Ashland Redevelopment Authority Let’s work together to revitalize downtown! September 23, 2013 Public Meeting

Agenda Introductions Purpose of the meeting: To evaluate short term projects To develop consensus on the top five (5) short term projects To listen to community requests on characteristics for design

What did we learn? Visual clutter exists due to public signage, utilities and lack of coherent infrastructure Roadway improvements needed to address traffic, curbing and parking Sidewalks, pedestrian crossing, bike travel and movement throughout need to be addressed Lighting improvements needed

What did we learn? Street edge and landscaping need to be addressed Zoning modifications are needed Review tax basis and incentives Work with property owners and business to improve existing structures Ashland needs to invest in itself if we want business and residents to invest in Ashland

What did we learn? A healthy, prosperous downtown says a great deal about a community’s self esteem, values and priorities, and commitment to vitality of its business areas. Unfortunately, downtown Ashland sends a mixed message on all accounts. Judi Barrett, Community Opportunities Group (2010)

Vision for Downtown A historic town center that includes the creation of an enhanced, pedestrian-friendly environment for all the people of Ashland. Particular focus is on enhancing a small town character and increasing the vitality of downtown by creating:

Vision (cont.) Improved sidewalks, streetscapes, and open space; Space to encourage additional retail uses; Housing opportunities; Improved parking; Opportunities for casual meeting places and planned events to draw people to the center; Architecture of a scale and character that enhances these uses.

Short Term Possible Projects Possible Action Events to draw people into downtown creating positive activity Farmers market Ashland Half Marathon Rediscover Ashland Other Expansion of Marathon Park Cleanup what’s there Conceptual plans for expansion CPA funds Streetscape & Storefront redesign Possibly give a one time grant to property/business owner MAPC grants Parking Study/Traffic Team with Town Planner/Planning Board to evaluate traffic/parking ‘as is’ and ‘to be”

Short Term (cont.) Signage upgrades Perform signage inventory Possible Projects Possible Action Signage upgrades Perform signage inventory Remove current signs (fixed or temporary not required or needed) Identify funding sources Develop a plan for phased signage improvements with historical elements Select intersection upgrades Identify the locations for intersection upgrades Develop a plan for phased intersection improvements with historical elements Implement one (1) intersection per year

Short Term (cont.) New Town Green Possible Projects Possible Action New Town Green Evaluate the Green in context of 125 Front Street Collaborate on possible events/features Lighting upgrades Investigate solar pedestrian walkway lighting to minimize infrastructure needs Median upgrades Remove concrete and replace with granite curb and vegetation Parking lot upgrades Repair central parking lot with new binder and stripe, or sealcoat and stripe Create Bike Paths

Short Term (cont.) Cultural District Center Possible Projects Possible Action Cultural District Center Historic District/Preservation Branding of Downtown

Next Steps Assemble the Downtown Collaborative: A short term advisory group to the ARA assembled to improve communication and collaboration among groups relative to Downtown Revitalization The Downtown Collaborative will be tasked to provide final recommendations to the ARA for the top three short term projects Collaborate with ARA on planning and implementation of the projects Assist in identifying and obtaining funding

Next Steps Downtown Collaborative is made up of: BOS Open Space Historic Planning Board Business Representative Design Review ARA Facilitator

Next Steps Convene the Downtown Collaborative in October 2013 November 2013 through May 2014: Meet monthly to collaborate on short term projects January 2014 and April 2014 (estimated dates): Public Meetings Spring/Summer 2014: Begin implementation of short term project(s)