FROED One Government Center Fall River, MA 02722-7700 Tel 508-324-2620 Fax 508-677-2840 info@froed.org		MAYOR OFFERS A PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS The Herald News, Friday, April 18, 2008 Progress ‘08 - Movers and Shakers Mayor Robert Correia I rarely have a chance to look at the view outside the windows in my office, but when I do, I am reminded of the reasons why I ran for the office of mayor and why I believe so much in our city and the possibilities to realize its full potential. In the last three months since I have been in office, hundreds of people have come through my office. I usually start the meeting by saying, “You can have any chair but the wooden one.” The wooden chair, with its back to the waterfront was a gift from my days as a state representative. I like sitting in the wooden — but I especially like the reaction people have as they look out and see the same view I am graced with of downtown, the Gates of the City, Battleship Cove, Heritage State Park, and the boardwalk, just to name a few. They comment on the beautiful view, I comment on how much more still needs to be done. Fall River is a city waiting to be discovered. We as residents are very familiar with our waterfront attractions and monuments; our restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops that are second to none; and our vibrant artist community. But others aren’t. A coordinated effort is needed and the Arts Overlay District (AOD), on North Main Street from Pine Street to South Main and Morgan Streets and then from Ferry Street to the city pier, is that vehicle to make it happen. On March 14 I signed the Arts Overlay District proposal, approved by the City Council. When the Ordinance goes into effect, the AOD will allow for the promotion of “the expansion of art and culture with the community”and the enhancement of “the environment and improve site opportunities for fine arts uses” within the district. I would like to commend the artists, business leaders, and those genuinely interested in seeing our city move forward for their perseverance and vision. The purpose of the AOD clearly spells out their vision. Allow me to share it with you. “With the AOD, we can enhance vitality in the Central Business District — Downtown — Waterfront areas by fostering a mix of uses through establishing and increasing downtown housing opportunities and fostering arts-related development and activities. The district is intended to create a core of arts, cultural, and residential activities; encourage greater pedestrian activity as part of entertainment and residential uses, mixed with traditional retail and business activities; encourage economic revitalization; nurture artistic contributions to the city and region, and reduce crime in streets remaining active for longer hours with shops and restaurants serving increased numbers of area residents and patrons.” The uses of the district, as spelled out in the ordinance, are as follows, “Visual and Performing Art Space, including, but not limited to, exhibition and concert halls, galleries, and state and screen theaters excluding those relating to adult use; Artist Loft or Art Use; Culinary Arts; Retail sales of art, including gift and specialty shops; Community Educational Arts and related activities; Art Schools and studios including school and studios of dance and photography; Beer and cocktail lounges; Performing Arts ticket offices or booking agencies; Residential development, both as stand alone development or in conjunction with other permitted uses.” The AOD literally carved out a roadmap to the cultural, educational, and economic development destinations investors may decide to take. In the upcoming months, I will be forging public and private partnerships to bring activity to the district. This summer, look out for the Fall River Loop zipping through city streets thus alleviating parking issues and bringing tourists and residents to the city’s main attractions. The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) recently donated two trolleys and one handicapped van to the City for the Loop. The vehicles are being refurbished and the best route and schedule are being worked on. Downtown’s food establishments have a lot to offer inside. It’s time to bring them outside. The Restaurant Row will come to life this summer on South Main Street, which I intend to strongly advocate be closed from Friday at 6 p.m. to Sunday at 6p.m. and filled with life, food and live entertainment outdoors. “On the Main (Stage),” as I like to call it, will be a joint venture between the city and local businesses to breathe life back into South Main Street. As my administration brings these projects to existence, it is simultaneously working on other areas in the district. These are: - A contaminant free waterfront — I recently learned that our waterfront is contaminated and that the construction of the city marina must be put on hold until the site is contaminant free. I met with officials from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and they have agreed to work with the City to help us clean it up. - Gates of the City Pavilion — Fall River is a city rich in multi cultural traditions and the Gates of the City, I believe, is an ideal location to hold Outdoor Cultural Festivals to celebrate Irish, Polish, Portuguese, Hispanic, and African American ethnicities, just to name a few, through the summer. - Weekend parking downtown and new parking garage — Brining activity downtown means the need for more parking. In the near future, I will be talking to the managers of the Third Street parking deck to consider the possibility of having it open during the weekend charging users a nominal fee. I have also initiated talks with our Congressional Delegation for funding of a new parking deck too. Downtown revitalization will take the nourishment, attention, and energy of all of us by investing in and supporting our local businesses, current and future. With your help, we can revive Fall River. It will not happen overnight, but with the AOD, we are one step closer. Other cities have transformed their downtown and business districts. We can too. Please join me in making it happen. Back