main street bath and city of bath...yet there is also value in picking themes and drafting...

MainStreetBathandCityofBath

Report of Findings from

Downtown Visioning Meetings and Facebook

PreparedbyGoodGroupDecisions

May9,2018

98MaineStreet,Brunswick,Maine,04011207-729-5607www.GoodGroupDecisions.com

GoodGroupDecisions

Contents About...................................................................................................................................................1

Conclusions........................................................................................................................................5

Assets.............................................................................................................................................................................5

Challenges...................................................................................................................................................................6

Vision.............................................................................................................................................................................7

Input....................................................................................................................................................9

CommunityInputMeeting,March3...............................................................................................................9

DowntownMerchantsInputMeeting,March5.....................................................................................22

BathHousingInputMeeting,March5........................................................................................................27

BathAreaNonprofitsInputMeeting,April2..........................................................................................29

FacebookDowntownTomorrowPageComments...............................................................................35

OtherWrittenInput.............................................................................................................................................36

AppendixA:Opening&ClosingRemarksfromMarch3CommunityInputMeeting..38

AppendixB:GroundRulesforInputMeetings......................................................................41

AppendixC:Fall2017SurveyResultsSummary...................................................................42

Main Street Bath and City of Bath - Report of Findings from Downtown Visioning Meetings and Facebook 1

Report prepared by Good Group Decisions, May 9, 2018

About MainStreetBathhaspartneredwiththeCityofBathtogatherinputanddevelopavisionfordowntownBath.TheCitywillusethevisiontohelpguidetheupcomingrevisionoftheCity’sComprehensiveplan.MainStreetBathwillusethevisiontohelpguidedevelopmentofitsstrategicplan.ThestrategicplanningprocessisbeingoverseenbytheStrategicPlanningCommitteeoftheMainStreetBathBoard:

• AndrewDeci

• MariEosco

• GretchenJaeger

• SallyJohnstone

• MarcMeyers

• WillNeilson

CraigFreshley,KerriSands,andAmyScottofGoodGroupDecisionsinBrunswickwerehiredtoassistwithprocessdesign,stakeholderinputgathering,meetingfacilitation,andpreparingawrittendraftofthestrategicplan.Aspartofthestrategicplanningprocess,Craig,Kerri,andAmygatheredinputfromavarietyofstakeholderstohelpdevelopavisionforDowntownBath.Inputwasgatheredinthefollowingways:

1. CommunityInputMeeting,March3

A3-hourcommunitymeetingwasheldonMarch3,2018,togatherinputfromresidentsofBathandsurroundingtowns.Approximately160peopleattended.Fourmaintopicswereaddressedinthemeeting:

o WhatWeLoveandWanttoKeep§ WhatdoweloveaboutdowntownBath;thosethingsthatwanttobe

sureandpreserveandgrow?Whatdowelikeaboutourstores,oursidewalks,ourevents,ourbuildings?Whataboutlesstangiblethingslikehowourdowntown“feels,”howweinteractwitheachother,orhowothersthinkofus?Whataboutourreputationdowewanttomaintainandgrow?

o WhatWeWanttoChange§ Whatdowewishweredifferentorbetter;thosethingsthatwewant

toseeimproved?Wouldwelikeourdowntowntolookdifferent?Functiondifferentlyintermsofcar,foot,orbiketraffic?Wouldwelikeadifferentmixofstores?Restaurants?Services?Howaboutpeoplelivinginthedowntown?Orvisitingdowntown?Orworkingdowntown?Whatwouldweliketoseechange?

o ADraftVisionforDowntownBatho HowtoDrivetheVision



§ WhatarethemostimportantthingsthatMainStreetBathshoulddoinordertohelpachievethevision?WhatisitmostimportantfortheCitytodo?

Duringthemeeting,CraigandAmycapturednotesonthescreentoreflectparticipants’commentsandidentifythemes.

2. CommunityInputMeeting–WrittenComments

AttheMarch3CommunityInputMeeting,smallgroupsweregivenpaperformstoprovidewritteninputaboutWhatWeLoveandWanttoKeep,WhatWeWanttoChange,andHowtoDrivetheVision.Eachsmallgroupidentifiedseveraltopideasinresponsetoeachofthethreequestions.MainStreetBathboardmemberSallyJohnstonetranscribedthetopideasfromthesubmittedforms.

3. DowntownMerchantsInputMeeting,March5

OnMarch5,a1.5-hourmeetingwasheldtogatherinputfromdowntownmerchants.Approximately25peopleattended.Thefollowingquestionswereaddressedinthemeeting:

a. WhatdoyouvaluemostaboutdowntownBath?b. HowwouldyoulikedowntownBathtochangeoverthenexttenyears?c. Whateventsdoyouthinkarebestforbath?d. WhatwouldyouliketochangeaboutdowntownBathevents?e. Aretherenewtypesofeventsorspecificeventsthatyouwouldlike?f. Whatdoyouthinkaboutthemixofstoresinthedowntown?g. WhatdoyouthinkabouttheservicesavailableindowntownBath?h. Whataboutstorehours?Wouldyoulikethemtochange?Ifsohow?i. Whatabouthowdowntownispromoted?Whatwouldyouliketochange?j. AnyadviceforMainStreetBathonhowtobettersupportdowntown?

Duringthemeeting,CraigandKerricapturednotesonthescreentoreflectparticipants’commentsandidentifythemes.

4. BathHousingInputMeeting,March5

OnMarch5,a1.5-hourmeetingwasheldtogatherinputfromresidentsofBath.Approximately5peopleattended.Thefollowingquestionswereaddressedinthemeeting:

a. WhatdoyouvaluemostaboutdowntownBath?

§ Whydoyoulivehere?Orvisithere?Orworkhere?b. HowwouldyoulikedowntownBathtochangeoverthenexttenyears?

§ Wouldyoulikeittolookdifferent?Ifso,how?c. Whateventsdoyouthinkarebestforbath?

§ Andwhy?WhatkindsofeventsdoyouliketogotoindowntownBath?



d. WhatwouldyouliketochangeaboutdowntownBathevents?e. Whatdoyouthinkaboutthemixofstoresinthedowntown?

§ Aretherekindsofstoresyou’dliketoseeopening?Orclosing?Ordifferent?

f. WhatdoyouthinkabouttheservicesavailableindowntownBath?§ Arethereadditionalservicesthatyou’dliketoseeoffered?

g. AnyadviceforMainStreetBathonhowtobettersupportdowntown?Duringthemeeting,CraigandKerricapturednotesonthescreentoreflectparticipants’commentsandidentifythemes.

5. BathAreaNonprofitsInputMeeting,April2

OnApril2,a1.5-hourmeetingwasheldtogatherinputfromBathareanonprofitorganizations.Approximately25peopleattended.Thefollowingquestionswereaddressedinthemeeting:

a. WhatdoyouvaluemostaboutdowntownBath?b. HowwouldyoulikedowntownBathtochangeoverthenexttenyears?c. Whateventsdoyouthinkarebestforbath?d. WhatwouldyouliketochangeaboutdowntownBathevents?e. Aretherenewtypesofeventsorspecificeventsthatyouwouldlike?f. Whatdoyouthinkaboutthemixofstoresinthedowntown?g. WhatdoyouthinkabouttheservicesavailableindowntownBath?h. Whatabouthowdowntownispromoted?Whatwouldyouliketochange?i. AnyadviceforMainStreetBathonhowtobettersupportdowntown?

Duringthemeeting,CraigandKerricapturednotesonthescreentoreflectparticipants’commentsandidentifythemes.

6. IndividualStakeholderInterviews,March2-26

BetweenMarch2andMarch23,CraigFreshleyinterviewed9individuals.ThelistofintervieweeswasdevelopedbytheMainStreetBathStrategicPlanningCommitteeandeachpersonwasprovidedwiththequestionsinadvance.Mostinterviewsweredonebyphoneandsomeinperson.Interviewslastedbetween25and60minutes.Craigaskedthefollowinginterviewquestions:

a. WhatdoyouvaluemostaboutdowntownBath?§ Inotherwords,what’sspecialaboutdowntownBaththatweshould

besuretomaintain?b. Whatopportunitiesandchallengesdoyouthinkthedowntownfaces?c. HowwouldyoulikedowntownBathtochangeoverthenexttenyears?

§ Specifically:Wouldyoulikeittolookdifferent?Ifso,how?WhatwouldyouliketochangeaboutdowntownBathevents?



Aretherekindsofstoresorservicesyou’dliketoseeopening?Orclosing?

d. Intenyearsfromnow,whatwouldyoulikedowntownBathtobeknownfor?§ Inotherwords,whatshouldbeourreputation?Peoplewouldsay,

"DowntownBathistheplacewhere____________.”e. IfyouarefamiliarwithMainStreetBath,asanorganization,doyouhaveany

adviceforusonhowwecanbettersupportthedowntown?

TheresultsoftheseinterviewsweresharedwiththeMainStreetBathBoardofDirectorsandarenotincludedinthisreport.Whencommentsweresharedwiththeboardtheywereorganizedbytopicandallcommentswereprovidedanonymouslywithnoattribution.

7. FacebookDowntownTomorrowPageComments

AFacebookGroupcalled“DowntownTomorrow”wasestablishedandattracted389membersandover600comments.Commentswereactivelymoderatedandanswerstospecificquestionswereencouraged;questionssimilartowhatwasaskedinthecommunityinputmeeting,stakeholderinputmeetings,andtelephoneinterviews.AllcommentsmadeduringJanuary,February,andMarch,2018wereanalyzedandthemeswerediscernedbasedonthemostcommontypesofcomments.Clickheretoviewallthecomments:https://www.facebook.com/groups/DowntownTomorrow/

8. OtherWrittenInput

Throughouttheprocess,allparticipantswereencouragedtoprovidewritteninputbyemail.AsofthedeadlineofApril4,2018,threeindividualshadprovidedcomments.



Conclusions Thereisadangerintryingtodrawconclusionsfromsuchavastamountofinput.Wehave

heardfromsomanypeopleonsomanydifferenttopics.Andwithsomuchpassion!Topick

justafewtopthemesortodraftjustafewparagraphsissuretoleavethingsout.

Yetthereisalsovalueinpickingthemesanddraftingconclusions.Itletseveryoneseewhat

risestothetop;whatseemedtobementionedthemost.Sofromaneutralperspectivewehave

triedtoidentifythethingsweheardmostoftenandwiththemostconviction;temperedwith

adashof“whatmakessense.”Andwehavetriedtofocusonassetsandchallengesthatwe

havelocalinfluenceoverandhaveintentionallyomittedstate-wideandnationalassetsand

challenges.Heregoes.

Assets

Bricks and Mortar TheenduringthingthatBathhasgoingforitisthedowntownbuildings,thehistorytheyrepresent,andtherivertheyoverlook.Thesearethebones.Thefoundation.ThestructuralelementsofBaththattranscendgenerations.Peoplelovethelookandfeelofthedowntownbuildingsandtheywaytheyareconfiguredsoclosetogether.Peoplelovethattheyreflectthemaritimehistoryofthecity.Peoplelovethatthecityisbytheriver.

Sense of Community PeoplelovethatBathiswelcoming,safe,andinclusive.“Newcomersgetadoptedquick,”someonesaid.“Myeleven-year-oldcanridehisbikedowntown,”someoneelsesaid.PeopleinBathknoweachotherandhelpeachotherandvolunteer.Peopleshowupanddostuffforthegoodofthecommunity.

Mix of People Bathisnotjustabouttouristsorjustaboutresidents.It’snotjustafactorycommunityorjustabedroomcommunity.Thepeoplearenotjustnativesorjustnewcomers.Thehousingisnotjusthighpricedorjustaffordable.ThepeopleofBatharearichmixofdifferenttypesofpeopleallsharingthesamecommunity.Bathdoesnotputonairs.Itiswhatitis.Wearewhoweare.Itisanauthenticplacewithrealpeople;allofus.

Economic Diversity TheBatheconomyissupportedinanimpressivevarietyofways.OfcourseBIWisahugedriverofeconomicactivityandcurrentlyalmost500BIWemployeesliveintheCityof



Bath.YettheMaineMaritimeMuseumandotherattractionsdrawthousandsofvisitors.Uniquespecialtystoresdelightvisitorsyetthedowntownalsohasagrocerystore,adrugstore,andadepartmentstorewherelocalpeoplebuyeverydaygoods.ShopdowntownBathforTiffanydiamondsandCarharttjeans.

The City and Main Street Bath Peoplearelookingoutforthedowntown;caringaboutitsfutureandpayingattentiontopreservingandgrowingthegoodthingswehave.Twoinstitutionsinparticularareworthyofcallingout.CityHallislocatedatthecrossroadsofdowntownandcityofficials,bothelectedandappointed,areconsistentlysupportiveofpro-downtowninitiatives.Inaddition,Bathhasanorganizationwhoseveryjobitistopreserve,nurture,anddevelopthedowntown:MainStreetBath.

Challenges

Building Ownership Over¾ofdowntownbuildingsareownedandmanagedbyasingleowner.It’sknownthattheownerplanstosell.SagadahocRealEstateAssociationhasplayedakeyroleformanyyearsbydeliberatelymanagingthetypesoftenantsindowntownbuildings.Further,theownerhasnotbeenburdenedbymortgageinterestandhasintentionallykeptrentsaffordable.It’shardtoseehownewownerswillbeabletomaintainorreplicatetheseconditions.

Taxes Bathpropertytaxesarehighrelativetosurroundingcommunities.ThisservesasadetrimenttopeoplechoosingBathasaplacetoliveandthreatenslong-timelow-incomeresidentswithhavingtoleave.

Misperceptions WhileweheardnoevidencethatthereisanythingactuallywrongwithBathschools–andweheardmanygoodthingsabouttheschools–weheardmanycommentsthataddtoagenerallypoorperceptionoftheschools.Similarly,thereseemtobemisperceptionsaboutotherBathinstitutionsalso.Whetherrealorimagined,negativemisperceptionsserveasadetrimenttopeoplemovingtoBathandvisitingBath.



Coordination and Communications Thereisalotofnonprofit,community-based,andcommunity-serviceactivitygoingoninBath!Thismakesitextrahardforsomeonetounderstandwhat’shappeningwhen,andforwho.Anditincreasestheriskofduplication,competition,andinefficiency.Currently,coordinationofandcommunicationaboutallsuchactivitiesislacking.

Vision AttheCommunityInputMeetingofMarch3,facilitatorCraigFreshleydraftedavision

statementonthespotbasedonwhatheheard.Youcanfindthatdraftlaterinthereport.

BelowisarefinedvisionstatementdraftedbyCraigbasedonallthatheheard,designedto

includeamuchwiderrangeofopinions,manyofwhichweheardinwaysotherthanatthe

March3meeting.ThisstatementisnotdesignedtoincludeeverythingthatwehopeBathwill

become,butratherprovideanambitiousyetrealisticrepresentationofourtopaspirations;a

vision,notapromise.

Imagineit’s10yearsfromnow.DowntownBathlooksmuchasisdoestoday,muchasithaslookedformanyyears,yetevenmorevitalandactive.Notonlyarethestreet-levelretailspacesfilledbutpeopleliveupstairs.Theupperfloorsoftheolddowntownbuildingsarelargelyrenovated,handicapaccessible,andfilledwithbothresidentsandservicebusinesses.DowntownBathhasbecomeknownasnotonlyagreatplacetoshopbutagreatplacetolive.Manypeoplelivingdowntownworknearbyortakepublictransportationtojobs.Theyareokaywithhavingacarparkedashortdistanceaway,orhavenocaratall.ManypropertiesindowntownBathhavechangedownershipandthenewownersarecommunity-mindedandinitforthelongrun.Thereisnotwidescaleredevelopmentbutratherthoughtful,incrementalrenovationandimprovementstodowntownproperties.Retailrentshaveincreasedtosupportincreasedinvestment,buthigherfoottrafficsupportshigherlevelsofcommerceandforthemostpartretailmerchantsstayandthrive.Housesallaroundthedowntownhavebecomerenovatedorarebeingrenovatedbyyoungfamiliesandbyretirees.Thesearepeoplewhovaluelivingclosetothedowntownandarewillingtoinvestinolder,relativelyaffordablehomesandfixthemup.It’spartofthe“do-it-yourself”cultureofBath.YetthereisalsonewhousinginandneardowntownBaththatallowspeopletoageinplace.Althoughnotnecessarilysubsidized,suchnewhousingisrelativelyaffordable,accessible,andlowmaintenance.ThepropertyoftheoldYMCAandsoontobeavailablehighschoolpropertymightbecomesuchhousing.



Thedo-it-yourselfcultureispartofthemakerculturethatBathhasbecomeknownfor.Thereissharedmakerspacebythewaterfrontwhereartistsandcraftspeopleofalltypesmakeandsellthingstolocalsandthroughwholesalechannels.BuildingthingsonthewaterfrontisnothingnewfortheCityofShips;yetit’snowbeingdoneinnewways,calledthecreativeeconomy.Thiscultureattracts25-40year-oldsandyoungfamilies.WaterfrontParkremainsakeydowntownfeatureyetitismoreactivewitheventsandmighthaveasmallplayground;oneoftwonewdowntownplaygrounds,withtheotherpossiblybeingatLibraryPark.ThepropertiesbetweenWaterfrontParkandthebridgearenewlydevelopedandbustlingwithactivity.PeoplefromneighboringtownsvisitBathjusttovisitthewaterfront.WaterfrontParkfoodtruckshavelonglinesonsummerevenings;withlivemusicintheairfromanearbystage.HeritageDayscontinuesasthelargestandmostsuccessfulevent.Althoughitcontinuestodrawselectcriticismitbringsmanypeopletothedowntownandmanypeoplesecretlyloveit,soitendures.Therearealsoseveralnewandsmallereventsforfamiliessuchasmoviesinthepark.ThenewBathHighSchoolhashelpedturnthetideofimpressionsaboutBathSchools.Adeliberateoutreachcampaignhasalsohelped.Realtorsaretellingprospectivehomebuyershowgreattheschoolsystemisandweincreasinglyhearofpeoplemovingherespecificallyfortheschools.MisperceptionsofotherBathinstitutionsandorganizationshavealsobeencorrectedandthereareno“lingeringnegativemyths.”PeoplevisitdowntownBathfromawaybecauseithasahistoryyoucantouchandfeel.Andithasavibrancyyoucanexperience.Thereispublicartonthestreets.Therearefriendlyownersandstaffinthestores.Youdon’tjustbuythingsoreatthingsorseethingsinBath,youexperiencethings.PeoplevisitdowntownBathfromnearbyneighborhoodsandfromnearbytownsbecause,inadditiontoprovidingafunandwarmexperience,ithaseverythingweneedataffordableprices.Andyoucanfindaplacetoparkandfindyourwayaround.Itisextremelybike-friendlywithbikelanesandbikeracksandcourteousdrivers.Thesidewalksandcrosswalksaresafeforpedestrians.ThepeopleofBathareconnectedtoeachother.Newcomersarenotjustwelcomedbutadopted.Businessownersdon’tjustgivemoney,theygiveheart.Nonprofitandcommunityorganizationsarewaymorethanasafetynet;theyarethecommunityfabricsupportedbypeoplewholovetovolunteer.DowntownBathcontinuestobewell-knownandcherishedforhowitlooks;thehistoricbuildings,thevibrantshops,thewaterviews.Anditcontinuestobewell-knownandcherishedforhowitfeels;acommunityofauthenticpeoplewhoknoweachother,careforeachother,andjustdostuffforthedowntowntheylove.



Input

Community Input Meeting, March 3

What We Love and Want to Keep

Themes

• Vibrantcommunityo Friendlyo FamilyFriendlyo Livelyfamily-friendlyculturalsceneo Morevenuestosupportthat—economicandsocialstabilityo “Youcanliveherelikewedidwhenwewerekids”o Safe

• Economicdiversityandvibrancy

• Uniqueness—BIWandquainttownexistingtogether

• Walkable

• EmbraceourHistoryo CityofShips

§ Important,butthisisacommunity-basedcity§ Encourageinvolvementbythecommunityinthecommunity

o Shipbuildingo Diversearchitecture

• Historyofadoptingoutsiderso Allpeoplefeelthattheybelongo Kind

• GreenCityo Maintaintrees,newtrees,keepparks

• Waterfrontaccessibility/Riverasfocalpointo Keepthedowntownopentotheriver—preservetheviewo Gatheringspaceo WaterfrontParkforallageso Aspaceforcommunitygathering(freightshedandwaterfrontpark)o Morebusinessesthatinteractwiththerivero Boatlaunches

• YourdestinationinMaine.o WhatdifferentiatesBathfromeverywhereelseo GatewaytoMid-Coast—viariverorroado MaritimeMuseumo Fordaytrips,too

• Affordabilityo Youcanliveherewithinyourmeans



o Youcanbepartofthecommunitynomatterwhoyouare

• Communityandculturalorganizationso FarmersMarketo TheFreightshed

• Working,year-rounddowntowno Morebusinessesingeneral,moretodohere/placestostayo GeneralStorefortheentireregion—venueforwhateveryouneedo BusinessesofferExperiencesANDRetailANDSocial

§ Supportcommunityinstitutions—partnering§ NonprofitandFor-Profitworkwelltogether§ Mutualeconomicandsocialsupport

o GreatercommunitysupportsBath—surroundingcommunities

• Diverseoutdoorrecreationopportunities

What We Want to Change

Themes

• Increaseeveninglifedowntowno Drop-incentero Coffeehouseo Adultsandteenagerso “Wework”space—cloudport—sharedworkingspace

§ Rentforoneortwohourso Movieso Affordableevents(Lessthan$10)o Newtypesofeventsthataremorediverseforlocalcommunity

• Varietyofconcertsinthewaterfrontparkandothervenues

• Bewelcomingo Increasediversityo AttractiveplacefornewMainerso Attractivetoyoungpeople

• Playground

• LibraryopenonSunday

• OneSaturdaypermonth,accesscityservices,likethedump,getyourtag,etc.

• Keep/increaseaffordablehousingdowntowno Higherdensityhousingneardowntowno Increasemid-incomeseniorhousingo Thirdfloorhousingindowntown—butwhereistheparking?

• Economicviabilityofdowntownbusiness/buildingownerso Communityspaceonsecondfloors—requiresadirectortomanage

somethinglikethat



o Newbusinesses—Bakery,restaurant,Mexican,Italian,flowershop,foodtrucks

o Affordableshopso Sportsrentalequipment(bikes,iceskates,affordable)o Businessesopenyear-roundandallweek(Sundays,too)

• Transportation/Walkability/Bikes/Connectivity:o ShuttlebustoPophamBeach(noparkingthere)o Parkinggarageo WaterTaxio Improvesidewalksforsafetyo Walkingmallwithouttraffic(SummerSt.andElmSt.)o Biketraffic—increase

§ Canconnectculturalhubsintownviabikelanes/boulevards§ Canencouragebiketraffic

o Route209:movetoWashingtonSt.,betterlinkbetweenSouthBathandDowntown

o Connecttosystemoftrails—DowntowntootherpartsofBatho Walkwaysandconnectiontocondoso Corridortoconnecthighschooltodowntown

• Parkabovethewater—highlineopportunity(oldtrainbridgeturnedintoanabovegroundpark)—Foodtrucksthere

• Expandeddefinitionofdowntown—moreregionalizationofBathasaservicecenter

• ExpandideaofwhatMainSt.is—connectiontoorganizations

• Increasemedicalservices

• IncludeBIWincommunityorganizations—goodneighbor

• Betterlinkbetweenschoolsystemandcommunity

• Energyandsustainability(heatedsidewalks)o Accessibletoeveryone—transportation,affordablehousing

Our Vision for Downtown Tomorrow

Draft Vision Craigsharedadraftvisiononthescreenforthegrouptoconsider,basedonalltheinputheardsofartoday.Heaskedforpeople’sreactionstothisfirstdraft:

Imagineit’s5-10yearsfromnow…….DowntownBaththrivesbecauseherpeoplelovetheirlittlecity.Thefun,feel,andconvenienceofthedowntownisonereasonpeoplelivehere.It’stheplacewewanttoraiseourkids.Andourgrand-kids.



PeoplevisitBathbecauseit’saperfectlittleMaineCitybytheseawithahistoryyoucantouchandfeel.ThehistoricbuildingsclusteredandthroughouttheCity,withwaterviews,aresnapshotsofcharm.Theriveranchorsourpastandourfuture.ThereissomuchtodoinBathforresidentsandvisitorsalike.Youdon’tjustbuythingsoreatthingsorseethingsinBath,youexperiencethings.Waymorethanshoppingandeating,residentsandworkersexperienceculturaleventsinmanyways;inourhistoricbuildingsandoutsideinourparksandonourtrails.Bathisacityforallagesandallincomes.Downtownhousingencouragesdiversity.Downtownstoresandeventscatertoallabilitiesandalltastes.Andbusinessesthrivehereonthefoundationofasolidcustomerbase.OurCityisaccessiblewithadequateparking,safesidewalks,andfriendlyfeaturesforbikes.ThepeopleofBathareconnectedtoeachother.Newcomersarenotjustwelcomedbutadopted.Businessownersdon’tjustgivemoney,theygiveheart.Nonprofitandcommunityorganizationsarewaymorethanasafetynet;theyarethecommunityfabricsupportedbypeoplewholovetovolunteer.

Craigmadeafewcommentsashereadthedraftoutloudtothegroup:

• Genderofthecity—cityofships,whichhavegenderso Youcandecide

• It’salittleflowery.Iknowyou’regoingtochangethesewords.o Rememberwhatvisitorsthink.o Tryingtocapturetheexperience.

Discussion Comments

Participantsofferedthefollowingcommentsonthisfirstdraftofavisionstatement:

• Change“sea”to“river”.

• Residentsand“workers”isimportant—workersarenotvisitorsbutmaynotbelivinghere.

• Ilikethefirstparagraph.Itcapturedthekindoffeelandsafetyofaplacewhereyouwantlive.

• Addtothesecondsentence:Thefun,feel,andconvenienceofthedowntownisonereasonpeoplelive,workandestablishtheirbusinesseshere.”

• Authenticity—notsurethiscapturesit.o Focusesonvisitorstoomuch.o FocusonUSinstead—thosecharacteristicsthatmakeitagreatplacetolive

arewhatwillattractpeoplehere.

• Authentic—Almost“it’sawonderfullife-esque.”Reallyneedtosaythat.

• Let’saddinthatthisisaplacewewanttoraiseourkidsbecausewe’reknownforourtop-ratedschoolsin5-10years.Thatwouldbegreat.



• MaineMaritimereliesonvisitors.Weneedtoincludevisitorstosustainallthesegreatthingswewanttoofferinthecommunity.Investmentiscriticaltokeepallthesethingsgoing.

• Raisingkidsisenough—don’tinclude“grandkids”o Add—"livelifeandlovelife.”o Expandinclusivenessandattitudebeyondjustthroughhousing.

• Missing:Connectivityandaccessibilityofdowntownarea.o Walkways,bikepaths,fromdowntowntoHS,trails,YMCA,otherpartsof

community,etc.

• Genuinelyfriendly.Genuinelyinclusive.Inadditiontoauthentic.

• Cherishhistory.Don’tlosethat.

• Thoseofusheretodayrepresentahigherincomepopulationinthecommunity.Wehaveahugelow-incomepopulationhereandweneedtotakeneedsofthatpopulationintoconsideration.

• Wewanttoattractpeopletoseethetownthatwelivein.Whendrivinguproute1,whatmakesusdifferent?

o Diversityofeconomyo BIWbiggestindustrialemployeeo Morethanjusttheshipyard—it’salsothefutureofshipbuildingo Uniqueandreal—highlightthosethings

• Homogeneousgrouptoday.Buttheprocessincludesotherwaystogetinput:o Facebookgroupo Severalsmallgroupmeetingshappeningtoo

• Bathbuildonthedaysofsail,beforerailroadsandcarsandcarseparatedzoneso Havesomethingtoofferthatmorepeoplewanttodayo Mixeduses

• Bathhasalwaysbeenastewardofourcommunityo Ownershipofourdowntown

• IwantBathtobetheplacewheremykidscomebacktoliveandraisetheirfamilies.Ilikedincludingthegrandkidsinthestatement.

• RelationshiptotheRivero Accesstothecityandtheriver.Notalotofdockspace.Nocommerce

establishedforpeopletostopintoBath.o Allthisspacehere.WanttoencourageboattraffictostopinBath.

• Bathisaworkingcity.Oneoftheeconomicenginesofthestate.Morejobsherethanresidents.Authenticity.Recognizednationally.

• Peoplechosetolivehere.Theydon’tputupwithlivinghere.



How to Drive the Vision CraigaskedparticipantswhattheythoughtMainStreetBathandtheCityshoulddotohelpdrivethisvision.Belowarecommentscapturedonthescreen:

• Generalo DowntownBathisgood!o Maintaingoodandopencommunicationso Providealternativetransportation,busroutes,connectors

§ Bettermarkedtrolleyandbusstopso Affordablehousingo BewelcomingtotheDowneaster

§ Makesureourtrainstationisreallywelcoming,agatewaytoBaththatwe’reproudof

o Long-range§ Bemoreinvolvedineconomicdevelopment§ Takeintoaccountenvironmentalplanning

• Sealevelrise§ Considerassets,suchasbridge

o Asacity,beknownforandplantobeasustainablecommunity,worktowardenergyindependence

o Hearfromeveryone—gotowherepeoplearetogettheirinputo Useahumantonetoshowouridentityandourvalues.Shareourstoryand

invitepeopletojoinustobuildourcommunity.Heart.o Workaspirationalenergyintothevisionstatement.Keepadoablepaceof

workbutincludebigplans.o Embracetoday’stechnology

§ City-widewifi§ Considerhowpeopleareactuallyworkingtoday

o Startayouthchamberofcommerce—getouryouthintothedowntownworkingwithbusinesses

o Havetheopportunitytotakerisks,trynewthings,beinnovatorsandearlyadopters

• MainStreetBatho It’sallofus!Needsmoreparticipation—includesurroundingcommunities.o Broadenitsscope—community-widemodel—maybeanauxiliarymodelo KeepastrongMainSt.inBatho Solicitmorevolunteers,stewards,support,resourcestodoallthisworko InsistonpartnershipandinputfromRSU1,BIW—beactiveneighborso Setprioritiesandatimeframeo Keepengagementgoingtobemoreinclusive,increasediversity,moreideas

andvoices



o WeneedtodoamuchbetterjobofexplainingwhatMainStreetdoesandwhatwecontributetothecommunity,regardlessofourfuturevisionandstrategy.

o Wealsoneedtoletpeopleknowthatvolunteersarewelcometostepupandparticipate,buttheyhavetovolunteertheirinterestversuswaittobeinvited.

• TheCityofBatho LiaisontoBIW—theyarepartofourcityo Communicatetotheoutsideworld—we’reopenforbusiness,offerresources

§ Createa“WelcometoBath,”likewehadfornewresidents§ Waystogarnernewrevenues§ MarkettoNY,Boston,bringmorepeoplehere

o Weekend/nighthourstodocitybusiness

Community Input Meeting – Top Ideas from Written Comments

What We Love and Want to Keep WhatdoweloveaboutDowntownBath-thosethingsthatwewanttobesureandpreserve

andgrow?Whatdowelikeaboutourstores,oursidewalks,ourevents,ourbuildings?What

aboutlesstangiblethingslikehowourdowntownfeels,howweinteractwitheachother,or

howothersthinkofus?Whataboutourreputationdowewanttomaintainandgrow?

• Preservelookandfeelandwalkability

• Keepdowntownfullandvibrant

• Year-roundcommunityandactivities

• Fundamentalphilosophies!

• Varietyofamenities;farmersmarket,shopsformostneeds,walkability

• Friendlyandinvitingatmospherethatallowsforeffortlessinteractionswithfellowcommunitymembers

• Walkabilityandskillofdowntown

• Businessownersarefriendlyandcareaboutthetown

• Varietyofstores

• Sidewalk/parksnearby

• Livability

• Embracetheriver

• Communitysenseofspirit,volunteerism



• Shopsaregearedtoyear-roundresidentsalsoappealedtotouristsandvisitors

• Walkability

• Communityspaces-library,waterfrontpark,freightshed

• Concertseriesonwaterfront,atlibraryandYMCA

• Welcomingnurturingcommunity

• Walkable

• Goodsize

• Anothertypeofvenueformovies,dance,theater

• Bikerack

• Expandwaterfrontpark(waterfrontwalkwayplans?)

• Genuinewarmth

• Familyownedbusinessesworkingyearround

• Affordability(housing)

• Varietyofbusinesses

• Mutualeconomicandsocialsupport

• Combinationofarchitectureandgreenspace

• Varietyofevents

• Walkabilityanddrivability

• Walkablewithgoodcentralparkingcleanandgreatfeatureshistorynaturetheriver

• Accessiblebusinessesscenicbuildings

• Friendlinessengagementcamaraderie

• Evenmorecommunityengagement/socialopportunity

• Accessibilitytoallyourneeds.

• Feelingofhomeandtheambience.

• Focusontheriver.

• Adowntownexperiencethatincludesshops,parks,andhistoriccenters,liketheWinterStreetCenter

• AWorkingyear-rounddowntown

• Maintainacleanauthenticandfunctionalfocus

• Maintainitshistoriccharacterandinvitingexperience

• Cityhasworkedhardtoimprovepublicspaces

• Walkability–humanscale

• Peoplenotcars

• Businessesthathaveexperiencesandretail

• Concertsatlibraryandwaterfrontparks



• Friendly,senseofplace,history

• Safetywalkablebelonging

• Stewardswhocareforthetown

• Adoptingoutsiders

• Smallshops

• Compact

• Streetscapeisbeautiful

• Walkabilityiskey

• Abilitytoaccessallservicesandneeds

• Committees-Greatorganizations

• PartnersinlifeBathandcommunity

• Architecture(traditional)

• Treesandparks,river

• Invitingatmosphereandtraditions

• Activitiesandevents

• Authenticityofcity

• Musicvenue-waterfront

• Expandonskatepark-communitycenter

• Authenticowneroperatedestablishments

• Communityevents

• Palpablefriendliness

• Youngfamilies

• Avoidgentrification!Ourtopthemeiscommunityandwewanttopreservethetightknitcommunityfeelandinclusivenessforall.Concernsaboutkeepingaffordablehousingoptionsandrisingpropertytaxes.

• DevelopCommercialSt.,corridor

• Extendthevisitorexperience

• Free,outdoorplacestohangout-pocketpark,useexistingspaces

• Railandbustransportation

• ConnectBathtoBrunswick

• “Y”Parcel

• Maintaineconomicdiversityofcommunity

• Varietyofpublicevents

• Maintainsenseofcommunity

• Prideoflivinginbath

• Optimismaboutthefuture



• Keepingresidentsinvolved

• Eventsyear-round

• Diversity-shopsandservices

• LookandfeelofBath–quaint,small,safe,historic,greenspace,placestosit

• AccesstoRiver

• Solidinfrastructure,well-maintained

• Communityandfamilyfriendlyevents

• Walkabilityandreliablepublictransportationuntil6PM

• Maintaineconomicdiversity,walkability,safety,embraceofhistoryandsenseofcommunity/familiarity

• Natureofdowntown-historic,compact,charming,walkable

• Locationonriver,butalsoconvenienttoPortland,Lewiston,etc.

• Friendliness,community,communityevents-afeeling

• EconomicdiversityincludingBIWaspartofourcommunity

• Twodegreesofseparation

• Kindness

• Communitycharacter

• Familyfriendly

What We Want to Change Whatdowewishweredifferentorbetter;thosethingsthatwewanttoseeimproved?Would

welikeourdowntowntolookdifferent?Functiondifferentlyintermsofacar,foot,orbike

traffic?Wouldwelikeadifferentmixofstores?Restaurants?Services?Howaboutpeople

livinginthedowntown?Orvisitingdowntown?Orworkingdowntown?Whatwouldweliketo

seechange?

• Berelevantnottrendy

• Businessesthatencourageactivitysocialaspects

• Moreactivityareasexampleplayground,sportsareas

• EventsthedrawlyoungeraudiencesalsoexpandthediversityofeventsasatChocolateChurch

• BathisMaine’sbestkeptsecret.MoreneedstobedonetopromotethevirtuesaBath.

• Increaseeveningofferings

• Co-workingspace



• Movietheater

• Playgrounddowntown

• DumpopenonSaturday

• Foodtrucks

• Affordableeventsunder$10.00

• Afterschoolactivitiesforages9to14

• Eveninglife

• Workspacewithacloudport

• Downtownliving

• Parkinglot

• Zoningchangestoincreasedensity

• TransportationCentralfortheMidCoastarea

• Directpublicaccesstowater-walkway

• Morekidorientedactivities–playground

• Businessopenyear-round,Sunday,late–library,restaurants,businesses

• Lowersocioeconomicgroups(affordablehousing)

• Transport

• Keephistoriccharm

• Affordablemiddleincomeseniorhousing

• Bakery,movietheater,andmedicalservices

• Parking-moreparking,maybeagarageyear-roundretailanddiversityofbusiness,moreclothing,shoes,entertainment,downtownmovietheaterdancehall,club

• InterconnectivityoftransportationservicestoallofBathviabikepaths,upgradedsidewalks,walkingtrails,busservices,eventheotherlocalattractionsandtowns

• Infrastructure-sidewalks,Rt.209,Shorelineresilience

• Universaldesignofstreetsandparks

• ParkinggaragebehindReny’s

• Playgroundunderrouteone

• Railroadtrackunderrouteonetomuseum

• Foodtrucks

• Waterfrontandoutdoorareas:morewaterfocusedevents,outsideeating,activities,playareas

• Improvedwalkabilitynorthtosouth

• Involvementbyacross-sectionofpeoplewhowanttobeinvolved



• Economicrealitiesandopportunitiesencouragefolkstostay

• BigshipsbuspeopletoBath,needtoknowaheadoftimesowecanprepandhavetoursmaybe

• Realtorsupstairssobusinessescanbedown

• Morepublicseating

• Morepublicart-playingmusic,art,etc.indifferentlocations

• AddoutdoormoviestoHeritageDays

• Inviteandaccommodateyoungpeopleindowntownwithresidences,activities,music,internships,employment,andplayground

• Encouragesmallshops,protectionofhistoricbuildings

• Usemultiplelayersofbuildings.Invitepeopletosecondandthirdfloor

• Storesandcityservicesopenlaterandweekendoptions

• Bettersidewalkstructure,signage,clear

• Diversityinactivities

• Programsforyouth

• Libraryopensixdaysaweek

• Moreoutdooractivitiesforlocals-moreaccesstoriverandriverfront,bikerentals,boattorstoMerrymeetingBayandbackrunbytheMaritimeMuseumbutleavingfromtowndock

• Communityeventsforthewholecommunity

• Diversehousingdowntownaffordabletoluxury

• Entrepreneursincubatenewbusinesses

• Accessibleeconomicandphysicalnomatterwhatformof____

• Energyindependence

• Heatedsidewalk

• Higherdensityofhousingdowntown

• Kidsactivities(affordable)

• Expandengagement,morewelcomingtonewcomers

• Linkbetweencommunityandschoolsystem

• Expanddefinitionofdowntownbettersignage

• Specificitems-Mexicanrestaurantwithmargaritas,morevarietyofsummerconcerts,rentalequipment

• Parking

• Affordable/diverseshopping

• BIWasbettermembersofcommunity

• Bikefriendlypath



• Connectingtwosidesofbath

How to Drive the Vision WhatarethemostimportantthingsthatMainStreetBathshoulddoinordertohelpachieve

thevision?WhatisitmostimportantfortheCitytodo?

• Communication!

• ThecitycouldbetterpositionitselftobeattractiveandPhillytonewbusinessesbycommunicatingormarketingitselfmore–“Bathisopenforbusiness”

• Somedirectiontonewbusinessownerstowhatresourcesareavailablewhenneeded.Oneidea-tohaveawelcometoBathfornewbusinessesliketherecentoneforresidents,wherenewbusinessescanbeconnectedtopeopletheyneedtoknow.

• Areviewofsomerestrictionsonbusinessesthatcouldhelpbusinesseswhowanttobecreativeandgainotherrevenues.

• Longrangeplanningeconomicandenvironmental-futureflooding

• Focusonfunction-makethisacitythatworks

• CityCouncilbemindfulof/seekoutlowerincomeresidents-allstakeholdersincludeallofBath

• Bemoreinvolvedwitheconomicdevelopmentandlong-rangeplanning

• Encouragevolunteersmorevolunteersmorepeople

• Strategicfinancialplanningforthecitytoimplementpolicies,usingTIF,bonds,etc.

• Encouragemorediverseartists/artspace

• Citypickslowhangingfruitandaccomplisheskeygoals

• “OurCity”

• ExpandMainStreet’smissiontopromoteallofBath?Recognizeinterdependencebetweendowntownandalltown

• MSB:Keepengagementgoing,expandthecircleofparticipants

• MSB:Workfastertowardideasthatareviewedasdesirable.Priority?Getitdone!

• General-Buildconnectivity–physical,social

• General-MakeBathabetterplacetowork,live,andvisit

• MainStreet:Expand/re-definescopeorfootprint;movetocommunity-widemodel,maintaindowntownfocus,supporttourism

• City:Alternatetransportation;connectbusroutes,bikeways,fitnesstrail.Higherdensityaffordablehousing



• Keepingideasmovingforwardi.e.,playgroundinlibraryparkandaffordablehousingfordowntown.

• Thisformatworksformeetingsanddiscussions

• Communication:Constantw/cityandresidents;keepontrackwithprogress;keepupasetprioritiesforwork;liaisonwithBIW.

• Keepofferingformstoexpressselveslikeforyouth

• Promoteexplicitvolunteeropportunities

• Keepcommunicationopenandtransparent.Trynewways,moreways,socialmedia

Downtown Merchants Input Meeting, March 5

What We Value About Downtown Bath

Themes

• Senseofcommunityo Cooperationandmutualcaringo Opennessandcompassiontonewcomerso Caringaboutthefutureo Wewanttohelpeachothersucceedo Weknoweachothero Volunteerism

• Diversityofeventsandbusinesseso Year-roundcommunity

• Changeandgrowth

• Customerswhoshopsmallandlocal

• Supportivephysicalinfrastructureo Walkabilityo Relationshiptotheriver–importanttoprotectthis!

• Connectivity

AllComments

• Diversityofcreativebusinessesandevents

• Diverseshops

• Economicdiversityincludingartsandyear-roundexperience

• Diverse,year-roundeconomiccommunity

• Walkability

• Ourcustomerscareaboutoursuccess–weareinapartnership

• “Shoplocal”mindedcustomers

• Everyoneproactivelyreferscustomerstolocalbusiness



• Easysenseofconnectionwithbusinessowners

• Senseofcommunity

• Community

• Tight-knitcommunity

• Communityspirit

• Communityprideimmediatelyfeltinshops

• Senseofprideinworkinghereandbeinghere

• Collaborativespirit

• CollaborationwithMainStreetBath

• Cityandneighborsarewelcomingandcooperative

• Mutualconcernandsupportratherthancompetition

• Senseofstrength,mutualsupport,andenthusiasm

• Tangiblesenseofopennessandcompassion

• Downtownchangesandgrows

• Increasinglyvibrantandcooperative,evenintroubledtimes

• Concernedaboutitsfuture–deliberatevisioning

• Wetakethetimeforvisioning

What We’d Like to Change

• Makemoreofouruniquevisualcharacteristicso Greatimagesonsocialmedia;promotehighqualityoflife

• Reallylistenandthoughtfullyconsiderwhatpeoplearesayingandrespond

• Howitlookso ImprovedentrancefromRoute1

§ Visitorcenterwithpromotionoflocalbusinesses§ Betterthanjust“thegreensign”§ Changethemetalrail§ Removefenceinmiddleofhighway§ Publicartworkonpillars

o Manywaystoreflectourmaritimehistory§ Ashiptovisit§ Walkingpaththroughhistoricsites(likeFreedomPath)§ AudiowalkingtourofBathhistory§ Playgroundtiedtomaritimehistory(likeProvidenceshipclimbing

wall)§ Publicartwithmaritimethemes

o Makemoreoftheriver§ Riverwalk§ Aplacetoswim!§ Demystifyandelevateourrelationshipwiththeriver

o Walkability§ Makeapedestrianmall



§ Connectingtolocaltrailsystemo Playground

• Connectthedifferentpartsoftown

• Parkingo Providemoreparkingforcustomers

§ Parkinggarageprovideseaseandconvenienceo Betterparkingmanagement

§ Cleanupparkingsignage§ Betterenforcement§ Encouragemerchantsandemployeestoparkfurtherout

o Betteruseofthearchwayramp§ Promoteitesp.forthosewithlessmobility

o Concernsaboutmoreparking§ Payingforaparkinggarage§ Visualimpactoflot,garage,ormorecars

o Satelliteparkingideas§ Parkingoutoftownwithtrolleytodowntown§ ConsiderparkinggarageforBIW§ Satellitelotsforemployeesorforsnowstormparking

o ZoningcreateschallengesnotjustonFrontandCentero Parkingissueswillbecomplicatediftherearemoreresidentsdowntowno Encouragemorewalkability-friendlybehaviorso Betterconnecttootherpublictransportation

§ ToPortland–toreduceneedtohaveacar§ ConnectdowntowntotheDowneaster

o Addchargingstationsforelectricandhybridcars

• Addrecyclingandreturnablebinsnexttotrashcansdowntowno Convenientforallo Sendsmessageaboutbeinggreen,andcaring

• WouldlovetoseeFrontStreetcrowdedwithfamiliesonSundaymorning

Events

• Whatwearedoingwello Familyfriendlyeventso Olderadultevents

• Domoreo Cultural,artandmusiceventso Eventstodrawanadultcrowdo Riverfronteventso Schoolbandsplayingdowntown

§ Developaregularschedule§ LiketheFridayNightConcertsinthestreet

o Maine’sFirstShip



§ Useasfocalpoint§ Usefreightshedforevents

o Eventsfor15-to30-year-olds§ Suchas

• Music

• Moviesoutdoors

• Skateboardingandbikedemos

• Coffeehouseo Pop-upstyleo Acousticmusic;poetry

§ Why

• There’savibrancywhenyoungpeopleareintown

• Whentownlooksbusy,towngetsbusy

• HelpyoungpeoplelovetheCity,andstay

• Giveyoungpeoplereasonstohangouthere

• Alternativestobars

• Theybringtheirfamilies§ How

• IncorporateHydeSchoolaswellaspublicschools

• Getyoungpeopleinvolvedineventcreationo Offervolunteeropportunities

§ Promoteatschools

• Newsletters

• Flyers

• Announcementsatassembly

• Cityrepsaskinperson

• Cooperatewithlocalmerchantso Eventcomeswithacoupontoalocalshop

§ Example:BeerandBras!o Wouldbeevenbetterifmerchantshadmoretooffer

thisagegroup§ Bothproductsandexperiences

• Example:Geocache

• Morebalancednumber/typeofeventso ConcernedaboutamountofresourcesintoHeritageDays

§ Somemerchantsfeelburdenbutlessdirectbenefit;somemerchantsfeeldirectbenefit

§ EventbenefitsMainStreetwhichdoesbenefitbusinesses

• Eventsthatareeasyformerchantstogetinvolvedwitho Themeseventsthatbringpeopletostoreso Chiliandchowderfestivalo Chocolatetouro Toysandgamestouro Drinkstour



Downtown Stores

• Hourso Supportforincreasedhours

§ PeoplewillgoelsewhereifstoresnotopenonSunday§ Oneexample–22%ofbusinesscomesfrombetween5and6pmand

onSunday§ Sundaysareterrific!

• Wedosameamountofbusinessasaweekday,butwithfewerstaff

o Fewerindividualcustomers,buttheycomefromfartherawayandspendmore

• Acknowledgechallengeoffindingavailablestaff§ Sendsmessageaboutthetown“beingopen”

o Concernaboutincreasedhours§ Lifebalance-needadayoff§ Inwinter,Sundaydoesnotpay

o Ifwedecidedtoencourageuniformincreasedhours§ Wewouldneedcommitmentandgoodpromotion/publicity§ Tryasoftstart

• Onenightamonth

• Takeitahalf-houratatime§ Wewouldneedto“re-train”consumers,longterm

• Futuremixofstoreso Capitalizeonmakerrenaissance

§ Breadmakers,soapmakers,coffeeroasterso Keeponbeingonebigopen-airdepartmentstoreo Bathistheplacewheretheownersareintheshops

§ Recognizethechallengeoflifebalanceo Feelslikeanintegratedunit–usingeachother’sproductsandserviceso Wearedoingalotright:

§ “Bathisthehappeningplace”§ Youngpeoplewanttomovehere

o Needtosupportandencourageretailmerchantstoprotectcharacterofdowntown

o Morespecialtystores–youhavetocometoBathforthingsyoucan’tgetelsewhere

o Developretailclusters§ Wehaveaclusterofshopsthatappealtowomenandchildren§ Buildonandleveragewhat’sherealready



Promotion

• Bringcruiseshipvisitorsherebybus

• Bringtourbusseshereo Requiresdeliberateworkwithtourcompanyowners

• Considerhowpeoplefromoutsidethecommunityhearabouteventshere

• Bettersignageaboutwhat’shereo Interest-focusedkioskso Helppeoplefindtheirwaytowhat’savailablehereo Helppeoplefindtheirwayfromonepartoftowntoanothero Nooneshouldeversay“Ididn’tknowyouwerehere”

Advice for Main Street Bath

• Helpwithbettermarketingofwhatwehavehere

• Capitalizeonstrengthofmarketingtogether–aunifiedvoice

• Mindfulofhowcommunicationsarechanging

Bath Housing Input Meeting, March 5

What We Love and Value About Downtown Bath

• NotmuchtherethatIvaluenow

• Excitedthatpeopleareaskingeachotheraboutwhattheywanttosee

• Ifeellikemyopinionmatters

• Waterfrontparko Abletowatchboatso Especiallyingoodweathero Niceplacetositandeatlunch

• HeritageDaysfair

• IloveeverythingaboutdowntownBath

• Agoodtowntoliveino Youcangotohighschoolwithyourpolicechief!

• Brackett’s

• BathIronWorksprovidesgoodjobs

• Verysafeo Kidscanwalkaroundandfeelsafeinthestoreso Youdon’thavetoworryaboutbeingmuggedo Everyonerespectseachother

• Drivingtotownworkswell



• Takingthebustotownworkswell

What We’d Like to Change About Downtown Bath

• Wouldlovetohaveamovietheateragain

• Morestoreso Asecond-handstoreo WouldliketohaveItalianfood,likeOliveGardeno Wishtherewasahobbyshopo Wouldlikeanotherbookstoreo Therearelotsofbarsandantiqueshops;noteveryonewantsthosethingso Marden’s–forthelowpriceso Shoerepairo AHannafordstore

§ Currentdowntowngrocerystoreistoocrowdedandtooexpensive§ AttemptstobringinHannafordhavenotworkedinthepast

o AKFCnearthenewhotel

• Bettertransportationo Wishthebuswouldgotomedicalcenterdowntown

§ (Theydo!Youjusthavetoask.)o AndwouldalsolikethebustogotoWal-Marto WouldbegreattohaveabusrunningonSaturdaymorninguntilabout

1:00pmo Makethebuseasiertogeton

§ Likealiftforlessmobilepeoplewhodon’thaveawheelchairo Lackoftransportationisaproblem,especiallyonweekendso Transportationformedicalappointmentsanderrandsispossiblebuttakesa

lotofplanningo Hourlytransportationtothehospitalwouldbehelpful

• Moreaffordablerental/realestatepricesfordowntownbuildings

• Somethingforyoungpeopletodoo Especiallyintheeveningo Plentyforlittlekidsbutneedmoreforolderkids

• Currentrestaurantsdowntownaretooexpensive

• Wouldbehelpfultohaveaneyecareclinicintown

• Putthehospitalbackwhereitusedtobe,intown

Events

• TheFarmersMarketisgoodo Wouldshoptheremoreiftheytookcredito ItwouldhelpifthebusranonSaturdays



o The2for1dealwithfoodstampsisveryhelpfulo Havingpreparedfoodsavailablewouldbehelpful

• ForHeritageDayso Ferriswheelistooclosetohighway

• Howtotellpeopleabouteventso Facebookworksforsomeofuso Someofusdon’thaveacomputerorcellphoneanddon’tknowaboutevents

How We Want the Downtown to Look and Feel

• Quietstreetsatnight

• Wouldlovetoseethedowntowncleanedupandwithmorecoloro Flowerso Murals

• AddapedestrianbridgeacrossRoute1

• Fixtherailroadtracksbecausetheycauseproblemsfordrivers

• Fillinalltheemptybuildingso Amini-malllikeinTopsham

• More,better,andsafersidewalksforwalkingo EspeciallyonLincolnStreeto Sometimesthesidewalkjustrunsoutandwedon’twanttowalkinthestreeto Somesidewalksaretoobumpy–needtobefixed

§ BetweenReny’sandWilson’sDrugstore

• HardtocrossthestreetwhenBIWworkersaregettingouto Lotsoftrafficmovinginahurry

Bath Area Nonprofits Input Meeting, April 2

What We Value About Downtown Bath Themes

• Senseofcommunityo Eleven-yearolddowntownonabikeissafeo Allofthis–thepeopleo Welcomingtochildreno Allwalksoflifeo Thepeopleo Senseofcommunityo Nodesofengagemento Welcomingcommunity



o It’snothardtobecomeinvolved

• Physicalcharacteristicso WaterfrontParkx2o Icanwalkdownhereo Historicalarchitecture

• Shopso Eclecticanduniqueo Uniqueshopso IgettoavoidWalmartandTargeto Grocerystoreandpharmacythatdeliver

• Efforttoexpandeco-friendliness

• Publicevents

• TheRiver

• ThehistoryAllComments

• WaterfrontPark

• Eclecticandunique

• Senseofcommunity–it’sallinclusive

• My11-year-oldissafeonhisown,onhisbike,downtown

• VarietyofstoresthathelpmeavoidWal-MartandTarget

• Canwalktodowntownfrommyhouse

• Efforttoexpandtheeco-friendlyproductsandcommunity

• WaterfrontPark

• Uniqueshopsandrestaurants–can’tfindanywhereelse

• Year-roundpublicevents

• Thecooperationovermanyyears

• Verywelcomingtochildren

• Senseofcommunityfromallwalksoflife–fromkidstoseniors,committedtothetown

• Thepeople

• Senseofcommunity

• Bathhasmanynodesofengagementthatopenuppeople’sworlds

• Bathstillhasagrocerystoreandpharmacythatdeliver–veryimportantespeciallyforseniors

• Welcomingcommunity

• Wonderfultowalkdowntownandbewelcomedandgreeted

• Aplacewhereyoucaneasilybecomeinvolvedifyouareinterested

• Citizeninvolvementday–barrier-freecommunityengagement

• Historicalcharacterofdowntownandhistoricalarchitecture-itfeelsobviousbutweshouldnameit

• Theriver

• Themaritimehistory



What We Should Keep

• Historicalarchitecture

• Greenspaceso Suchas

§ Riverwalk§ Librarypark§ Trailsystem

• Accesstotherivero Views,walkingalongtheriver,launchingboatso Notclosedoffbyprivateownership

• Varietyo Somethingforeveryoneo Thepracticalshops–essentialsANDbirthdaygifts!o Shops

• Senseofcommunityo Everyonewelcome–aplaceforeveryoneo Wehaveanopportunitytochangekids’livesbywelcomingthemhereo Opportunitiesforinternationalexchange

§ SuchastheBathTsugaruExchange

• Keepthedogpark

What Should Change

• Increasediversity

• BathTsugaruExchangeneedshelp

• Counterservice/take-outrestaurantopenthroughdinnertime

• Laterhoursfordowntownbusinesses,onenightperweek

• Encourageyoungfamiliestomovehereo Areasespeciallyforkidstoplay

§ Walkablefromdowntown§ Safe§ Withplaygroundequipment§ Perhapsoneinthenorthendandoneinthesouthend

o Specialpromotionswithdowntownbusinessesondaysofyouthevents§ Likediscountsatrestaurantsduringswimmeets

o ContinueLibraryandYMCAeventsthatarealreadyattractingyoungfamilieso Morefamily-orientedactivitiesforworkingparents

§ Weekendsandoutsideofworkinghourso Affordable,livablehousing

§ Grants/loansforhousingrehab§ Addresspropertytaxes§ Accessiblehousing,includingrentalhomes



• Includingstrollersandwalkers§ Housingspecificallyforyoungadults§ Somegreathousingrehabeffortsalreadyhappening

• Livingoptionsforseniorsandthosewithlimitedmobility

• Morethingstodoforteensandyoungadults,especiallyoutdoors

• Makebetteruseofourpublicspacesandinfrastructureo Libraryo CityHall

• MakebetteruseofWinterStreetChurchannexo CouldbeavenueliketheChocolateChurch

• Entertainmentvenuesoftenarerunbyorganizationswithmissions;thatcansometimesbeabarrier

Events

• BathHeritageDayso Pros

§ Greattohaveridesforkids§ CarnivalridesbringrevenuethatsupportsHeritageDays§ Compostingandrecycling

o Cons§ Seemsexpensiveforfamilies

• Domorecompostingandrecyclingatallevents

• LoveOldFashionedChristmasinBath

• Greatvarietyofeventsfortheentirecommunity

• LoveCitizenInvolvementDayandkindnessday–veryunique

• HopethatChocolateChurchkeepsdoingeventso Keepbringinginbiggernames–“onenotchup”

• Ouruniqueeventsreallyhighlightthepersonalityofthecommunity

• Communityeventshelptheareanonprofitscollaborate

• Idea:nonprofitshaveapresenceattheFarmersMarketo Useemptytableswhenavendorisnotthereo Expandmarketspaceifpossible

• JobFairstohelpbringyoungfamiliestothearea

Ideas for Support

• Unifiedsupportfororganizationstohelppreventburnouto Technologysupporto Websitesupporto Preventinstitutionalmemorylosswhenboardmembersdeparto Troubleshootingandorcentralcoordinationofbooking,calendars



o Potentialmodel:BethelAreaNonprofitCollaborativepoolsresourcesandpaysforadminsupport

o Groupscollaborateto“sharespecialties”o Increasevolunteerssothatindividualvolunteersarenotasstressedo Listofnonprofits

§ Centrallymaintainedandorganized

• Whateachorganizationdoes

• Whathelpisneeded

• Howtogetthewordout

• Listofvolunteeropportunitieso Especiallyforretiredpeoplemovingtothecommunityo UnitedWayofMidcoastexample:generatednewboard

memberso Makeiteasiertogetinvolved

§ Keepopportunities“frontofmind”o MoreactivitiesliketheCitizenInvolvementDay

• MakebetteruseoftheMaineMaritimeMuseumasagatewaytothiscommunity

• Reviveregularmeetingsofthenonprofitcommunityo Needsachampion

§ PotentiallyMainStreetBath?§ Potentiallyformanewentitywithaboard-styleleadership§ Consideraskingforaretiredvolunteerleader§ Useexistingstructures/resourcesratherthanstartingnew

Shops and Services Downtown

• Promotiono There’sagoodmixnowbutweneedtomakethemmorevisible,somehow

§ “Ineverknewthiswashere!”o St.Patrick’sDayevent–“PotofGold”raisedawarenessofallthebusinesses

thatarehereviaapassport

• Accessibilityo Somebuildingsarenotaccessibleforthoselessmobileorwithstrollers

§ Steps,icyparkinglots,andslopedparkingareproblems§ Howtoreconcilethatwithourbelovedhistoricarchitecture§ AskFreeportorothercommunitieshowtheyhandledthis§ Reviewexistingolderstudies

• Addmoreentertainmento Especiallyforyoungpeopleo Danceo Rollerrinko Familyo Allages



o Bowlingalleyo Movietheater

§ However,costofrenovatingandcostofsustainingthebusinesswouldbeaconcern

• Wedon’thavean“LLBean”–levelflowofpeopleo Somethingforteenstodo,sotheydon’thavetodrivetoothertowns

§ Shopsforteens

• Comicsandgames§ Arcades§ Coffeeshops-openlateanddonotservealcohol§ Restaurantsofferspecials($5burgers)onearlyreleasedays

• CautionaboutaddingnewthingsthatmakeBathfeelovercrowdedandchangethefeelofourcommunity

o Therearetimeswheredowntownisunderutilized,likeeveningso Considerdoingamovieintheparkinthesummer

• Bettercoordinationofbusinesses’openhours

• Weneedacarwash

• Someentertainmentvenues,likeamovietheatre,couldgointheShaw’scomplexo Rentprohibitive

Advice for Main Street Bath

• Doingagoodjobwiththeresourcestheyhave

• LovetheGreatAmericanMainStreetvideo

• LovetheDowntownBathFacebookpage–greatengagement

• HavearegularannualassessmentofBathareanonprofitso Aquestionnairethatwouldcatchimpendingissuesbeforeit’stoolate

• Usefullpageadsandprintednewsletterstoreachpeoplewhodon’tusesocialmedia

o Anditmightbeuniqueand“retro”

• Don’tover-relyonFacebookiftryingtoreachyoungfamilies

• MarketonInstagram

• Engagetheschooldistrictasweconsiderthedowntowno Involvehighschoolstudentsinplanningthefutureofthedowntowno Increaseculturalandinternationaldiversityofengagementbyreachingout

totheHydeSchool

• ThankyoutoMainStreetBathforincludingthenonprofitcommunityinthisprocess



Facebook Downtown Tomorrow Page Comments

Themes

Why We Really Like Downtown

• Walkabilityo Safecrosswalkso Proximateresidences

• Convenienceretail–it’severythingyouneedo Reny’so Grocerystoreo Drycleanero Naturalfoodstore

• Safetyo Okayforkidstowalkdowntown

• Appearanceo Quaint,cozyo Authentico Charmingo Bricksidewalkso Beautifulbuildings–preservedhistory

• Yearroundo Farmersmarket

• Senseofcommunityo Communityforpeoplewholivethereo Peopleknowandcareforeachother

• ExperientialRetailo Personalityofthemerchants

Needs/Wants

• Desireforthingsforchildrenandfamilieso Riverwalko Playground

• Betterstorehourso EveningsandSundayso AndCityhallandtownoffices

• Publicarto Murals

§ Needtobedonewello Flowerboxes



o Christmaslights

• Opportunitiesforcreatingarto Knittingo Scrapbookingo Paintnighto Artsupplies

• Outdoorstage–Morepublicperformanceso NewstageatWaterfrontPark

• Widersidewalkso Somerchantscansellonthesidewalks

• Moreparking

Process

• GoodthatMainStreetBathaskedus

Other Written Input Throughouttheprocess,allparticipantswereencouragedtoprovidewritteninputbyemail.

AsofthedeadlineofApril4,2018,threeindividualshadprovidedcommentsbyemail,either

toCraigFreshleydirectlyortosomeoneelsewhopassedthemontoCraig.Thefollowing

commentswerereceived:

Fixtherailroadtracks,mycarbottomsout.IampersonallyecstaticasaresidentofBaththatthisprocessisoccurring.Bathisatruecommunitywithadowntownhub.MyhusbandandIdecidedtomoveherethemomentwedrovethroughdowntownandstoppedatCaféCrème.MytwocentsisthataswemoveBathforward,let’sremembereveryone.ImovedtoBathforsocioeconomicdiversitynotinspiteofit.DuringthetenyearsIhavebeenheretheissueofthe“twoBaths”seemstobeincreasinglypertinent.Ihopethatinmakingdecisionsforourdowntown,weareabletopromoteaninclusivecommunity.Afewblockswhereartisans,retirees,retailemployees,shipbuilders,andsummerresidentscanfindacommonality.Herearesomesuggestions:

1. IfMSBdoesn'talready,IproposethatMSBwriteforgrantsupportforitsprojects.And,ifMSBcannotperformallithasdoneorwantstodo,everyyear,thenitmust,likeothernonprofits,scaleback.Ibelievethereisandhasbeendonorfatigueforourcitizensandindependentmerchantsformanyyears.Ireceivemanyrequests



fordonations,notonlyforeachactivityMainStreetBathcoordinates,butfromalltheothernonprofitsinBath.Itisimpossibletosupportthemall.

2. Therevolvingdoorofstaffisconcerning,andhasinmyopinion,hasnothelpedwiththestabilityandgrowthoftheorganization.Howcanthatissuebeaddressed?DoestheBODunderstandthereasonsfortheturnover?

3. Bathisa"servicecenter"forthesurroundingcommunitiesofArrowsic,Georgetown,Phippsburg,WestBath,andWoolich.(DaysFerry?)IunderstandthattheCityofBathcontributessomefundstosupportMSBoperations.IproposethatMainStreetBathrequestmodestfinancialsupportfromthesecommunities.



Appendix A: Opening & Closing Remarks from March 3

Community Input Meeting RecorderAmyScottofGoodGroupDecisionscapturedthefollowingremarksatthestartandcloseoftheCommunityInputMeetingofMarch3,2018.

Welcome and Opening Remarks WillNeilson,PresidentofMainStreetBath,offeredthefollowingwelcome:

• Thankyouallforcomingtoday.

• Gratefultoallofyou,heartenedtoseesomanycommunityleadershereandsomanypeopleengagedintheircommunity.Thisisasignofahealthycommunitythatpeopleshowupandcareaboutthequalityoflifeinthecommunity.

• Gratefultogreatboardofdirectors.MainStreetmodelcallsformunicipalgovernment,businesscommunityandthegeneralpopulationtoparticipate.

• AsIintroduceourboardmembers,pleasestandupsopeoplecanseeyou.Please,usethisboardasaresource.Seekusoutandgetinvolved.

o GretchenJaeger,VicePresidento LaurieRainey,Treasurero AnitaDemetropouloso SallyJohnstone,EconomicVitalityChairo RobertaJordono TamaraLillyo MarcMeyerso CaelieSmitho VickySprague,OrganizationChairo BeckyWelsh,PromotionsChair

§ Refreshments!Thanks!

• ThankstoCamilleKauffungero ReallykeepsMainStreetgoing

• Thiswillbeagreatmorningthatwillbearfruitforallofus.MariEosco,InterimDirectorofMainStreetBathandChairofBathCityCouncilalsoofferedwelcomingremarks:

• Thisissoamazing!Thisiswhatkeepsmegoing!Thatthismanypeoplecareaboutourcommunityandshowupforaneventlikethis.Thatisaspecialthing.

• Wearetryinghardtogozerowastetoday.Pleasecheckoutandusethelabeledbins.IfyouwantmoreinformationonGarbagetoGardens,wehavesomesign-upsheetshere.It’sagreatprogram.



• TheMainStreetmodelcallsforonethirdoftheboardtobemadeupofcityofficials,andthoseboardmembersareheretodayaswell:

o MarkMeyers,AssistantCityManagero AndrewDeci,DirectorofPlanningandDevelopmento AaronPark,CityCouncilo PeterOwen,InterimCityManager

• Nowourfacilitator,CraigFreshleywillintroducehimself.CraigFreshleyofGoodGroupDecisionsofferedabriefintroduction:

• HaveyouheardabouttheFacebookgroup?Raiseyourhandifyouhave.(About1/3ofhandsup.)Fantastic.ThisDowntownBathFacebookgroupisanexcellentresourceandIencourageyoutocheckitout.

o SpecialthankstoSallyJohnstoneforstartingandmoderatingthat.

• Alittleaboutmyself.o IamthrilledtobebackhereinBath.IwasthefoundingdirectoroftheMaine

DowntownCenter.Seventeenyearsago,Iwasintherightplaceattherighttimewhentheprogramwasbeingformed.

o I’vebeenastrongsupporteroftheprogramsinceandhaveworkedwithmanydowntownsinMaineandhavegonetothreenationalconferences.

o IhaveacompanycalledGoodGroupDecisionswithanofficeonamainstreetindowntownBrunswick.

o TodayIamyourfacilitator.Iamnotgoingtotellyouwhatyourdowntownshouldbe.I’mgoingtohelpyoutalkaboutit.

Closing Remarks MariEoscoofferedthefollowingclosingcomments:

• ThankyoutotheDavenportFoundationforhelpingsupportthisprocessforMainStreetBath.

• Hugethankyoutoeveryonehere,andeveryonewhoisgoingtoemailmewithcomments.

• Thiswasaverycivildiscussion.That’samazing,wonderful.Wereallyareacityofkindpeople.

AndrewDeci,BathDirectorofPlanningandDevelopment,offeredthefollowingclosingcomments:

• Thefundoesn’thavetostoptoday!WearebeginningareviewandupdateofourcomprehensiveplanthisFall.Thisprocesswillcontributetowardthatprocess.



o Ifyouwanttobeinvolved,letmeknow.Wearegoingtoneedvolunteercommitteemembers.

• Wewanttohearyourideasandthoughts.

• Thankyou!WillNeilsonofferedthefollowingclosingcomments:

• AndrewwasoneofthedrivingforcesgettingustoengageCraig,sothankyouAndrew.

• Excitedtohearallthistoday.

• IfyouwanttogetinvolvedwithMainStreetBath,therearesomecommitteesthatmeetmonthly.Weneedcontinuedengagement,soyouareinvitedtojoinanytime.

• Thankyouforbeingheretoday.

• Wealsoneedfinancialengagement.Yourgiftstotheannualfundmakemoneyavailabletopaystaff.Wearereallybeyondthelimitsofwhatourcurrentstaffcando.Pleasedonatemoney—evenasmallgifthelpsalot!Weneedbroadfinancialsupport.

• ThankyoutoCraig.

• Andthankyouforcomingouttoday!!Mariaddedonemorecommentaboutawebsite:

• AnotherwaytokeepinfogoingisthroughBathMaine.como Thisisforeveryone!o Youcansignupforweeklyemailsthere.o Greatwaytokeepupwithwhat’sgoingonintown.



Appendix B: Ground Rules for Input Meetings ThefollowinggroundruleswereexplainedatthestartoftheCommunityInputMeetingofMarch3,2018,andsimilargroundruleswereexplainedatthestartofallotherinputmeetings.

• Allviewsheard

o Inyoursmallgroups,makeroomtohearfromeveryone.Ask,“havewehadachancetohearfromeveryone?”

o Inthebiggroup,waitforthemicanduseitsothateveryonecanhearyou.o Showmeinthebiggroup—youcanapplaud,showathumbsupordown.o Makecommentsaftertoday.Mari’semailaddressisatthebottomoftheagenda.

Pleasesendheryourcomments.§ TheFacebookpageisalsoopenandyoucancommentthere.

• It’soktodisagree,andagree.

o It’soktochangeyourmind.o We’removingtowardconsensus.o Nofinaldecisionstoday.FinaldecisionsaboutthecitywillbemadebytheCity

Council.

• Conversationtowardsconsensus.

o Thisismorethanjustasurveyofideas.We’reworkinghardtounderstandeachotherthismorning.

o Imaginewhat’sbestforallofus.o We’relookingforthemes.Wecannotimplementeveryideathatweheretoday

andattheFBpage.

• ReadytoMove

o Movearoundthisroomtoday!o Greatopportunitytogettoknoweachotherandheardifferentpointsofview.o Alsomeansbeingreadytomovephilosophically.o Thanksfortalkingandlistening.



Appendix C: Fall 2017 Survey Results Summary IntheFallof2017theMaineStreetBathEconomicRestructuringCommitteeconductedasurveythatwasdistributedtodowntownmerchantemaillists,RSU1emailslists(allschools),MainStreetBathemaillists,andmultipledifferentsocialmediaaccounts,andwasalsopublicizedinlocalnewspapers.ThefollowingsummaryisfromCommitteeChairSallyJohnstone’spresentationtotheMainStreetBathBoardinJanuary2018.

Perceptions of Bath ThelanguageofwhatpeopleloveaboutBathhasn’tchanged.

2010

2017



Visits to Downtown Bath

• ResidentsvisitdowntownBathfrequently

o Everyoneshopsdowntownatleastmonthlyforgroceries,gifts,clothingo Everyoneattendsatleastoneeventeveryyearo Almostallparentsattendchildren’seventso 4of5usedowntownprofessionalservicesatleastmonthlyo 3of4attendalivemusicperformanceatleastacoupleoftimesayearo 2of3attendplaysandmusicaltheatero AndallrespondentssaytheyeatoutinBath...for1/3it’sweekly

Sources of Information About Downtown Bath and Main Street Bath

• Preferencesdrivenbygenerationo TopsourcesforinformationaboutdowntownBathandMainStreetBath:

§ Socialmedia(60%)§ Newspaper(51%)§ MainStreetBathFacebookpage(47%)§ MainStreetBathemailorwebsite(28%)

o But,usagediffersbyage:§ Age65+2xmorelikelytorelyuponnewspapers,comparedto

respondentsunder50(68%vs.32%§ Age45to54mostlikelytouseemailastheirprimaryresource(43%)§ Respondentsunder50farmorelikelytousesocialmediathananyother

source(82%)§ Parentsevenmorededicatedtosocialmedia(85%socialmedia,34%

newspapers,20%MSBemail)

What We’d Like to Have in Downtown Bath

• The‘wishwehad___’listhasn’tchangedo Publicspace

§ Moreparking§ Morewaterfrontpublicusespace§ Playgrounddowntown

o Businesses§ Morerestaurant(s)§ Bakery§ Movietheater

main street bath and city of bath...yet there is also value in picking themes and drafting...

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