(photo) Watertown Lawmakers Back Proposal to Boost Main St. Business

March 14, 2016
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Seeking to draw more foot traffic to Watertown’s Main Street, Sen. Rob Kane (left) and Rep. Eric Berthel (right) on Mar. 10 testified before the state legislature’s Commerce Committee in support of a measure which aims to spur a downtown revitalization from the Country Cinema to the Clockwork Repertory Theatre.

The lawmakers said their proposal would create “Renaissance Districts” in downtown areas with multiple arts and cultural sites. The bill would provide tax incentives to draw arts and cultural sites downtown.

Kane and Berthel said they hope such a district would entice arts-based businesses to locate in downtown districts in Watertown and other communities. They credited the merchants of Main Street for championing the proposal, and noted how students at Swift Middle School have also spoken out in favor of making downtown a more vibrant, pedestrian-friendly place.

The bill now awaits a vote by the Commerce Committee.

Kane can be reached at 800 842-1421 and at [email protected]. Berthel can be reached at 800 842-1523 and at [email protected] .