Feb 10, 2001
Downtown Revitalization was the theme of the Charette, held at the Pioppi
Room in the Jacob Edwards Library, February 10th, 2001, 8am
to noon. There were forty five residents in attendance, who participated
in an ideas-exchange program, facilitated by Professor John Mullin, and
Mr. Tom Devaney of University of Massachusetts Center for Urban Renewal.
The Charette was opened by Michael Coughlin, Town Manager who spoke
very positively about the opportunities that lie ahead. Professor Mullin
outlined the format whereby the participants would be split into groups
to come up with:
Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats
Examples of achievements in other communities, throughout Massachusetts
and New England, were given by Professor Mullin to illustrate how to achieve
a turnaround in the downtown area.
Lively exchanges were made in the break-out groups and lists of priorities
were made to be shared at the plenary sessions. An atmosphere of creativeness
and empowerment prevailed throughout. The physical structure of the downtown
and the architectural features were viewed as a major advantage and was
mentioned by all. The existing municipal services, infrastructure, were
also cited as positive features.
The groups came together again and listened to each list of priorities
and had a further break-out session to identify how these ideas could be
put into an 90-Day Action Plan.
The concensus arrived at was that funding be found to promote the findings
of the Charette. That a facilitator be appointed to be charged with the
development of the 90-Day Action Plan and its implementation. Other actions
requiring more time and effort were also identified, and recommendations
put forth in a report to be issued.
