Steady progress in downtown redevelopment

Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
CELEBRATING DOWNTOWN — Ongoing efforts by community leaders, business people and various volunteers to make Houlton’s Market Square and surrounding downtown district a place where people want to congregate and conduct their business are being noticed beyond southern Aroostook as state development officials cited revitalization efforts in the Shiretown as examples of success during a recent workshop held in Presque Isle.
Dedication of ‘outspoken champions’ is making a difference, volunteers are essential to long-term success
By Mark Putnam
Managing editor
    Several communities in northern Maine are making impressive strides in their ongoing efforts to revitalize their historic downtown districts. Officials with the Maine Development Foundation were here recently to celebrate what has been accomplished and inspire local leaders to keep working toward their goal of creating community centers that are not only pleasing to look at, but economically viable for business and industry.
    The event, promoted as Aroostook County Downtown Day, was held Nov. 9 at the Northeastland Hotel in Presque Isle and attracted nearly 30 participants. Roxanne Eflin, senior program director for the Augusta-based Maine Downtown Center, said she sees Aroostook County making steady progress in the ongoing process to rebuild and transform Main Street.
    “In every case across Maine, where downtowns and village centers are vibrant and successful, local leaders with great positive attitudes are at the core,” Eflin said. “We are impressed with the leadership and dedication to positive change shown in Houlton, Presque Isle, Van Buren and Madawaska. Each of these downtowns has a handful of outspoken champions and good support from their respective municipalities. These people, however, are mostly volunteers and they are not tireless. Many more people are needed to share the tasks and the success to really make things happen downtown.”
    To that end, the hands-on workshop pulled in leaders from the public and private sectors including municipal managers, chamber of commerce directors, economic development specialists, business owners and service organizations. Guest presentations were made by Jon Edgerton of Wright-Pierce; Steve Cole of Coastal Enterprises, Inc.; Abbe Levin of the Maine Office of Tourism; and Lorain Francis of Rockland Main Street Inc.
    Attendees agreed that the session also provided the perfect opportunity for those who have been involved in downtown redevelopment to share what is working and where the biggest challenges remain.
    Lori Weston, Houlton’s director of economic and community development, came away from the event with solid material to bring back to the Shiretown, one of several Aroostook communities held up by Downtown Day organizers as having made measurable progress in bringing life back to Main Street.
    “The presentation brought together the opportunity to share ideas and information with communities who are all focused on making their downtowns viable and successful. Knowing what is working in another community and what options might also work for you is great fodder to have,” Weston said.
    Weston cited three examples of downtown redevelopment success in Houlton including the creation and growth of a Community Market; a revolving loan fund that encourages building owners to use the funds for energy efficiency upgrades, repairs and façade improvements; and popular events that focus on the many assets that are unique to downtown.
    “Houlton has a lot of positive things happening downtown including historic Market Square, an art gallery, the local retail community, Riverfront Park and the pedestrian bridge that allows folks to stroll by the river and back through town,” Weston said.
    While communities like Houlton are finding success, those in attendance agreed that the task of downtown redevelopment is ongoing and places great demands on those most involved in the effort. A need for more volunteers and leaders who have time to devote to the mission is a universal challenge.
    Said Elfin, “the attendees at the Aroostook County Downtown Day event impressed us as being passionate and driven to help improve their downtown for the future. All the tools and assets are there — now more people need to get organized around a common vision and focus their energies downtown. Taking care of the heart is the critical first step to keep the beat going on Main Street.
    “Changes in attitude are sometimes slow but they are definite and public support for change will build as downtown programs grow and demonstrate improvement,” she added.