ADVISER: SPIFF UP OLD MAIN STREET; A CONSULTANT TO THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TELLS THE GROUP THE STREET NEEDS A FACE LIFT.(LOCAL/STATE)

Byline: Tom Bayles STAFF WRITER

Old Main Street is one step closer to a new look.

Cy Paumier, a consultant hired by the Downtown Development Authority, told the group Thursday that Old Main Street needs a face lift.

"The features are so mediocre people aren't inclined to want to be there," Paumier said. "Our current Main Street looks tired."

Restoration of Old Main Street is the second leg of a three-part downtown revitalization plan drafted by Paumier in 1997. Construction on the first leg, Barcarrota Boulevard along the Manatee River, should begin soon and is scheduled to be completed by Thanksgiving.

Paumier showed DDA members …