New pilot program looks for restaurant owners to help boost Indian Orchard
The idea of revitalizing the dining district in Indian Orchard dates back to 2018, when Representative Orlando Ramos wrote a letter to the editor.
Indian Orchard used to be home to three of the biggest employers of Western Massachusetts. 'We had Chapman Valve, we were home to Mount Santo, as well as the Indian Orchard Mills. And a lot of the people who worked there, remained in Indian Orchard. Their families still live in Indian Orchard,' said Representative Orlando Ramos, Democrat – 9th Hampden.
Many long-time residents saw Indian Orchard as a main attraction, but not so much in the last few years. Therefore, city officials, state legislators, and the Latino Economic Development Corporation made a goal to support new and existing minority owned restaurants.
'Today we are going to launch the Indian Orchard Main Street Dining District Pilot Program,' said Andrew Melendez, Founder, Latino Economic Development Corporation.
Starting on Main Street, the program will offer to pay security deposits, first and last month's rent for 3 new restaurants. $5,000 to $10,000 in grants will also be available to current district restaurant owners for upgrades or relocation costs.
The historic Pleasant Snack Bar on Main Street is one of many restaurants that have been vacant for 4 to 5 months. Now it will be one of many restaurants that will benefit from this pilot program.
This comes after Representative Ramos and the Western Mass legislative delegation secured $100,000 from the fiscal year 2025 budget.
'We need capital infusion to support, we're going to be doing coaching and technical assistance, coaching to support our businesses to get going, everyone will receive book-keeping and accounting and marketing support, and also connections,' said Melendez.
To help revitalize the dining district, new and existing restaurant owners can submit a Request for Proposal to the Latino EDC.
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.
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