City of Selma receives Main Street Alabama designation

From the West Alabama Newsroom–

The city of Selma is working to revitalize it’s historic downtown area. The Queen City was recently designated a Main Street Alabama community earlier this month.

The Main Street program is using a four-point approach — and a unique strategic plan — designed around improving downtown Selma.

“We’re excited,” said Mandy Henry.

Henry owns Queen City Market, a clothing and furniture store located downtown.

“We need restaurants, we need things that keep the hustle and bustle going downtown, that help get shoppers and local community bought in to shopping here staying local,” she said.

The goal of the Main Street program is to help communities — organize for success — create vibrant public spaces — and enhance their economic base.

“It provides a clear economic road map for revitalization in the downtown area,” said Main Street Selma Coordinator Sarah Aghedo.

Mary Johnson just opened a soul food restaurant downtown — back in April.

“I thought it was a good location to be in you know, and I was glad to find a place down here,” she said.

Johnson says anything that brings more people downtown — is a move in the right direction.

“I would love it. I remember back in the day when it was happening, you know. And Selma kind of picking back up I believe you know cause downtown is waking back up cause it’s been dead.”

The Main Street Selma program will center around the Water Avenue and the Old Town Historic Districts.

Main Street Selma officials say two key areas of focus will be — historic preservation — and business development.