FROED One Government Center Fall River, MA 02722-7700 Tel 508-324-2620 Fax 508-677-2840 info@froed.org		BREATHING LIFE BACK INTO MAIN STREET Officials hope new initiatives will lure artists and tourists alike into the downtown area The Herald News, Sunday, March 30, 2008 Fall River — As the Arts Overlay District (AOD) goes into effect Monday, representatives of Arts United/Fall River say they have two South Main Street building owners and a number of artists interested in a unique partnership. Dubbed the “Fall River Storefront Artists Collaborative,” and modeled after similar programs in Lowell and Pittsfield, it would allow artists to receive relatively rent-free space (artists must pay utilities) in return for showing their art to the public and maintaining the premises until the space can be rented full-time in the marketplace. The lease term would be for one year with either side able to break it with 60 days’ notice. A $20,000 grant obtained through the Narrows Center for the Arts will pay for a Web site to promote the plan, with $15,000 going toward a modest emergency fund, said Jeff Carpenter, Arts United president. “The idea behind it is as artists begin to occupy these spaces, it begins to spur other development in the downtown,” said Patrick Norton, vice president of Arts United and head of the Narrows Center. The artist-business collaborative is not the only initiative officials hope will inject new life into the downtown area and the economy. To entice business owners to open eateries such as wine bars, cafes and restaurants, Mayor Robert Correia has issued a draft home rule petition that would provide 12 special liquor licenses to eateries in a limited downtown/waterfront section between South Main and Water streets and Columbia and Central. Virtually all of the area — except for Columbia Street — lies within the new AOD. The concept, said Corporation Counsel Arthur D. Frank Jr., is for the city to possess the alcohol licenses and “strategically place them in an economic recovery zone.” Pittsfield used the same strategy to “jump start” its economic engine, Frank said. Frank said. The licenses could not be transferred or sold like the nearly 100 licenses already authorized by the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. As a home rule petition, the measure would require City Council approval. The move is part of Correia’s broader plan to open a “restaurant row” this summer by closing South Main Street from Friday to Sunday nights. Also, the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority recently donated two trolley cars and a handicapped accessible van that Correia envisions looping through the arts district with tourists and residents enjoying food, music and activities. “On the ‘Main Stage’ as I like to call it,” Correia said, “it will be a joint venture between the city and local businesses to breathe life back into South Main Street.” Timeline of Arts Overlay District Fall River — Oct. 30, 2007, rezoning ordinance proposal submitted by Joseph D. Camera, now City Council president, at request of Chamber of Commerce Downtown Waterfront Initiative Committee and Fall River Office of Economic Development, supported by Mayor Robert Correia. Jan. 8, 2008, City Council holds public hearing. Jan. 15, Planning Board holds public hearing. March 11, City Council approves slightly amended ordinance. March 14, Mayor Correia signs ordinance. March 31, arts overlay district (AOD) goes into effect. The AOD: A 20-block area along South and North Main streets, between Pine and Morgan streets, and between High and Green streets, along with 3,000 feet of waterfront from Ferry Street to Point Gloria on Davol Street. The district encompasses 160 acres. Major Effects 1. Residential living and artist work/living lofts allowed on commercial buildings’ upper floors as part of mixed-use zoning; zoning board encouraged to waive minimum requirements for special permits. 2. Parking requirements significantly more flexible. 3. No adult entertainment permitted within the district. 4. Only arts and cultural related new uses and expansions allowed; existing businesses/uses grandfathered in and allowed. 5. Extensive standards set for signage on new and redevelopment projects. 6. AOD requirements apply to the three existing zoning districts, central business, mixed business and industrial. 7. Ten arts-related uses permitted for new projects. 10 permitted uses for building projects: Visual and performing arts space including concert halls and galleries; artist lofts or art use; culinary arts; retail sales of art including gifts; community education arts; arts schools and studios; beer and cocktail lounges; performing arts ticket offices; residential development; accessory apartments. Back