Savannah Main Street gets 'green' grant for new website

Oct. 28– Savannah’s Main Street program is among 21 in the state to be awarded grants for "green" and sustainable projects in downtown communities across Tennessee.

"These innovative "green" projects showcase our Tennessee downtown communities’ commitment to environmental and downtown revitalization efforts and allow them to lead by example," said Matt Kisber, commissioner of the state Economic and Community Development Department.

"The Main Street-Green Street proposed projects will not only enhance and improve individual downtown communities, but they also support the state’s efforts to advance sustainability and economic development across Tennessee," he said.

The Savannah Main Street program was awarded $5,000 to develop a website to showcase downtown projects, promotions and events, along with the historic district.

But what’s so green about that?

According to Judy Flanagan, director of Savannah Main Street, the website will not only help promote the downtown and historic districts, but encourage people to come and enjoy its "green" spaces.

"More people are using the downtown venue because it's so pleasing to walk" on the new sidewalks there and in the historic district, sit on the new benches and enjoy the scenery, she said.

Flanagan said city officials have already heard several proposals from website designers and a selection should be made this month.

"Any business downtown that wants to link will have that opportunity," she said of the forthcoming website. "It’s going to be nice."