More Train Action; More Downtown Help

Over the course of the last few months, we've probably been a bit too preoccupied with the commuter rail issue, but it's an important one. Considering the lack of interesting news lately (it is the summer, after all) and we're back on the train beat today.

A handful of officials took the train to Boston yesterday. Partly because they needed to get to the State House, partly as an awareness piece for riding the train.

As often seems to be the case in these "events," the riders took the 7:27 train from Leominster to Boston yesterday morning. The train gets into North Station at about 9, so we don't really consider that a big commuter train. We kind of wish they got on the 6:47 train. It's packed, and exemplifies what passes for "express" service these days. We also would have like to have heard how they liked the trip in and out at the end of the day.

Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella makes a good point: The issue has gotten a lot of attention lately, but it shouldn't be an election year-only issue. Hopefully all this talk turns into action at some point.

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The city announced an expansion of a federal grant program for exterior improvements for businesses yesterday. Awnings, signage and facades can all get upgrades through the program, which provides 70 percent funding for a project.

This is a core program that is very good for the city and its downtown center. You can't judge a book by its cover, but you can decide whether or not to go into a business based on its public image. These programs have been part of a working rebuilding in cities like Lowell and in larger programs like Boston's Main Streets program.

It does require a 30 percent investment from the business, which can be substantial on a $20,000 grant for a facade improvement. But for good businesses who want to lead the city forward, this is a great opportunity. The announced expansion yesterday adds more streets to the coverage area. We hope this doesn't mean Main Street, previously the only street involved, didn't step up to the plate.