D2020 Updates
We plan our work in 6-month increments so we can always be making progress yet still be flexible enough to respond to new opportunities that may arise. We report our status to our stakeholders every 6 months. Here are some details on what we’ve done already and what we’re working on now.
Key Accomplishments in 2011
• Recommended zoning ordinance changes to (1) reduce parking requirements for residential developments in a new Depot Overlay District near the Depot train station and (2) ease the requirements for getting signage approvals from variance to special permit; adopted by City Council in July 2011
• Researched master developer and tax incentive opportunities; laid the foundation for offering Tax Increment Financing for residential properties
• Completed a feasibility study on a Business Improvement District; moving to Planning Phase with goal of implementing the BID within 2 years
• Created “Guide to Starting a Business in Beverly”
• Worked with the City to complete the renovations of the downtown parking lots
• Awarded Façade Improvement grants
• Designed new way finding signage
• Created “Banking on Beverly,” a $1.5 million low-interest loan pool for exterior building improvements
• Surveyed 500+ college students; incorporating their ideas on downtown into our programming
• Beautified downtown with window boxes, lights, flags, banners and creative window displays
• Launched 30 & Main to develop potential community leaders under age 40; two members elected to City Council
• Expanded signature promotional events (Arts Fest, Beverly’s New Year) and launched new programs with focus on art and creativity
Work Plan for January – June 2012
In addition to our ongoing activities like PR and communication, selling banners and trying to improve the look and feel of downtown, we are working on several major initiatives:
• Establish a residential TIF on Rantoul Street within 12-18 months
• Complete the Planning Phase for the creation of a Business Improvement District downtown in 2013
• Re-start the waterfront zoning project with the City, starting with the working waterfront and then the riverfront
• Launch the Business Recruitment task force with the goal of increasing retail presence downtown
• Work with the City to streamline internal processes related to permitting
• Manage the 2012 Façade and Sign Improvement Program
• Develop a student strategy to increase student presence and spending downtown and create opportunities for launching businesses
• Commission branding strategy, marketing materials and a visual representation of downtown Beverly to aid in recruitment and grant requests
• Implement a public sculpture program on Cabot Street and launch with a jazz-themed street party
• Work with the City to implement the new way finding system
• Work with the City to upgrade Ellis Square, downtown sidewalks and streets
• Launch the Business Retention Program, including creating a business and property inventory
• Redesign the BMS website to focus on economic development resources; recommend similar changes to City website
The New Look of Downtown Beverly
We commissioned Joe Zelloe and Linda Mullen of Zelloe + Weaver Architects to create some renderings of what we envision downtown looking like when we achieve the 3 main goals of Downtown 2020. We are very excited to be working towards this physical transformation, bringing in new stores and restaurants, building new housing and staging more community events. Tell us what you think!
Click here for a PDF of the renderings. |
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