MainStreet Plainfield Closes Up Shop

MainStreet Plainfield Inc., the non-profit dedicated to preserving downtown Plainfield and increasing traffic at businesses there, has ceased operations, and village officials are looking for volunteers to keep at least one of the organization’s annual events going.

On Monday, Planner Michael Garrigan said while the village itself has no plans to take on the responsibility of running Cruise Nights, it's working to help volunteers take the reins from the now-defunct MainStreet.

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“We are working with volunteers to make it a success,” Garrigan said of the summertime event, which draws classic car enthusiasts to downtown Plainfield. Traditionally, Cruise Nights take place on Tuesday nights from May to September, and Lockport Street closes to accommodate revelers and their cars.

Patch’s attempts to reach MainStreet Executive Director Susan Erickson by phone were unsuccessful, but an auto-reply from her MainStreet Plainfield email account confirmed that the non-profit had closed up shop.

“We are very sorry but MainStreet Plainfield is no longer in business!,” the email said. “We thank you for your past support of our organization and wish you the best in your future endeavors!”

The fate of other MainStreet events — like the springtime Egg’straordinary outing and Candlelight Christmas —remained uncertain.

MainStreet’s last event, its annual Holiday Open House, took place Dec. 8, 2012. The organization’s Facebook page has not been updated since Jan. 15.

Although Garrigan on Monday said the Plainfield Riverfront Foundation could play a role in 2013’s Cruise Nights, foundation president Rob Epley said his organization has no plans to get involved.

“The Plainfield Riverfront Foundation is not considering assuming any MainStreet activities at this time,” Epley said via email. “Many rumors are running rampant on the street as to [who] may assume leadership of the various events. We are not one at this time ...

"If we were to consider any involvement, a full analysis of financial condition of [the] event, along with volunteer force needed, would have to be part of our due diligence. 

Jonathan Proulx, a planner with the Village of Plainfield and a Riverfront Foundation volunteer, said he believes Cruise Nights will continue.

"I'm confident that the Cruise Nights will continue this year based on the interest on the part of the volunteers themselves," he said, adding volunteers who have worked on the event in the past have indicated a willingness to continue their efforts. "The question I don't have an answer for is what organization would provide the formal structure. There might be another group that's a better fit [than the Riverfront Foundation].

" ... We just have to work through what organization will play host to the volunteers," Proulx said.

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