Study Update: July 2009
The Neighborhood Corporation has been working with its consultants, Commonweal Collaborative and The Narrow Gate Architects on completing the Downtown Taunton Development Study. Close collaboration with the Heart of Taunton and the Office of Economic and Community Development have strengthened the momentum of the study. The main focus of the study is on the following:
- Housing Needs Analysis for Downtown
- Identification of downtown Redevelopment Potential
- Parking and Pedestrian Analysis of the Main Street Parking Lot
- Reuse studies for the historic Union Block and historic Leonard Block
There has been excellent public input during the development of the study garnered from civic engagement meetings as well as interviews with downtown stakeholders. Major themes concerning downtown that have been discussed include:
Pedestrian Circulation and Parking:
- Concurrence on lack of foot traffic in downtown and desire to increase people wanting to shop and spend time in the downtown area.
- Need for public infrastructure improvements to enhance pedestrian movement/circulation
- Pursue the creation of a “Riverwalk” and green space along the Mill River, especially in the back of City Hall parking area.
- Need to look at parking protocol and parking impact from courthouse development.
- Need for a defined central roadway through the parking area behind Main Street.
- Need for more lighting because people are afraid to park in lots at night.
- Improve pedestrian access across Main Street to Taunton Green and Broadway.
Housing:
- Agreement that in order to create a neighborhood environment, there needs to be more housing in the downtown.
- Support for residential reuse of vacant second stories.
- Support a mix of housing options, including market rate and “working force” affordable rentals.
- Support for Live-Work studio space for artists in second stories.
- Creation of more housing that is attractive to young professionals.
- Support for housing development that is well managed and has associated parking and open space.
Business and Economic Development:
- Explore possibilities for a college/university presence including classrooms and/or downtown campus for Bristol Community College or Bridgewater State College.
- Explore possibilities for a “Downtown Event Center” or “Arts Center” such as the Narrow Arts Center in Fall River.
- Create a downtown “open space” near the river for outdoor theater, a farmers market and other promotional events.
- Desire to celebrate the history of downtown as a vital and busy place that has only in the last ten years lost its market focus.
- Support for marketing efforts downtown including the Business Improvement District.
- Support for a new campaign for “buying locally” and shopping downtown-creative use of incentives to promote campaign, such as discount cards and business specials. Post “Buy Downtown” Campaign on HOT, Neighborhood Corporation, and City of Taunton websites.
Downtown Buildings
- Agreement that there is a problem with absentee property owners and their lack of any involvement or commitment to downtown.
- Agreement to capitalize on the unique architecture and historic buildings in the core downtown area.
- Blighted buildings are a health and safety problem for downtown as well as project a negative image on the entire downtown.
- Historic Landmark buildings are the downtown’s strength, give it character, and define its place as a historical area.
- Need for the city and its officials, the Heart of Taunton, and the downtown property owners to work together on redevelopment projects and promotion of downtown Taunton.
The most common comment was the “JUST DO SOMETHING!” attitude; that it is important to move forward with a “bricks and mortar” project that will have a positive impact on downtown and give the impetus to spur other revitalization projects.
NEXT PUBLIC EVENT: The Heart of Taunton and the Neighborhood Corporation are planning a Study Presentation “Downtown Taunton: Sharing the Vision” on August 13, 2009 at 11:30 AM at the new El Mariachi Restaurant. Come learn about potential redevelopment projects being planned for downtown and become involved in moving forward with the rebirth of the Heart of Taunton!
