Kevin Clay and 

Michelle Wingfield

DART on Point

DART (the Montrose Development and Revitalization Team) is designed to help Montrose businesses grow and prosper. Michelle Wingfield is the DART and Grant Coordinator. You can reach out to her at mwingfield@cityofmontrose.org.

DART meets at 8:00am on the first Tuesday of each month at The Community Room in the Public Safety Complex at 434 S. 1st Street. The meeting is open to the public, so come one, come all! Tuesday, Sept. 5 will be the next DART meeting. Mark it on the calendar and come join us or join via  Google Meet.

Joining Info: Video call link: https://meet.google.com/euw-qqdv-edn Or dial: (US) +1 320-818-0242 PIN: 279 696 012.

If you missed the Aug. 1 meeting, you missed a lot!

Specifically, one of DART’s functions to help improve small businesses in Montrose is its Façade Improvement Matching Grant Program.

Through this program, businesses can get grants matching a portion of their own investment into their business facia. The old Potato Growers Association building on West Main Street will be one such recipient. They have applied for a grant to preserve the historic mural, which was granted by a vote of all in attendance and approved by the DART board.

Many other businesses in town have taken advantage of this program to give the old buildings of Montrose a little face lift. Learn more about this opportunity by contacting Michelle Wingfield.

And have you noticed the roundabouts popping up at the intersections of minor streets like Miami and Hillcrest? There’s another coming at the Hillcrest convergence with Niagara. But, speaking of roundabouts, the folks in attendance at this past Tuesday’s meeting were able to preview and vote on a new sculpture that will adorn the circle route on Ogden and Woodgate. A local sculptor has been tasked with adorning that intersection with the 150% life sized steel version of a kayaker (like the ones enjoying FUNC Fest on Aug. 12 at Riverbottom Park).

Speaking of FUNC Fest, it stands for Fun on the Uncompahgre and it’s next weekend, the 12th and 13th. There is a lot going on, so instead of writing is all here, check out the flyer or go to https://www.visitmontrose.com/events/fun-on-the-uncompahgre/.

And #secondsaturday is trending. Every Second Saturday during the summer (June – August) businesses are invited to set up a sidewalk sale, live music, fun activity, or pop-up in front of storefronts to create a fun and lively downtown event! Local merchants and vendors report a very good showing. Lizz from Mauve on Main Street (https://mauveonmain.com/) said that there must have been more than 100 visitors during the last Second Saturday.

Stay tuned for Poetry In The Plaza coming this September in the Pocket Park located on the 400 block of Main Street (north side between Cascade and Uncompahgre) and Downtown Trick or Treating coming in October. Contact Michelle or the DART Arts Committee for more information.

Did I just write Arts Committee? YOU are invited to join the Art’s Committee! You just need to have an interest in amplifying the  sense of place” in Montrose through public art. Reach out to Michelle if you are interested in joining.

Finally, it’s not too early to announce the Business Crime Reduction Expo coming to Montrose on Friday, October 20 from noon to 5pm at the Public Safety Complex at 434 S. 1st Street. (We’ll probably repeat this in the next few issues) The Montrose Business Crime Reduction Expo is an opportunity for the community and local businesses to learn about ways to reduce crime in their homes and businesses. Businesses that offer the Montrose community safety, security, and crime reduction services are invited to have a booth at the event. There’s no cost to the exhibiting businesses or to the folks who want to come and visit with them during the Expo.

There is so much going on all the time in Montrose. Be sure to make time to attend the next DART meeting. And e-mail Michelle Wingfield at mwingfield@cityofmontrose.org to learn more.

Until next time!

Kevin Clay is a contributor to the Montrose Business Times. Michelle Wingfield is the DART and grant coordinator for the City of Montrose.