HOULTON, Maine — A group of approximately two dozen individuals from various walks of life joined for the Community Heart and Soul meeting held May 30 at the Houlton Higher Education Center.
Many positive ideas were generated during the session. Patrick Wright, executive director of Gardiner Main Street and economic development coordinator for Gardiner, facilitated the evening. He led the group through a process of identifying local assets, shared some of the programs they are doing in Gardiner and moderated a roundtable discussion on why people were interested in being involved and what they hoped to see for Houlton’s future.
The group identified important assets such as the generosity of the community and the commitment to the area’s youth. The blend of respect for history with a desire to move forward was noted, as was the quality of municipal services provided. Houlton’s Downtown District was pointed out as an asset in addition to our location as the “beginning” of Interstate 95 and our proximity to Canada. Other assets cited were our schools, the high level of volunteerism in the community, the many opportunities to get involved and make a difference in the community and the people.
In moving things forward, Wright advised the group to “go where the energy and leadership is” and to focus on those who “get it”. He also cautioned that there are many things outside our control so we should focus on continual small successes. Using a sports analogy, he suggested the downtown development game is won on singles and doubles rather than on home runs. He encouraged the group to create a culture of success, gratitude and inclusivity.
Wright went through a number of programs and activities that are happening in Gardiner. These included “Project Pop-Up” where pop-up stores were created during the holidays. He talked about their co-op which was used as a model for Houlton’s. They developed a group called “Gardiner’s Gardeners” to put planters in their downtown. They have a Gardiner Growth Initiative which is similar to the Houlton Entrepreneur Challenge. They hold several community events and have sponsored workshops. Gardiner Main Street is also involved in the rehabilitation of the Johnson Hall Opera House. They also recently purchased the Dingley Block for $1 and are embarking on a $2 million capital campaign to rehabilitate that.
Wright also talked about the changing face of our downtowns and the cycles that these areas go through. He shared their struggles with empty storefronts. He also explained that we all have to recognize that retail is very different now than it was years ago, so the business mix of our downtowns is going to be different as well. He advised that as some businesses close, others will take their place.
Among some of the ideas generated during the session were to identify a volunteer chairperson for the Downtown Committee, doing a better job of “bragging” about the good things in our community and being our own ambassadors, coordinated an updated list of clubs and organizations, recognizing volunteers and celebrating our successes regardless of how big they are.
The special session was presented by the Downtown Committee, Southern Aroostook Development Corporation, Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce and Houlton’s Community Development Department with support from the Maine Downtown Center.
The next downtown meeting will be held Wednesday, June 21 st at 6 p.m. at the Houlton Higher Education Center. All interested are invited and encouraged to attend. For information, contact Nancy Ketch at 521-5938 or comm.development@houlton-maine.com.
