HOULTON, Maine — As part of a study on Houlton’s downtown ares, a public input meeting will be held Thursday, Aug. 22, from 3-8 p.m. in Market Square at the Machias Savings Bank lot.
The meeting is part of the “Revitalization Roadmap Process” that the town is engaging in for the downtown.
It was announced in July that Houlton had been selected as the only town in Maine to partner with the Maine Downtown Center to participate in this Revitalization Roadmap Process that is conducted by Downtown Redevelopment Services.
In being selected, the town is getting the services at no charge.
A survey has been available online for several weeks to gather data from people on their feelings about Houlton’s Downtown District. The survey will be active for one more day and can be accessed at https://tinyurl.com/y6ssgre2. The public is encouraged to complete the survey and provide their thoughts.
ccording to Nancy Ketch, Houlton’s community development director, Thursday’s session is another opportunity for the public to share their ideas for this process. The program is an inclusive open-house format. This will be a chance for the representatives of DRS to discuss the future of Houlton’s Downtown corridors with the people who live, work and do business in the district.
At this meeting, residents and visitors will be asked to provide feedback about the condition of the downtown; desired services or amenities; the style of development desired within the downtown; recommended improvements; and accessibility of alternative transportation. There will be several interactive stations for the public to visit in a very hands-on environment.
“Public input is a key aspect of the Revitalization Roadmap Process,” Ketch said. “So we truly encourage people to come out and participate in this session. It will be right in the heart of the downtown and will be visible and easy to find.”
Ben Levenger from DRS will do a presentation of their initial findings at a public meeting on Monday, Aug. 26, at 5 p.m. at the Town Office. The final report from the process is anticipated three to four weeks later.
Any questions on the Revitalization Roadmap Process can be directed to Ketch at (207)521-5938 or comm.development@houlton-maine.com.
