be made public and open to businesses within our district that faced a negative financial impact due to the pandemic. This façade program will seek to improve the quality of life in our downtown district and encourage further investment, ultimately helping to offset the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business district.
 
This façade program will be equitable and made available to business or property owners within the confines of the Central Business District for the purpose of enhancing the overall aesthetics of the façade and upgrading facility features on the front of the building, including, but not limited to, exterior lighting, awnings, railings, doors, windows, signage, and paint. 
 
Furthermore, Picayune Main Street, Inc. will hire and oversee contractors, execute paperwork, oversee expenditures, implementation, liaison work, and program management.