JP Centre/South Main Streets is a volunteer-driven, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that seeks to guide the growth of Jamaica Plain’s Centre and South Streets’ business district through the active collaboration of residents, business owners, and others committed to a community-led initiative. In partnership with Boston Main Streets, we provide a direct conduit to the City of Boston and can provide industry assistance to help new businesses succeed. JP Centre/South Main Streets endeavors to sustain our lively community with economic vitality, placemaking, and advocacy. We bring residents, businesses, and the City of Boston together to build a resilient local economy.
OUR MISSION
JP Centre/South Main Streets works to support and enhance a vibrant, multicultural business district which contributes to a diverse, welcoming community for people to live, work, and visit. We strive to achieve this through:
OBJECTIVES
- ECONOMIC VITALITY: Assisting and attracting both existing and new businesses to achieve a lively, diverse, and equitable center of commercial and community activity.
- DESIGN: Using an inclusive design approach to improve access for people of all ages and abilities. Improving the district’s appearance and creating an inviting atmosphere by addressing public safety, litter, and transportation issues, and promoting storefront and public improvement projects.
- PROMOTION: Conducting marketing, communications, and events to increase visibility and patronage of the local economy and community engagement.
- ORGANIZATION: Fostering an adaptable organization with broad community engagement, robust partnerships, and active volunteers.
ABOUT BOSTON MAIN STREETS
Main Streets came to Boston in 1983 when Thomas M. Menino – then a city councilor – sought the assistance of the National Main Street Center for the revitalization of Roslindale. What began as an experiment became a resounding success; the initiative attracted millions in investments and new jobs.
In 1995, Mayor Menino established Boston Main Streets, a group of ten non-profit organizations set up to revitalize their city business districts. Since then, the number of Main Streets programs has grown to twenty, representing nearly every commercial neighborhood in Boston.
Boston Main Streets districts work to provide the tools and support necessary to create, build, and sustain viable commercial districts throughout Boston. From new storefront designs and innovative marketing, to creative events that drive foot traffic and create a sense of community, Boston Main Streets districts are not only helping businesses grow – they attract new businesses and residents to their area, touting a 95% storefront occupancy rate.
The Main Streets program is successful because of the personal commitment and hands-on involvement of volunteers representing all sectors of the neighborhood. Groups such as merchants associations, property owners, neighborhood banks, service clubs, schools, churches, community development organizations, and others combine their respective insights, skills, and energies to strengthen the commercial district and build collaborative partnerships.
The Main Street Approach is centered around Transformation Strategies. A Transformation Strategy articulates a focused, deliberate path to revitalizing or strengthening a downtown or commercial district’s economy. A program’s work on Transformation Strategies should be organized around the Four Points: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization.
OUR EXECUTIVE BOARD
Contact our Executive Director for opportunities to volunteer. Our success is only possible through the great work of our volunteers and volunteer board members.
