Crews hope cleanup is link to chain reaction

May 22, 2008

By Jamie Busen

Barb McClain is really hoping for a chain reaction. A crew has been working the past few days on giving a facelift to the storefront of Why Not Bedrooms, Sunrooms, Pools and Spas at 615 Maine. Workers are repainting with a blue and cream decor and eliminating the red coloring. “The downtown is thriving, but we want it to look like it’s thriving, too,” said McClain. Her husband, Chuck, is president of the Historic Quincy Business District. Barb McClain has been active in the environment committee that was formed out of the three-year strategic plan for the city’s downtown. “Hopefully this gives some ideas for some of the store and building owners,” she said. It’s her hope that aside from freshening up the outside of buildings, owners might think about cleaning up the inside and advertising on the windows of vacant buildings something volunteers can’t get to. Bret Austin donated laborers to repaint Why Not. Owner Jeff Morris bought the paint and other materials from Classic Colors at 12th and State. “One of the things that came out of all those planning meetings was that it was obvious that little, incremental things could pay a big dividend,” Austin said. “It starts momentum.” The committee also has plans for a downtown clean-up day, focusing on the area of Maine Street between Sixth and Seventh, on June 14.Morris said he was “elated” to have the volunteers painting his storefront, something he admitted needed to be done. “I like the color scheme,” he said, adding he is contemplating getting new signage for his store. “I’m happy to see steps in a positive direction. More people need to be stopping by the downtown and seeing the unique shops we have to offer.” Across the street from the men who were scraping, glazing, caulking and painting at Why Not Wednesday morning was a crew working on the Maine Street Improvement Project. That’s another “substantial” project aimed to better the downtown. McClain said stores ‘looking a little better’ on the outside might appeal to more people who are interested in buying or leasing property in the district. “By sprucing up the property, it’s more likely to be utilized,” she said. Moves are already happening. The Hand Me Down Boutique is moving soon into the former Rent a Center at 610 Maine, and Dollar General should get awnings for the store this summer.