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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-05-22 17-185 ORDERCOUNCIL ACTION Item No. 17-185 Date: May 22, 2017 Item/Subject ORDER, Adopting Municipal Development Program and Financial Plan for the Bangor Center Development District Responsible Department: Community & Economic Development Commentary: 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. The purpose of this Order is for the City Council to consider the Program to be implemented for the Bangor Center Development District. The Program has been prepared by the Bangor Center Management Corporation/ Downtown Bangor Partnership. This item was reviewed and recommended for approval by the Business & Economic Development Committee at its May 15, 2017 meeting. Tanya Emery Department Head Manager's Comments: 0-ini� Com. o City Manager Associated Information: Municipal Development Program and Financial Plan attached to CO Budget Approval: Finance Director Legal Approval: Z7W City Soli itor Introduced for X Passage First Reading Page _ of _ Referral Assigned to Councilor Nealley CITY OF BANGOR 17-185 MAY 22, 2017 (TITLE.) ORDER, 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 2018", a copy of which is attached hereto as the development program for the Bangor Center Development District. IN CITY COUNCIL MAY 22, 2017 CO 17-185 MOTION MADE AND SECONDED TO OPEN PUBLIC HEARING PUBLIC HEARING OPENED MOTION MADE AND SECONDED TO CLOSE PUBLIC HERRING PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED MOTION MADE AND SECONDED FOR PASSAGE PASSED D TY CIT CLERK 17-185 MAY 22, 2017 /*NTOk-'�, p Bangor Center Development District Municipal Program and Financial Plan Fiscal Year 2018 FY2017 Summary and FY2018 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 FY2017 and to outline the plans and proposed budget for FY2018 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. We look forward to presenting the full FY2017 Annual Report to City Council upon the fiscal year's completion in July 2017. Executive Summary The fiscal year 2016-2017 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 both a microcosm and bellwether 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 coincided with the launch of a resigned logo for the DBP, and both efforts taken together serve to reintroduce the DBP to the downtown community and refocus its mission. The evolution of Downtown Bangor's brand continued with a marketing collaboration with the City of Bangor. Expanding on its annual "Eat, Shop, Enjoy" holiday marketing campaign, the DBP worked in tandem with the City to produce "Eat, Shop, Enjoy, Ride," which incorporated the Community Connector, free bus fare days, and well-known Bangorians to promote a collective vision. In addition, the DBP went outside normal advertising avenues by wrapping a city bus with a call to action to inspire people to come downtown. This past year saw a continued influx of businesses into Downtown, including craft breweries, a coworking office, martini bar, 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 once again staged in West Market Square, and featured bands hailing from Bangor to Portland. 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 second 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 130 plots "adopted" throughout the streets of Downtown, with an anticipated 200+ volunteer base. Looking to spruce up Pickering Square while its future remains in flux, the Beautification committee also had lights and planters installed in order to make one of Downtown's most underutilized public spaces more welcoming. 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 — Lookina Forward to FY2018 In FY2018, 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 collaborate with a variety of other businesses and stakeholders to produce a creative promotional video that can be used to market Downtown across a wide variety of media, including social media, movie theatres, and traditional TV outlets. 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 to roll out the new membership campaign by going door-to-door and meeting business owners face-to-face. 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 121h annual Cool Sounds Summer Concert Series, this year in Pickering Square and featuring nine consecutive Thursday evenings of local music and 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. Page 2 of 3 The Beautification Committee is looking to Pickering Square, ahead of any major construction overhaul projects, as a next spot for lights, plantings, and more. 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. On the heels of last year's addition of trash cans and recycling bins, Beautification is also in talks to collaborate with Bangor Greendrinks and the City of Bangor on installing Sidewalk Buttlers cigarette receptacles. Proposed Budget FY2018 Income Special Assessment $ 60,791 Sponsorship $ 8,000 Rollover $ 10,000 Total $ 78,791 Net Income $ 10,216 Page 3 of 3 Networking & Outreach $ 500 Beautification $ 2,000 Contract Services $ 33,625 General Administration $ 4,450 Public Safety Officer $ 10,000 Marketing $ 8,000 Events $ 10,000 Total $ 68,575 Net Income $ 10,216 Page 3 of 3