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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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)

6. 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:

7. 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.

8. 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”

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. 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

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

14. 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)