Outgoing Main Street Director Lance Jenkins gave an upbeat report to members of the Roanoke Avenue Business Alliance this afternoon.

Jenkins is leaving his post at the end of July to work with Farm Bureau.

The first item he addressed was the Farmers Market at Kirkwood Adams Community Center.

Open every Monday for the past two weeks, the market has been slow, Jenkins said. “It is going to build. We had a new vendor yesterday. A non-profit has approached us and we are hoping to have live music being integrated. It brings more business to this part of town.”

Sean’s Coffee House has opened on East Eleventh Street, Jenkins said, and a new thrift store is opening.

The Double R Sports Bar is expected to be open by mid-July. “Our occupancy rate is up 7 percent. Twenty-five percent of the new business permits were for the business district last year,” he said. “It’s up to 34 percent.”

There have been 10 façade improvements. “A lot of Main Street programs who have been in a long time are still working on achieving their goals.”

The Main Street program will accept façade improvement grants at the beginning of the upcoming fiscal year. “That’s one of the best things we can do. It’s an integral part of the program.”

On July 28 the 1020 Restaurant and Pub will host the Stars on the Avenue Dinner and Show, which will feature local entertainment. Tickets are $40 and feature an exclusive menu for the event. Proceeds benefit RABA.