HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-06-11 18-248 Order
06/11/201818-248
06/11/2018
18-248
Community & Economic Development
Order
N/A
Title, Order
Adopting Municipal Development Program and Financial Plan for the Bangor Center Development District
PUBLIC HEARING
Prior to voting on this Order, the Council is required to hold a Public
Hearing on the Municipal Development Program and Financial Plan
for the Bangor Center Development District.
This order will approve a program to be implemented for the Bangor Center Development District. The program has been
prepared by the Bangor Center Management Corporation/ Downtown Bangor Partnership and includes total revenues and
expenditures of $86,438. Revenues are comprised of $63,438 from special assessments and $23,000 from sponsorships
and carryover. Total expenditures are approximately $76,625 for the following purposes:
Networking & Outreach $ 1,000
Beautification $ 3,000
Contract Services $ 33,625
General Administration $ 4,000
Public Safety Officer $ 10,000
Marketing $ 10,000
Events $ 15,000
Total $ 76,625
Net Income $ 9,813
Attachment: Municipal Development Program and Financial Plan
New Business
06/11/201818-248
CITY OF BANGOR ORDER
06/11/2018
18-248
Davitt
Adopting Municipal Development Program and Financial Plan for the Bangor Center Development District
WHEREAS, by action of the City Council, a certain area in the downtown has been designated as a Municipal
Development District, known as the Bangor Center Development District, in accordance with 30-A M.R.S.A. §
5223(1); and
WHEREAS, 30-A M.R.S.A. § 5224(1) requires that the governing body of a Municipality adopt a development
program for each development district; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of the previously established Development District continues to exist and the District
will contribute to the economic growth and well-being of the Municipality, to the betterment of the health,
welfare, and safety of the City of Bangor; and
WHEREAS, the Bangor Center Management Corporation/Downtown Bangor Partnership has recommended a
proposed development program to be adopted by the City Council:
Be it Ordered by the City Council of the City of Bangor that,
in accordance with 30-A M.R.S.A. §§ 5223 and 5224, there is hereby adopted the “Bangor Center
Development District, Municipal Development Program and Financial Plan, Fiscal Year 2019”, a copy of which
is attached hereto as the development program for the Bangor Center Development District.
18-248
JUNE 11, 2018
Bangor Center Development District
Municipal Development Program and Financial Plan
Fiscal Year 2019
FY 2018 Summary and FY 2019 Work Plan
The purpose of this document is to provide a comprehensive yet succinct look at the programs
and projects the Downtown Bangor Partnership (DBP) undertook in FY2018 and to outline the
plans and proposed budget for FY2019 so that the City Council may consider the DBP's
contributions and essential functions in the Downtown District and look favorably on continuing
its support.
We commend the City Council's continuing initiatives to promote Downtown's economic vitality
and cultural excellence, and we hope you agree that the Downtown Bangor Partnership has
made a positive contribution to Downtown development over the past year. We are pleased to be
involved with the transformation of Downtown Bangor to a more vibrant and engaged economic
center and we are focused on maintaining this momentum.
Executive Summar
The fiscal year 2017-2018 was marked by a continued emphasis on Downtown Bangor's critical
role in the future of the City at large. As a center for arts, culture, and commerce, as well as an
exponentially growing residential hub, downtown is an influential microcosm of Bangor's rise as
one of Maine's most dynamic urban environments. To this end, the Downtown Bangor
Partnership helped usher in a year that saw downtown increase its reach and presence to an
ever-expanding audience of stakeholders and investors.
One of the DBP's major initiatives this year was the creation and roll-out of a new membership
program, designed to further foster collaborations between stakeholders. The membership
program, free to businesses and organizations located within the Downtown District, offers
members easy access to the DBP's advocacy, promotional, and marketing efforts, and perhaps
most importantly, keeps members informed on all initiatives, opportunities, and events. This
membership program has brought a total of 71 official DBP members, who receive a set list of
benefits including informational newsletters, diverse marketing opportunities and first -refusal on
all collaborative DBP sponsored events.
The evolution of Downtown Bangor's brand continued with a marketing collaboration with WLBZ
to produce and exclusively market a holiday commercial for Downtown Bangor. Expanding on
its annual "Eat, Shop, Enjoy" holiday marketing campaign, the DBP commercial featured close
to a dozen Downtown businesses and highlighted examples of "Eat, Shop, Enjoy" Downtown.
This past year saw a continued influx of businesses into Downtown, including craft breweries,
restaurants, and specialty and retail shops. An always -expanding diversity of opportunities and
experiences is what has made Downtown Bangor unique for years, and the regular addition of
new shops, organizations, and eateries ensure that evolution is constantly forward -moving.
A continued source of outsider traffic into downtown was Cool Sounds Summer Concert Series,
an annual eight-week free outdoor event. This year's event was staged in Pickering Square,
and featured bands hailing all over Central Maine. A signature free, family friendly event, Cool
Sounds celebrates Downtown vitality and diversity, and offers persuasive incentive for the
community throughout the greater Bangor area to congregate in the heart of the Downtown
District. Another popular draw, the Downtown Countdown New Year's Eve event, licensed to
another downtown non-profit for a third consecutive year, allowed the DBP to focus on its
myriad goals while inspiring creative and economic entities to get in on the action.
The pride of the Downtown Bangor community continued to be exemplified by the DBP's
Beautification Committee and its volunteer -fueled base. Events such as Downtown Clean -Up
Day, Adopt -a -Garden, and the Big Dig helped keep downtown visually appealing and inviting to
visitors. Adopt -a -Garden saw 114 plots "adopted" throughout the streets of Downtown, with an
anticipated 200+ volunteer base. The Beautification Committee also had new trees planted by
Public Works and began a new project displaying temporary Wheatpaste murals throughout
Downtown, with hopes to debut this spring. We continued to see the friendly face of Officer
George Spencer, Downtown's very own beat officer, whose salary is partially funded by the
DBP. Officer Spencer has spent the last year getting to know all of the stakeholders in the
district, and offers both a reassuring and welcoming presence.
Work Plan — Lookin_g Forward to FY2019
In FY2019, the Downtown Bangor Partnership will welcome five new board members, all
representing eclectic backgrounds and bringing a diverse set of skills to the table. New board
members bring experience with advocacy and branding, transportation and walkability
initiatives, business acumen, and community engagement. As the DBP continues to find its
perfect balance of stakeholder advocacy and placemaking, the addition of fresh perspectives
and talents only helps to hone that vision.
The Marketing Committee plans to continue this year's project of the Downtown commercial by
modifying its winter and holiday theme to show shots of spring shoppers, making the
commercial relevant year-round. Next year's goal will be to collaborate with a variety of
businesses and stakeholders including the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce to produce a
Downtown pamphlet which will include not only a map of the Downtown with business listings,
but an overall map of Bangor as well. The scope of this project aims to connect with a much
wider audience, both regionally and beyond. As with all of Marketing's efforts, this project will
endorse Downtown Bangor as a viable and attractive work space, live space, and play space to
future investors and stakeholders.
The Networking & Outreach Committee will continue their efforts with the new membership
campaign by going door-to-door to welcome new businesses to Downtown. Something as
simple as a handshake and an in-person conversation can have a positive impact on community
relations, and the DBP is consciously putting a face to the name. Networking & Outreach will
also continue to hold meetings and public forums to engage stakeholders, as well as
informational and educational sessions. We have seen a tremendous change in the perception
of Downtown over the years, as well as the synergy between stakeholders. Ensuring feedback
from those stakeholders, and providing platforms in which feedback can be delivered and heard,
will be essential to our retention of residents, workers, and property owners, as well as our
forward momentum.
The Events Committee will stage the 13th annual Cool Sounds Summer Concert Series, this
year in Pickering Square and featuring six consecutive Thursday evenings of local music and
Page 2 of 3
food. Events Committee will also continue to seek out and support the many events already
happening within the District, whether it is bringing additional entertainment and attraction to the
Bangor Farmer's Market, or assisting in promotion for large-scale activities like this year's
Winterfest and Downtown Countdown.
The Beautification Committee is looking to bring a new project to Downtown, working with a
collaborative of small, local artists to install a series of Wheatpaste murals to depict Maine flora
and fauna. Currently working with the HPC, this project will be to bring positive attention to
otherwise vacant and undecorated building sides. The goal of this project will be to continue the
temporary murals year after year, featuring local artists' work, and become an attraction of
changing artwork each spring. Also, with the continued popularity of the summertime and
wintertime planting and lighting efforts will once again ensure that all visitors' first impression of
Downtown Bangor is one of positivity and promise.
Proposed Budget FY2019
Income
Special Assessment
$
$
63,438
Sponsorship
3,000
$
8,000
Rollover
General Administration
$
15,000
Total
$
$
86,438
Expenses
Networking & Outreach
$
1,000
Beautification
$
3,000
Contract Services
$
33,625
General Administration
$
4,000
Public Safety Officer
$
10,000
Marketing
$
10,000
Events
$
15,000
Total
$
76,625
Net Income $ 9,813
Page 3 of 3
18-248
JUNE 11, 2018
Bangor Center Development District
Municipal Development Program and Financial Plan
Fiscal Year 2019
FY 2018 Summary and FY 2019 Work Plan
The purpose of this document is to provide a comprehensive yet succinct look at the programs
and projects the Downtown Bangor Partnership (DBP) undertook in FY2018 and to outline the
plans and proposed budget for FY2019 so that the City Council may consider the DBP's
contributions and essential functions in the Downtown District and look favorably on continuing
its support.
We commend the City Council's continuing initiatives to promote Downtown's economic vitality
and cultural excellence, and we hope you agree that the Downtown Bangor Partnership has
made a positive contribution to Downtown development over the past year. We are pleased to be
involved with the transformation of Downtown Bangor to a more vibrant and engaged economic
center and we are focused on maintaining this momentum.
Executive Summar
The fiscal year 2017-2018 was marked by a continued emphasis on Downtown Bangor's critical
role in the future of the City at large. As a center for arts, culture, and commerce, as well as an
exponentially growing residential hub, downtown is an influential microcosm of Bangor's rise as
one of Maine's most dynamic urban environments. To this end, the Downtown Bangor
Partnership helped usher in a year that saw downtown increase its reach and presence to an
ever-expanding audience of stakeholders and investors.
One of the DBP's major initiatives this year was the creation and roll-out of a new membership
program, designed to further foster collaborations between stakeholders. The membership
program, free to businesses and organizations located within the Downtown District, offers
members easy access to the DBP's advocacy, promotional, and marketing efforts, and perhaps
most importantly, keeps members informed on all initiatives, opportunities, and events. This
membership program has brought a total of 71 official DBP members, who receive a set list of
benefits including informational newsletters, diverse marketing opportunities and first -refusal on
all collaborative DBP sponsored events.
The evolution of Downtown Bangor's brand continued with a marketing collaboration with WLBZ
to produce and exclusively market a holiday commercial for Downtown Bangor. Expanding on
its annual "Eat, Shop, Enjoy" holiday marketing campaign, the DBP commercial featured close
to a dozen Downtown businesses and highlighted examples of "Eat, Shop, Enjoy" Downtown.
This past year saw a continued influx of businesses into Downtown, including craft breweries,
restaurants, and specialty and retail shops. An always -expanding diversity of opportunities and
experiences is what has made Downtown Bangor unique for years, and the regular addition of
new shops, organizations, and eateries ensure that evolution is constantly forward -moving.
A continued source of outsider traffic into downtown was Cool Sounds Summer Concert Series,
an annual eight-week free outdoor event. This year's event was staged in Pickering Square,
and featured bands hailing all over Central Maine. A signature free, family friendly event, Cool
Sounds celebrates Downtown vitality and diversity, and offers persuasive incentive for the
community throughout the greater Bangor area to congregate in the heart of the Downtown
District. Another popular draw, the Downtown Countdown New Year's Eve event, licensed to
another downtown non-profit for a third consecutive year, allowed the DBP to focus on its
myriad goals while inspiring creative and economic entities to get in on the action.
The pride of the Downtown Bangor community continued to be exemplified by the DBP's
Beautification Committee and its volunteer -fueled base. Events such as Downtown Clean -Up
Day, Adopt -a -Garden, and the Big Dig helped keep downtown visually appealing and inviting to
visitors. Adopt -a -Garden saw 114 plots "adopted" throughout the streets of Downtown, with an
anticipated 200+ volunteer base. The Beautification Committee also had new trees planted by
Public Works and began a new project displaying temporary Wheatpaste murals throughout
Downtown, with hopes to debut this spring. We continued to see the friendly face of Officer
George Spencer, Downtown's very own beat officer, whose salary is partially funded by the
DBP. Officer Spencer has spent the last year getting to know all of the stakeholders in the
district, and offers both a reassuring and welcoming presence.
Work Plan — Lookin_g Forward to FY2019
In FY2019, the Downtown Bangor Partnership will welcome five new board members, all
representing eclectic backgrounds and bringing a diverse set of skills to the table. New board
members bring experience with advocacy and branding, transportation and walkability
initiatives, business acumen, and community engagement. As the DBP continues to find its
perfect balance of stakeholder advocacy and placemaking, the addition of fresh perspectives
and talents only helps to hone that vision.
The Marketing Committee plans to continue this year's project of the Downtown commercial by
modifying its winter and holiday theme to show shots of spring shoppers, making the
commercial relevant year-round. Next year's goal will be to collaborate with a variety of
businesses and stakeholders including the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce to produce a
Downtown pamphlet which will include not only a map of the Downtown with business listings,
but an overall map of Bangor as well. The scope of this project aims to connect with a much
wider audience, both regionally and beyond. As with all of Marketing's efforts, this project will
endorse Downtown Bangor as a viable and attractive work space, live space, and play space to
future investors and stakeholders.
The Networking & Outreach Committee will continue their efforts with the new membership
campaign by going door-to-door to welcome new businesses to Downtown. Something as
simple as a handshake and an in-person conversation can have a positive impact on community
relations, and the DBP is consciously putting a face to the name. Networking & Outreach will
also continue to hold meetings and public forums to engage stakeholders, as well as
informational and educational sessions. We have seen a tremendous change in the perception
of Downtown over the years, as well as the synergy between stakeholders. Ensuring feedback
from those stakeholders, and providing platforms in which feedback can be delivered and heard,
will be essential to our retention of residents, workers, and property owners, as well as our
forward momentum.
The Events Committee will stage the 13th annual Cool Sounds Summer Concert Series, this
year in Pickering Square and featuring six consecutive Thursday evenings of local music and
Page 2 of 3
food. Events Committee will also continue to seek out and support the many events already
happening within the District, whether it is bringing additional entertainment and attraction to the
Bangor Farmer's Market, or assisting in promotion for large-scale activities like this year's
Winterfest and Downtown Countdown.
The Beautification Committee is looking to bring a new project to Downtown, working with a
collaborative of small, local artists to install a series of Wheatpaste murals to depict Maine flora
and fauna. Currently working with the HPC, this project will be to bring positive attention to
otherwise vacant and undecorated building sides. The goal of this project will be to continue the
temporary murals year after year, featuring local artists' work, and become an attraction of
changing artwork each spring. Also, with the continued popularity of the summertime and
wintertime planting and lighting efforts will once again ensure that all visitors' first impression of
Downtown Bangor is one of positivity and promise.
Proposed Budget FY2019
Income
Special Assessment
$
$
63,438
Sponsorship
3,000
$
8,000
Rollover
General Administration
$
15,000
Total
$
$
86,438
Expenses
Networking & Outreach
$
1,000
Beautification
$
3,000
Contract Services
$
33,625
General Administration
$
4,000
Public Safety Officer
$
10,000
Marketing
$
10,000
Events
$
15,000
Total
$
76,625
Net Income $ 9,813
Page 3 of 3
IN CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 11, 2018
CO 18-248
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED FOR PASSAGE
PASSED
4-„,
CITY CLERK