Norman Mintz and Phil Myrick, - a Project for Public Spaces Presentation invite residents of Columbia County and surrounding communities to a presentation which will review the significant downtown Main St. revitalization projects experienced in Philmont from 2006-2011. The presentation will also highlight how Project for Public Spaces (PPS) encourages the community to get involved in “Placemaking” which they see as a way to connect downtown destinations through streetscape improvements and outdoor community events all of which play an integral role in community revitalization. Norman Mintz, a previous resident of Claverack (now living in Germantown), has been a leader in the field of downtown revitalization for more than 30 years. Among his many accomplishments, he acted as Co-Design Director at the 34th Street Partnership and the Bryant Park Corporation in New York City. As a consultant on downtown revitalization projects across the country he helps communities bring back declining Main Streets. He is a collaborating author of the book “Cities Back from the Edge” which chronicles how cities across America are revitalizing their Main Streets. Mintz returns to Philmont as a member of Project for Public Spaces. In Philmont he has played an important six-year consultancy role in the on-going Village of Philmont revitalization. This has included the re-adapt design for a recently completed restoration of a Main St. Pocket Park. Funding for the park was provided by NYS Homes and Community Renewal, and the Arthur & Marie Hegarty Foundation. Mintz has also assisted with designs for four Philmont storefront restorations and significant streetscape improvements. He now returns to Philmont to help the community maintain momentum and take the next steps in village revitalization. He is joined by Phil Myrick, also a Columbia County resident with a house in Hudson, and a Vice President of Project for Public Spaces. Project for Public Spaces (PPS) is a nonprofit planning, design and educational organization dedicated to helping people create and sustain public spaces that build stronger communities. Their pioneering "Placemaking" approach helps citizens transform their public spaces into vital places that highlight local assets, spur rejuvenation and serve common needs. Since 1975, they have worked in more than 2,500 communities, in 50 US states and 40 countries around the world, helping people to plan, design and manage successful public spaces. PPS has recently advised the Town of Hillsdale on their Hamlet revitalization plans. The presentation is hosted by the Philmont Beautification, Inc. Main St. Program funded by New York State Homes and Community Renewal, and the Village of Philmont Streetscape Committee chaired by Mayor Clarence Speed.