The Room with the Second-Best View by Virginia Smith Read Free Book Online

while she scanned the documents was the clicking of Lulu’s knitting needles.
    â€œHmm.” A scowl settled over Frieda’s features, and then the creases in her forehead gradually cleared. Her second “hmm” contained a note of interest. By the time she uttered a third “hmm,” this one accompanied by a nod, the rest of the room was watching her with interest.
    â€œIt says here that property owners in Goose Creek may be eligible for grants and tax credits if we commit to an effort toward historic preservation.”
    â€œReally?” Phyllis leaned sideways in her chair, neck craned in an attempt to read the paper in Frieda’s hand.
    â€œWe do have a recognized historic district, you know.” Frieda looked up over the top of her glasses. “It extends several blocks on either side of Main.”
    â€œI didn’t know that.” Tuesday turned a grin Al’s way. “Imagine. I own a building in the historic district.”
    Frieda handed the top page to Phyllis, who squinted to read. “I’ve been on the city council for four years and I don’t think we’ve ever discussed the National Historic Registry. Certainly we’ve never done anything about it. Does it expire?”
    â€œNot according to Millie’s notes.” Frieda tapped on the seconddocument. “She says a building or district stays on the Registry until it loses its integrity.” She glanced up. “Whatever that means.”
    â€œBut where does the money come in?” Tuesday asked. “Are we supposed to get a check from the government or something?”
    Lulu snorted. “The government doesn’t give out money for nothing. There’s a catch somewhere.”
    Though it pained Al to realize, he agreed with the annoying woman.
    â€œNo, we have to apply and be approved for the financial benefits,” Frieda answered, her voice distracted as she read. “But that’s for property owners. I don’t see how that’s going to help the celebration’s funding problem. I wish Millie were here to explain.” She flipped to the third page. “Oh, wait. This last bit here is about something called the Main Street Program.”
    Tuesday giggled. “Sounds like something we ought to know about since our Main Street is kinda run-down.”
    â€œIt says here if we were part of this Main Street Program, we’d get help from the state to apply for special grants and tax credits and so on.”
    â€œSo let’s join,” suggested Lulu. “What’s it cost?”
    â€œIt doesn’t say.”
    Phyllis asked, “Will Millie be well enough to come to the next meeting?”
    Al opened his mouth to answer, but Frieda cut him off. “We can’t wait two weeks. This says there’s a sizable private grant that will be awarded this September to communities who make a good case for how they’ll spend the money. We need to hurry and fill out the application to join the Main Street Program so we’ll have a shot at that money. That means we need to put someone in charge. They call it a…” She glanced down and tapped on the paper. “A Main Street Manager. It’s usually someone hired by the city council.”
    Phyllis shook her head. “After the last meeting I can tell you the answer to hiring anyone. We can’t afford it.”
    â€œThen it’ll have to be a volunteer position.” Frieda rubbed a hand over her mouth, her gaze unfocused. “I’d volunteer, but with my store I can’t carve another minute out of my day.”
    â€œSame here.” Tuesday rewarded Al with a scowl. “If I turn away a single customer I won’t be able to make my loan payment.”
    Frieda looked at Phyllis, who shook her head. “I have a hard enough time getting off work to come to these meetings. Between that and the council work, I can’t add anything.”
    Tuesday straightened.