In a significant decision during last night’s town council meeting, the majority of Purcellville’s town council, including Mayor Christopher Bertaut, Vice Mayor Ben Nett, Town Council Member Susan Khalil, and Town Council Member Carol Luke, voted against supporting the Virginia Main Street (VMS) program, a move that has sparked considerable debate in the community.
The Virginia Main Street program is an initiative designed to assist towns in revitalizing their downtown areas through economic development and historic preservation. It provides resources, technical assistance, and funding opportunities to local governments and organizations to foster small business growth, enhance community engagement, and create a vibrant commercial environment. The advantages of participating in the VMS program include access to competitive grants, training for local leaders, and a network of support among other communities engaged in similar revitalization efforts.
This decision follows a 6-1 vote from the Purcellville Planning Commission in support of the program, with Mayor Christopher Bertaut being the sole dissenting vote. During the last night’s town council meeting, Vice Mayor Ben Nett made a motion to withdraw the town’s support for the program, which led to a heated discussion among council members.
In a statement released on the Purcellville Main Street’s Facebook page, the organization expressed disappointment in the council’s decision, stating: “We are deeply disappointed by the decision of four members of the Purcellville Town Council to withdraw the Town’s support for participation in the Virginia Main Street program. This action removes critical grant opportunities that have supported downtown revitalization efforts across the Commonwealth – including here in Purcellville.”
Despite the setback, the Purcellville Main Street organization remains committed to its mission. The statement continued, “However, this decision does not mark the end of the Purcellville Main Street program. We remain steadfast in our mission to strengthen our historic downtown through community collaboration, small business support, and economic vitality. Moving forward, our work will continue — powered by dedicated volunteers and supported by the generosity of private donors.”
The announcement underscored the organization’s need for community support in light of losing its VMS affiliation, inviting residents to volunteer or donate to sustain their efforts. “If you believe in the vision of a thriving, walkable, locally-driven downtown, we invite you to join us as a volunteer or make a tax-deductible donation to help sustain our efforts.”
For those interested in donating to support the Purcellville Main Street program, more information can be found at Purcellville Main Street Donations.
As Purcellville moves forward without the support of the Virginia Main Street program, the community’s response and involvement will be crucial in shaping the future of its downtown area.