Early Action Plan | Phase 1 Freeport Downtown Vision by Principle

Early Action Plan

Freeport Downtown Vision (Phase 1) June, 2021

Thank you to all of the residents who made this possible. This plan is for you! The Freeport Downtown Vision Plan is a town planning effort to understand the community’s vision for Downtown Freeport, Maine. From January until May 2021, we gathered public input to inform the Early Action Plan, focusing on strategies for resiliency in light of COVID-19 and the changing retail landscape. We’ve heard from over a thousand residents of all ages and backgrounds over the public process, and we’ve drafted this plan as a framework to help make the community’s ideas come to life!

FREEPORT DOWNTOWN VISION - EARLY ACTION PLAN

Contents Process 4-6 Community Engagement

Early Action Pilot Projects Projects Summary Table

Overview 7

1. Main & Bow Street Intersection 38-39

Insights

8-23

2. Bow Street Courtyard

40-41

Values

3. Howard Place Intersection

42-43

4. Main Street North Parklet

44-45

Implementation Tactical Urbanism

5. Holbrook Street Intersection

46-47

Tactics for Early Action

6. Nathan Nye Intersection

48-49

What is Tactical Urbanism?

7. Village Station Crosswalk

50-51

1. Parklet Program

8. Town Hall Block

52-53

2. Pop-up Retail 30

9. Wayfinding 54-55

3. Intersection Repair

10. Freeport Co-op Public Market 56-57

4. Pavement to Plaza

11. Food Truck Summer Fridays

58-59

5. Signage & Wayfinding

12. Better Block Tactic

60-61

6. Food Trucks

13. Slow Roll Town Bike Ride

62-63

7. Slow Roll 35

Next Steps... 64-65

8. Better Block 36

ENGAGEMENT OVERVIEW 3

Process The Freeport Downtown Vision Plan process is an opportunity for the community to build a framework for the future that is focused on the downtown and includes community, business, and visitor feedback on the desires for the downtown area. Our typical visioning process typically takes between 16 to 20 months. However, given the impacts of the pandemic of 2020 and the toll it took on the travel, retail, and food, and hospitality industries, and the Town’s desire to respond quickly, we adjusted our process to include an Early Action Plan.

The Early Action Plan focuses on short-term strategies for downtown that the community can implement this summer. If approved, the Vision Plan process for downtown will run from the summer of 2021 to the spring of 2022. The Vision Plan would also involve a public process and dive deeper into topics such as housing and sustainability, resulting in a framework for the downtown’s role in how the Town grows in the next ten years.

PHASE 1: EARLY ACTION PLAN JANUARY

FEBRUARY

APRIL

MARCH

MAY

COORDINATE ENGAGE

COMMUNITY SURVEYS 8 WEEKS FREEPORT DOWNTOWN VISION WORKSHOP FEBRUARY 25, 6-8PM TOWN WALK MARCH 20, 10:30AM

DESIGN EARLY ACTION PLAN PRESENTATION TO TOWN COUNCIL JUNE 1, 2021 6:30PM

FREEPORT DOWNTOWN VISION - EARLY ACTION PLAN

Goals Goal 1:

Create community consensus around a shared vision for Freeport’s downtown. Goal 2: Inclusive public process with wide-spread participation. Goal 3: An actionable plan that addresses how to implement the vision by prioritizing opportunities, investments, and resources. Goal 4: Create a downtown that adapts to the needs of current and future residents of Freeport. Goal 5: Build community and stewardship among residents and the business community.

Photo Credit: Sharyn Peavy for Visit Freeport)

ENGAGEMENT OVERVIEW 5

Phase 1: Early Action Plan

ORGANIZE JANUARY Project launch Website launch Community Connector’s Kick-off

ENGAGE FEBRUARY Freeport Downtown Vision Workshop 2/25 (116 participants) Survey (582 responses)

FREEPORT DOWNTOWN VISION - EARLY ACTION PLAN

PLAN & DESIGN MARCH Town Walks 3/20 (85 attendees) Kids Survey (282 responses) Visitors Survey (1,500+ responses)

APRIL Draft Early Action Plan

IMPLEMENT MAY Presentation to Town Council

SUMMER 2021 Implementation

Engagement Overview

116 582 280 85 Participants

Responses

Participants

1,500+

Vision Workshop February 25, 6-8PM

Survey February-March 2021

Youth Survey March - April 2021

Town Walk March 20, 10AM

Visitors Survey April 2021

Responses

ENGAGEMENT OVERVIEW 7

Favorite Places in Freeport People’s favorite places in Freeport are a mix of the beautiful natural resources and shops and businesses along Main Street. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park is a favorite place for its hiking trails and ocean views, and Wolfe’s Neck Farm provides opportunities to learn about farming and gather with family and friends. Freeport’s residents value spending time outdoors. Main Street’s favorite places are L.L.Bean Discovery Park, Memorial Park, the woods at Town Hall, the green space in front of the Historical Society, and Leon Gorman Park. These green spaces where people can sit and linger and spend time in nature downtown are essential to residents and the character of Freeport

Wolfe’s Neck

Winslow Park

“L.L.Bean outdoor discovery center. So many things to do, outside, for free. It does feel like a community space rather than just a tourist trap or shopping center.” “Wolfe Neck Farm. It combines all the elements I love about our town: beautiful setting, a place to gather with neighbors and friends, opportunity for our children to learn and grow, lovely outside restaurant, great hiking trails, access to water views, and local industry.” “Corner of Bow Street and Main Street - views, people, vitality; includes railroad track and park, a bit of residential down Bow and South streets, plus core of downtown retail buildings, both new and old.”

Maine Beer Co

Placemaking Survey, 582 Responses, open-ended question, “What is your favorite place in Freeport?”.

FREEPORT DOWNTOWN VISION - EARLY ACTION PLAN

Wolfe Neck State Park “Wolfe’s Neck Park and outdoor trails. Lovely to have access to being active outdoors in Freeport.”

Winslow Park “Winslow Park - Beautiful views, public year round access, and activities.”

Bow Street Market “Bow Street Market because it carries fresh local products, provides the best quality meats is small and has a local hometown feel”

L.L.Bean Discovery Park “LL Bean. Not only the store but the year round activities they support for the community. ie, races, concerts etc bringing more people to this area”

Main Street “I love being downtown...it gives a sense of community when we’re allowed to be out and about. It totally differentiates us form many other local towns and has a lot to offer.”

Library “The library. It is serene and quiet, they have a great collection, and the staff are friendly and helpful”

ENGAGEMENT OVERVIEW 9

What are the biggest challenges facing Downtown Freeport? The placemaking survey respondents stated the number one challenge facing downtown Freeport is empty storefronts along Main Street. In 2020, the pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for the retail, hospitality, travel, and food and beverage industries, which are the core of Downtown Freeport’s economy. Covid-19 exacerbated changing retail trends such as online shopping, pop-up, and experiential retail, leading to vacancies downtown. The shift to experiential retail becomes all the more critical as businesses and retailers are now responsible for keeping customers healthy. The Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services report, Maine’s Economy During Covid-19 2020 Year in Review, states the “hospitality sector was the hardest hit in 2020, and accommodation and food services sector lost over 30,000 jobs in March and April and in December remained 14,300 below pre-pandemic levels”. The long-term impacts of the pandemic on Freeport’s downtown are still unknown and it will take a multi-facted and incremental approach to fill empty storefronts downtown.

Placemaking Survey, 582 Responses, open-ended question, “What are the biggest challenges facing Downtown Freeport??”.

FREEPORT DOWNTOWN VISION - EARLY ACTION PLAN

People were spending more time outdoors and in nature in 2020, and many communities, cities, and towns around the world started to rethink the uses and functions of their public spaces, parks, and streets. Placemaking survey respondents noted Downtown Freeport’s dependence on tourism and the opportunity to continue to attract visitors to Freeport by expanding outdoor offerings and connecting Downtown to all of the beautiful nature destinations and activities that Freeport has to offer.

L.L.Bean is a strong partner to the Town and the local businesses in Freeport. L.L.Bean’s company purpose to inspire and enable people to experience the restorative power of being outside is aligned with the community’s values. L.L.Bean has a strong presence Downtown and attract millions of visitors a year. The Town should continue to foster a strong relationship with L.L.Bean and work together to connect downtown with the outdoors. Research shows that the breakdown of a healthy downtown retail’s environment should be 1/3 local, 1/3 national, and 1/3 independent retailers. Street and pedestrian activity are also an economic indicator of healthy Downtown.

The lack of activity after 6 PM, lack of activities other than shopping, and the lack of food options can only begin to be solved with Early Actions. In reality, change will require long-term visioning and incremental interventions. These challenges link to the lack of residential development Downtown. We heard from residents that the lack of Housing for all incomes Downtown is a priority for the community to solve, and will be further explored by the Town and planning team in the Vision and Comprehensive plans. As we draft this plan, there are residents in Freeport advocating for mixed-used zoning changes downtown to allow for housing development, and it’s important that the community’s vision helps to guide developer’s manifestations of housing downtown.

Placemaking survey respondents also stated that the lack of food options in Downtown Freeport is a challenge. This sentiment is shared by the results of the Youth Survey and Visitors online surveys. We heard from the community that Freeport should explore opportunities to expand food options Downtown, including fast-casual, cafes, and upscale options. While the pandemic will continue to have lasting economic impacts on small businesses and national retailers, there is an opportunity to fill vacant Downtown spaces with local services. Placemaking survey respondents cited the lack of office space for professional services Downtown, such as dentists, doctors, hardware stores, accountants, lawyers, designers, and other services. We heard that locals want to see more of the types of businesses that draw locals to Downtown.

ENGAGEMENT OVERVIEW 11

In 10 years, what should be *different* about Freeport Downtown? In 10 years, what should be different about Freeport Downtown? More luxury, middle class, and affordable housing downtown

19%

More access to walking and biking paths in downtown

16%

More local businesses

11%

More gathering or green space in town

10%

Less emphasis on retail; Freeport as a destination for outdoor activities

10%

More restaurants and food options

10%

Bigger emphasis on arts and culture

More mixed-use buildings

More unique businesses that showcase Freeport’s values More night life such as bars and events

Placemaking Survey, 582 Responses, open-ended question, “In 10 years, what should be *different* about Freeport Downtown?”.

FREEPORT DOWNTOWN VISION - EARLY ACTION PLAN

In 10 years, what should be the *same* about Freeport Downtown? In 10 years, what should be the *same* about Freeport Downtown?

Maintain the small town feel

20%

Maintain traditional architecture and aesthetic of the town

15%

L.L.Bean

14%

Walkability of Downtown

10%

Top 10

Vibrant and friendly community

Events, concerts, and activities

Small and local businesses

Clean and safe feeling of downtown

Continue to be a retail and shopping destination

Maintain services such as library, schools, post office, and Town Hall

Variety of restaurants

Placemaking Survey, 582 Responses, open-ended question, “In 10 years, what should be the *same* about Freeport Downtown?”.

ENGAGEMENT OVERVIEW 13

Access to Downtown How do you usually get to downtown?

w do you usually get to Downtown?

Car

77%

Walk

19%

Bike

Bus

How do you usually get to downtown?

Rideshare/Taxi >1%

Placemaking Survey, 582 Responses, multiple choice, “How do you usually get to downtown?”.

Placemaking Survey, 582 Responses, open-ended question, “How can access to Downtown Freeport be improved?”.

FREEPORT DOWNTOWN VISION - EARLY ACTION PLAN

Visitors’ Survey Visitors - What is missing from Freeport that would make you visit more often?

Visitors - What bringsyou you totoFreeport? What brings Freeport? Dining & food

75%

LL Bean

74% 73%

Rest & Relaxation Shopping downtown

70% 22%

Outdoor adventures 10%

History & museums

What is missing from Freeport that would make you visit more often? Outdoor markets

32% 17%

Local stores

14%

Concerts & shows

13%

Outdoor paths & trails Dining & food

11%

Arts & culture Boating & fishing

Other

1.5%

History & museums Other

Visitors’ survey, 1500+ responses, multiple choice (select all that apply)

5% 7%

Visitors’ survey, 1500+ responses, multiple choice

What’s one word that comes to mind when you think of Freeport?

Visitors - What is one word that comes to mind when you think of Freeport?

Relaxing

21%

Shopping

19%

LL Bean

18%

Harraseeket Inn

15%

Fun

Quaint Friendly

5% 4%

Lobster

Beautiful

Vacation

Visitors’ survey, 1500+ responses, multiple choice

ENGAGEMENT OVERVIEW 15

Youth Survey Favorite Places In Freeport Downtown

Youth Survey, 260 responses, open-ended response, “What is your favorite place in Freeport Downtown?”

FREEPORT DOWNTOWN VISION - EARLY ACTION PLAN

Youth Survey - What activities do you do downtown?

Youth Survey - What activities do you wish you could do downtown ?

Youth Survey, 260 responses, open-ended response, “What activities do you do downtown?”

Youth Survey, 260 responses, open-ended response, “What activities do you wish you could do downtown that you currently cannot?”

ENGAGEMENT OVERVIEW 17

Youth Survey

Youth Survey, 260 responses, multiple choice, “How often do you go downtown?”

FREEPORT DOWNTOWN VISION - EARLY ACTION PLAN

Youth Survey, 260 responses, multiple choice, “How do you usually get to downtown?”

Town Walk Input: L.L.Bean Discovery Park What do you like best about this place? • Clean, well kept up, family-friendly • Trees, plants, and landscaping • Heart of the town • Concerts, events, and programming What type of activity would you like to see here? • More events & festivals • Ice skating rink • Food Trucks • Movies • Farmer’s Market • Classes and workshops What changes would you make to improve this place that could be done quickly and wouldn’t cost a lot? • Festivals in parking lots • More seating • Games (chess tables, volleyball net, corn-hole) • Bike parking

What changes would you make in the long term that would have the biggest impact? • Eliminate front parking lot to expand the green space • Reduce or eliminate vehicle traffic and create a pedestrian-only community space • Create a true village green • Storefronts along the Main Street streetscape

L.L.Bean view from Main Street.

Local partnerships or talent? • L.L.Bean • ACAF • Local farms • RSU5 group

Parking lots separate L.L.Bean Discovery Park from Main Street.

L.L.Bean Discovery Park.

ENGAGEMENT OVERVIEW 19

Town Walk Input: Town Hall What do you like best about this place? • Convenient location for Town Hall, good building, and friendly staff • Green space with native landscape in downtown What type of activity would you like to see here? • Uses in the parking lot • Activities for teens/kids • Places to sit and hang out outside in the shade • Picnic and places to eat lunch or read a book • Community gardening

What changes would you make in the long term that would have the biggest impact? • Preserve the green space. • Connection to Freeport Community Service Center • Play structure or skate park. • Add a bike share station Local partnerships or talent? • Local bicycle coalition, freeport conservation trust • ACAF

What changes would you make to improve this place that could be done quickly and wouldn’t cost a lot? • Chairs and tables • Community garden • Art or sculptures • Obstacle course or playground for kids • Kiosk for community board & visitor information

Town Hall view from Main Street.

People gathered at Town Hall during the Town Walk.

Grove Street next to Town Hall is wide enough to accomodate street parking for Town Hall.

FREEPORT DOWNTOWN VISION - EARLY ACTION PLAN

Town Walk Input: Depot Street What do you like best about this place? • Parking is useful for visitors and locals What type of activity would you like to see here? • Food Truck events • Drive-in movies • Outdoor pop-up markets

Local partnerships or talent? • Property owners • Developers • Town • Freeport Community Services • Maine Beer Co • ACAF

Grove Street looking towards Depot Street.

What changes would you make to improve this place that could be done quickly and wouldn’t cost a lot? • Benches, seating, plants, murals • Rehome RV parking to less prime location to open up car parking • EV charging stations What changes would you make in the long term that would have the biggest impact? • Redevelop parking lots into mixed-use housing and commercial or community uses on the ground floor • Skate park • Dog park

Depot Street view.

Parking lots at Depot Street.

ENGAGEMENT OVERVIEW 21

Town Walk Input: Train Station What do you like best about this place? • Train Station • Covenient rail travel • Train station Tower • Hot dog cart in the summer

What changes would you make in the long term that would have the biggest impact? • Electric vehicle charging station • Improve ADA access • Housing near the train station

How often do you take the train? • 70% of people said infrequently or never.

Local partnerships or talent? • Local bicycle coalition, freeport conservation trust • ACAF

What changes would you make to improve this place that could be done quickly and wouldn’t cost a lot? • More bike parking • Zip car and blue bike station • Picnic tables and seating

People at the Train Station during the Town Walk.

The Train Station in Freeport located at 23 Depot Street.

View of the train tracks from the Train Station.

FREEPORT DOWNTOWN VISION - EARLY ACTION PLAN

Town Walk Input: Freeport Village Station What do you like best about this place? • Mix of stores What type of activity would you like to see here? • Outdoor seating and outdoor dining • Unique and local retail • Restaurants What changes would you make to improve this place that could be done quickly and wouldn’t cost a lot? • Local pop-up shops • Benches and moveable seating • Greenery and plants for shade

What changes would you make in the long term that would have the biggest impact? • Add housing and mixed-use development to the area • More unique and local stores, restaurants, and businesses Local partnerships or talent? • Local craftspeople and artisans • Local landowners and businesses • FEDC

Freeport Village Station.

• Food carts and live music

Freeport Village Station view from Main Street.

Freeport Village Station.

ENGAGEMENT OVERVIEW 23

FREEPORT DOWNTOWN VISION - EARLY ACTION PLAN

Community’s Values

VALUES & VISIONS 25

What is an Early Action Pilot Project? An Early Action Pilot Project is a tactical installation, event, or program that can be implemented quickly to test ideas and improve the built environment downtown. The Early Action pilot projects use one or more of the tactics outlined in the next section: 1. Parklet Program 2. Pop-up Retail 3. Intersection Repair 4. Pavement to Plaza 5. Signage & Wayfinding 6. Food Trucks 7. Slow Roll 8. Better Block

We’ve used pilot projects before in communities in Maine; one example is intersection repair in Newcastle. The goal was to improve traffic flow, increase pedestrian safety, and create a gateway to the town. The idea came up during a community visioning event and was tested soon after with the help of the local DPW and volunteers. The team tested if the idea would work by eliminating a redundant traffic lane using cones and traffic message boards. After two weekends of tactical installation and some slight tweaks based on feedback gathered while surveying the community, the idea was a success. Traffic flow improved and public space was reclaimed for the community. The project gained momentum in the community and it was incorporated into the long-term vision plan for Newcastle.

Traffic cones to test the intersection repair.

Early Action projects are ideas or insights that came up during the community process. There are endless possibilities for Early Action, and we heard thousands of ideas from the community workshop, surveys, and town walk. The improvements were incorporated into the long term vision.

Early Action pilot projects are meant to be done quickly and affordably to gather the community together to test and implement ideas for improving downtown that can be incorporated into the longer-term vision for downtown. Early Action Projects can only be achieved with the leadership and support of the community, local groups and organizations, local businesses, and local partners. The Early Action Projects we’ve included in this plan were prioritized using the values that originated from the community process. The Early Action projects aim to address Freeport’s challenges, but many of these challenges and ideas explored in the Early Action Plan require long-term visioning and implementation. 26

Traffic message board used to notify drivers.

FREEPORT DOWNTOWN VISION - EARLY ACTION PLAN

The vision for Main Street in Newcastle.

Tactics for Early Action 1. Parklet Program 2. Pop-up Retail 3. Intersection Repair 4. Pavement to Plaza 5. Signage & Wayfinding 6. Food Trucks 7. Slow Roll 8. Better Block

Example of a tactical urbanism project transforming a parking lot into into a place for people in Burlington, Vermont.

TACTICS 27

What is Tactical Urbanism? Iterative Project Delivery This chart illustrates the progression of an iterative approach to project delivery. Though not all projects need to follow this exact model, it can be helpful to see how each project phase builds towards the next, using incremental steps to deliver a capital project intended to create lasting change. Project Type (time interval • relative cost)

PILOT (1 month - 1 year • $$)

INTERIM DESIGN (1 year - 5 years • $$$)

LONG-TERM / CAPITAL (5 years - 50 years • $$$$)

Project Leaders

Can be led by anyone (town, Government / organizational Government / organizational Government / organizational citizen group, or both!) leadership + involvement leadership + involvement leadership + involvement required required required

Permission Status

Sanctioned or unsanctioned

Always sanctioned

Materials

Low-cost, typically low durability. Can be borrowed or easily made

Relatively low-cost, but semidurable materials

High-cost permanent materials that cannot easily be adjusted

Public Involvement

Public input + public action

Low-moderate cost materials, designed to balance flexibility with maintenance needs Public input, government / organizational stewardship

Flexibility of Design

High: organizers expect project to be adjusted and removed.

Always

Always - project perfomance can inform futures investments

Collect data to refine approach for current or future projects?

DEMONSTRATION (1 day - 1 month • $)

Recommended

FREEPORT DOWNTOWN VISION - EARLY ACTION PLAN

Public input, champion Public input, government / engagement, government / organizational stewardship organizational stewardship High: organizers expect Moderate: organizers expect Low: project is considered a project to be adjusted; it project to be adjusted, but it permanent capital upgrade may be removed if it does is intended to remain in that’s unlikely to be adjusted not meet goals. place until capital upgrades significantly once installed. are possible. Always

Parklet Program Purpose: To reclaim underutilized asphalt as public spaces without significant capital expenditure. Local Partners: Local restaurants, coffee shops, and other downtown small business owners. Investment: Parklets typically take 1-2 days to install, and the cost of construction ranges from $1,000 to $20,000. Parklets are meant to be temporary and uninstalled during cold winter months. One can find examples of Parklets in cities and towns across the US. Since Parklets started to gain popularity in the past decade, some cities have adopted Parklet programs to make the design and approvals process easier. The pandemic spurred the construction of parklets as restaurants closed indoor dining, and municipalities transformed parking spaces and leftover asphalt into public spaces. Cities and Towns can use parklets as a tool for transforming public spaces. In most cases, Parklets are a platform or deck that is level with the sidewalk, with moveable tables and chairs, greenery, and bicycle parking.

Implementation Check List: • Find a local partner(s) that would benefit from a parklet. • Design the parklet, choose the materials and location. Please pay special attention to drainage, ADA accessibility, safety, lighting, and making it welcoming. • Review, collaboration, and approvals from the Town’s Department of Public Works, Planning Department, and DOT. • Install the parklet. Plan the opening, and spread the word to the community. • Post-installation, provide daily maintenance checks. • Disassemble the parklet from November to March.

Parklet with outdoor dining in Portland, ME (2020).

Resources: Tactical Urbanism 4.0 Jersey City Parklet Guide

Parklet in Salem, MA. (2020)

Parklet season lasts from April to November due to New England’s winters. The Parklet local partner is responsible for maintaining the parklet, keeping it clean, beautiful, and activated. The cost is typically covered by an individual business or a group of businesses that recognize the opportunity to attract customers. Privately or publicly sponsored, parklets are part of the public realm and entirely open to the public at large.

Parklet in Boston, MA. (2020) The City of Boston

TACTICS 29

Pop-up Retail Purpose: To temporarily fill vacant retail space. Local Partners: Local artists, makers, and small or large retailers, downtown landowners Investment: Low commitment and help landlords fill vacant spaces quickly - they typically fill existing empty spaces and don’t require build-out. Depending on the retailer, a pop-up can cost anywhere from $1,000-$20,000. Pop-up shops temporarily activate vacant commercial spaces, from a few days to a few months. Communities can also use pop-up retail to activate underutilized public spaces such as parking lots, plazas, and parks. From large companies creating a unique retail experience to small retailers and makers promoting their products, pop-up shops are an effective strategy for growing brand visibility or testing a new retail concept. Pop-ups in all forms have gained popularity for the past decade because they are a relatively low-cost option for brands. It’s advantageous for businesses to share space and costs with a creative mix of retailers; some successful examples are a jeweler and a clothing brand, a bike shop, a coffee bar, or a yoga retreat and lifestyle brand.

Implementation Check List: • Get started with a goal, figure out space requirements, partners, budget, timing, hours of operation, and location. • Make sure you check any approvals, licenses, permits, or insurance you may need. • Plan the staffing, pop-up display, and any other supplies you’ll need like plants, brand signage, POS, business cards, shopping bags, and wifi. • Promote the pop-up through social media, events, and local businesses. • Landlords and pop-ups should remain in contact throughout the operations to ensure success. • When the pop-up is complete, clean up space, disassemble the displays, evaluate any feedback collected, and measure if you accomplished the goals. Resources: https://www.thestorefront.com/ https://www.gopopup.com/ https://www.popupshops.com/

When landlords are looking for pop-up partners, try to attract retailers that benefit from the local target market and focus on spreading awareness about the pop-up through social media by hosting events and partnering with local businesses. Landlords with vacant spaces to fill can list their spaces on websites to connect with a network of retailers- a list of several popular websites is in the resources sections. 30

FREEPORT DOWNTOWN VISION - EARLY ACTION PLAN

Local example of pop-up retail.

Pop-up retail at L.L.Bean. (Photo credit: Visit Freeport)

Temporary Indoor or outdoor pop-ups..

Intersection Repair Purpose: To reclaim unused or redundant street space for pedestrians. Local Partners: Local businesses, DPW, MaineDOT, Complete Streets, Local Transportation & ADA Advocates Investment: Low-cost, temporary, and iterative approach to improving the public realm and pedestrian, bicyclist, and skaters safety. Intersection repair combines various tactical urbanism interventions like paint, street furniture, landscaping, and traffic calming techniques to achieve an active and safe pedestrian realm. During Covid-19, cities and towns worldwide reclaimed street space for the public as people realized how little of the streetscape was available for people and how much was being taken up by cars. The interventions range from sidewalk bump-outs to shutting down entire sections of the street for pedestrians. For example, in Freeport in June 2020, FEDC and a group of local volunteers that call themselves the “Street Gang” organized a closure of a portion of Main Street for pedestrians. Implementing intersection repair has positive social, economic, environmental, and public health impacts. When pedestrians experience a comfortable environment, they are more likely to spend more time and come back again, retail sales increase, and local businesses benefit. When traffic is slower and flows efficiently, people are encouraged to walk and bike, and air pollution decreases. Tactical urbanism intersection repair projects can be implemented quickly and help gather the momentum needed for long-term infrastructure investment. The Early Action Plan recommends several locations along Main Street where tactical intersection repair can be piloted based

on public feedback from the survey and Town Walk. Implementation Check List: • Gather data to select and plan the location and desired outcomes for the intersection repair and diagram the ideas for the redesign. • Plan the materials. Use low-cost and easy-to-move materials such as traffic barricades, cones, flexible delineator posts, planter boxes, native plants, concrete or wooden blocks, paint, chalk, stencils, tires, traffic armadillos, moveable tables and chairs, shade structures, and signage. Be creative and resourceful. • Review, collaboration, and approvals with local partners and the Town’s Department of Public Works, Planning Department, and DOT. • Organize an event and install the intersection repair with the help of local volunteers. • Survey pedestrians and drivers. Get people’s feedback and iterate on the design. • Gather momentum for long-term improvements. Resources: The Street Plans Collaborative’s Tactical Urbanist’s Guide to Materials and Design v.1.0 NATCO Urban Street Design Guide Tactical Urbanism 4.0

Example of a tactical curb bump out and crosswalk using colored paint and stencils.

Example of an intersection mural painted by a group of neighbors to calm traffic in their neighborhood in Milwaukie.

Example of an intersection repair using painted bump outs, traffic delineators, and planters.

VALUES & VISIONS 31

Pavement to Plaza Purpose: To temporarily activate underutilized parking lot or asphalt as public spaces without large capital expenditure. Local Partners: Local businesses, FEDC, MaineDOT, local landowners, local artists and performers Investment: Low-cost, temporary, and iterative approach to improving the public realm and pedestrian, bicyclist, and skaters safety. Pavement to plazas is a way to activate a space with creative interventions such as a skate park, food trucks, farmer’s market, art performance, or beer garden. These interventions start using temporary and inexpensive materials to transform sections of the street or a vacant parking lot into a new public space overnight. Municipalities typically lead the effort with local partners, landowners, and businesses that help operate, maintain, and manage the new plazas.

Implementation Check List: • Find a local partner(s) and a location. • Review, collaboration, and approvals from the Town’s Department of Public Works, Planning Department, and DOT. • Organize an event and install the intersection repair with the help of local volunteers. Set clear parameters for the duration of the project. • During the installation survey pedestrians and drivers. Get people’s feedback and iterate on the design. • Gather momentum for long-term improvements.

Pop-up skate park in a parking lot in Providence, RI.

Resources: https://pavementtoplazas.com/

This type of tactical invention is best to plan and implement in the summer months, but Freeport shouldn’t be deterred by the winter. Mainers know how to deal with the cold and still need social activities and gathering during the long winters. The community mentioned creative ways to activate parking lots in downtown in the winter like ice skating, winter markets, ice sculptures, snow castle building, food trucks, and continuing Sparkle Fest, which attracts thousands of people each December for a unique winter experience.

Example of pavement to plaza.

FREEPORT DOWNTOWN VISION - EARLY ACTION PLAN

Signage & Wayfinding Purpose: Improve wayfinding for pedestrians and drivers. Local Partners: Town of Freeport, Visit Freeport, FEDC, Complete Streets Investment: Low-cost, temporary signage Freeport attracts millions of visitors a year who come to shop, dine, relax, and experience all of the natural resources that Maine has to offer. When people come to Freeport Downtown, it is important to show people all of the attractions within downtown and the Town. Wayfinding and signage can help people navigate their built environment and reduce stress by providing easy-to-follow signage and legible directions to their destinations. Visit Freeport and other organizations have worked hard to create maps, signage, and other wayfinding material for Freeport. There is an opportunity to build on this effort and test tactical wayfinding & signage in downtown.

Implementation Check List: • Establish a scope for the location of new signage. • Create of list of destinations and/or information that locals or visitors to downtown may need to know. • Create mock-ups for temporary signage. Review with the Town, Department of Public Works, Planning Department, and DOT, and other relevant stakeholders. • Implement and test your wayfinding. • Continue to iterate on signage to establish a longterm solution.

Examples of pop-up wayfinding.

Resources: Tactical Urbanist’s Guide to Materials and Design v.1.0 (Street Plans Collaborative, 2016)

Examples of pop-up wayfinding.

Example of a pop-up wayfinding kiosk.

VALUES & VISIONS 33

Food Truck Events Purpose: To activate public spaces, offer opportunities to small businesses, support food and dining downtown. Local Partners: Local restuarants, coffee shops, cafe, food trucks, and entrepreneures. Investment: Food Trucks are an investment to own and operate and rely on pedestrian activity. Property owners can charge Food Trucks rent per day. A Food Truck Permit for the Town of Freeport is $30/day or $500/year. Food Trucks are used for activating public spaces, stimulating entrepreneurial activity, and attracting pedestrian activity. Food Trucks fare better when they cluster together and become a local gathering place. They can easily congregate in surface parking lots and activate parking lots and edges of Main Street that are otherwise devoid of pedestrian activity. Food Trucks should be encouraged to bring moveable tables and seating. Food Trucks can rent the parking spaces they occupy as they grow. As food trucks become successful, certain cities and towns adopt programs to support food trucks moving to permanent brick and mortar locations and lowering barriers to entry.

In Cambridge, Harvard hosts Food Truck Fridays and invites Food Trucks to set up in the Harvard Science Center Plaza. For the past ten years in Little Rock, Main Street hosts an Annual Food Truck Festival with up to 85 food trucks, artists, and entertainers. Implementation Check List: • Find a local network of Food Trucks and choose a location and a site layout. • Contact with property owners and invite local resturants and businesses to collaborate. • Obtain insurances and licences neseccasy. • Review, collaboration, and approvals from the Town’s Department of Public Works, Planning Department, and DOT. • Get the right infrastructure and equipment you’ll need for the event. • Create a website, publicize the event, and find local entertainment or other vendors interested in participating. • Maintain contacts with the local bsuiness commmunity and Town officials. • Renew permits annually.

Food Truck Fridays in Cambridge, MA. (2019)

Resources: Freeport Maine Food Truck Application

Food Trucks bring people, activity, and fun. Freeport has an opportunity to leverage the culture of delicious food, lobster and seafood, and farm-to-table dining that attracts visitors to Maine and brings local communities together. Continuing to expand the variety of affordable, local, and unique restaurants was frequently mentioned as a priority for both the Placemaking and Youth Survey, and food trucks are a great way to support and attract new food vendors and “foodies”. 34

Food Truck Fleet in Portland, ME (2020).

FREEPORT DOWNTOWN VISION - EARLY ACTION PLAN

Parking Lot to food truck pop-up in Vermont

Slow Roll Town Bike Ride Purpose: To An opportunity to experience the town as a bicyclist in a community setting. Spread awareness about the benefits of biking. Local Partners: Local artists, makers, and small or large retailers, downtown land owners. Investment: Low commitment and help landlords fill vacant spaces quickly - they typically fill existing empty spaces and don’t require build-out. Depending on the retailer, a pop-up can cost anywhere from $1,000-$20,000. Slow Roll is one of the world’s largest free and inclusive community bike rides. Founded in 2014 and organized locally by non profit volunteers, Slow Rolls connect communities through guided rides for bicyclists of all ages and skill levels. More than just a bike ride, it is a vehicle to bring people from all walks of life together and reconnect the community. These events can be hosted annually, monthly, and in some cases weekly, such as Buffalo, NY.

Implementation Check List: • Assemble local partners, choose a date, map a route, and publicize the event on social media. • Remind participants to come prepared with the proper gear, helmut, water, and snacks. • Obtain review and approval. Some events hire police detail depending on size and preference. Make sure to keep track of the number of sign-ups to properly anticipate the turn-out leading up to the event. • Host the event. • During or immediately after the event, survey particpants about their experience as a bicyclist, barriers to biking, and opportunities for improvement. • Post-event, stay in touch with participants. Use the survey findings to share feedback and reccomendations. Host an annual event.

A community slow roll.

A town bike ride and outdoor yoga.

VALUES & VISIONS 35

Better Block Purpose: To promote liveable streets, strong communiites, and vibrant, healthy neighborhoods. Local Partners: Community groups, local advocates, Local buesinesses, local government Investment: This event tactic uses low cost materials and is set up and dismantled in the same day. Build a Better Block grew from a small initiative to a major force through the use of social media, supporting local advocates and property owners to activate public space and vacant storefronts temporarily.

Implementation Check List: • Select a block and establish buy-in from the surrounding stakeholders. • Find or create low cost materials to set up for the block party, like chairs, picinic tables, hammocks, corn hole, umbrellas, and lights. • Obtain licsencing and permits required. • Publicize your event. • Host the event. • Clean-up and leave no trace. Resources: bettterblock.org

Before it spread worldwide, Better Block began in Dallas, Texas in the Oak Cliff neighborhood. Local community group Go Oak Cliff harnessed volunteers and cheap or donated materials to transform an underutilized city block. Food vendors and cafe tables provided meeting places, native landscaping and street furniture gave a sense of place and painted “New York-style” cycle tracks slowed traffic. A key lesson of the Better Block initiative is the useful role of social media. By communicating online, organizers attract local participants and global attention, inspiring other communities to follow suit. A how-to guide is linked in the resources.

melbourne laneway

FREEPORT DOWNTOWN VISION - EARLY ACTION PLAN

Early Action Projects Summary

PILOT PROJECTS 37

Pilot Project #1

Main & Bow Street Intersection Values: Walkability and Bikeability, Local Economic Development, Village Center, Arts & Culture, Downtown for All Tactics: Intersection Repair Local Partners: MDOT, DPW, Complete Streets, Police Department, Private property owners, L.L.Bean, Linda Bean, Hot dog cart, ACAF Impact: • Improve pedestrian and vehicular safety. • Traffic calming to improve interactions between pedestrians and drivers. • Increase pedestrian foot traffic and retail sales of surrounding businesses. • Partner with local businesses, arts & culture organizations for volunteers, programming, and street murals. A vibrant and active public realm where pedestrians feel safe and comfortable is a key indicator of an economically thriving downtown. The Intersection of Bow Street and Main Street is the central hub of downtown for pedestrians, drivers, and bicyclists. The placemaking survey revealed that this intersection does not feel safe for pedestrians who fear crossing or for drivers who fear hitting pedestrians. Cornered by the only front door on Main Street to L.L.Bean’s campus, Linda Beans, and other well-known outdoor brands and retailers, Main and Bow Street Intersection is memorable for people who visit Freeport. The chains that were put up to protect pedestrians limits them to the sidewalks and encourages traffic to move more quickly. This section Main Street along Route 1 of is already known to locals as a place to go slow and look out for pedestrians, and it should become known as a pedestrian zone. Tactical interventions to reclaim public space can help calm traffic and when traffic moves slowly, it is more efficient and creates a better public realm.

FREEPORT DOWNTOWN VISION - EARLY ACTION PLAN

Main and Bow Street Intersection. The chains limit pedestrians to the street. Reclaiming a potentially redundant curb lane for public use with curb bump outs, traffic cones, and delineators can be tested. quickly, temporarily, and with quick built, recycled, or donated materials.

Sketch of pilot project at Main and Bow Street. Public space can be temporarly and quickly created with traffic delineators, paint, tables and chairs for public seating, shade, native plantings and planters and parallel parking, bike parking, or bike lanes can be added for convient parking along Main Street. .

2 3

Created by Injamamul hoq miraz from the Noun Project

11 Created by Injamamul hoq miraz from the Noun Project

6 7 1 Parklet

2 Stop line

3 Cross walk 43 Delineator Post 54 Curb extension 6 Map & Wayfinding Kiosk 7 Public Seating moveable tables & chairs 8 Potted Bush 9 Potted Tree

10 Colored paint

11 Parallel Parking 791 Tremont Street, Studio W513 Boston, MA 02118 1. 786. 361. 5285 studio@principle.us www.principle.us

PROJECT: Freeport Downtown Early Action Project DATE: 05/6/2021

Main & Bow Street Crosswalk

A101 PILOT PROJECTS 39

Pilot Project #2

Bow Street Courtyard Values: Walkability and Bikeability, Local Economic Development, Village Center, Arts & Culture, Downtown for All Tactics: Pavement to Plaza, Pop-up Retail, Food Truck Events Local Partners: Bow Street Realty, Fred Leighton, Al Yebba Berenson Associates, Take 2 LLC / Brickyard Hollow, Linda Bean Easements Impact: • Improve a private public space for pedestrians. • Increase pedestrian foot traffic and retail sales of surrounding businesses. • Partner with food cart vendors, local businesses, arts & culture organizations for volunteers, programming, and street murals.

The existing space at this courtyard can be better utilized for pedestrians and bring pedestrian foot traffic to increase retail sales of the surrounding businesses and create seating and places to hang out for locals and shoppers. Any early action projects should be mindful of the stormwater and drainage.

This courtyard along Bow Street is a unique private/public space in Freeport’s Downtown. Located along Bow Street, it is an access point to Freeport Village Station and is lined by retail stores. Currently, there’s no seating or public life in the courtyard. The courtyard can be better utilized by implementing Early Action Tactics. Activating the space with public seating, pop-up retail or beer garden, food trucks, or food carts, and programming such as live music can increase foot traffic in this area and benefit the surrounding businesses.

The space could be used for a food cart vendor or food trucks, a pop up beer garden, and public benches and seating, and local musicians could perform at Freeport Village Station on busy day.

FREEPORT DOWNTOWN VISION - EARLY ACTION PLAN

3 1 Pop-up beer garden

2 Food Trucks and seating 3 Stage for live music

791 Tremont Street, Studio W513 Boston, MA 02118 1. 786. 361. 5285 studio@principle.us www.principle.us

PROJECT: Freeport Downtown Early Action Project DATE: 05/6/2021

Bow Street Courtyard

A101

PILOT PROJECTS 41

Pilot Project #3

Howard Place Intersection Values: Walkability and Bikeability, Local Economic Development, Village Center, Arts & Culture, Downtown for All Tactics: Intersection Repair Local Partners: Arts and Cultural Alliance of Freeport (ACAF), Historical Society, Complete Streets, DPW. Impact: • Improve pedestrian and vehicular safety. • Traffic calming to improve interactions between pedestrians and drivers. • Improve pedestrian walkability of Main Street.

The wide lanes along Main Street encourages traffic to move quickly.

The wide lanes along Main Street encourage traffic to move quickly. The new Meetinghouse Arts space that The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Freeport (ACAF) is working to create at 40 Main Street would be a great location for a street mural. Partnering with ACAF, local artists could create a street mural that is unqiue to Freeport and draws awareness to the Town’s commitments to expanding Arts and Cultural activity in Freeport.

The space could be used for a mural at Meetinghouse Arts in partnership with ACAF and local artists. For more info about Meetinghouse Arts and ACAF, visit www.freeportartsandculture.org/

FREEPORT DOWNTOWN VISION - EARLY ACTION PLAN

2 3

Meetinghouse Arts 40 Main Street

1 Street Mural by local artists 2 Stop sign (3-way stop) 3 Stop line

791 Tremont Street, Studio W513 Boston, MA 02118 1. 786. 361. 5285 studio@principle.us www.principle.us

PROJECT: Freeport Downtown Early Action Project DATE: 05/6/2021

Howard’s Place

A101

PILOT PROJECTS 43

Pilot Project #4

Main Street North Parklet Values: Walkability and Bikeability, Local Economic Development, Village Center, Downtown for All Tactics: Parklet Program Local Partners: Derosier’s, L.L.Bean Impact: • Improve pedestrian and vehicular safety. • Create a public space that benefits pedestrians and surrounding businesses. • Create convenient Bike Parking and a new parking space. • Increase pedestrian foot traffic and retail sales of surrounding businesses. • Traffic calming for drivers along Main Street. • Partner with local businesses, arts & culture organizations for volunteers, programming, and street murals.

The space in front of Derosier’s could be temporarily activated using the Parklet Program Tactic to provide seating and an enhanced pedestrian experience.

The Parklet Program Tactic can be installed quickly and temporarily to create a public space with seating that benefits the surrounding businesses.

The preliminary design of the parklet is ADA accessible and incorporates a deck, public seating, traffic delineators, lighting, and bike parking.

FREEPORT DOWNTOWN VISION - EARLY ACTION PLAN

4 5

1 Parklet

2 Traffic delineator 3 Bike racks

4 Parallel Parking (+2 spaces) 5 Curb extension (colored paint) 791 Tremont Street, Studio W513 Boston, MA 02118 1. 786. 361. 5285 studio@principle.us www.principle.us

PROJECT: Freeport Downtown Early Action Project DATE: 05/6/2021

Derosier’s Parklet

A101

PILOT PROJECTS 45

Pilot Project #5

Nathan Nye & Starbucks Values: Walkability and Bikeability, Local Economic Development, Village Center, Arts & Culture Tactics: Intersection Repair, Pavement to Plaza Local Partners: FEDC, Starbucks, Bartol Library, Historic Society, L.L.Bean, surrounding local businesses Impact: • Improve pedestrian and vehicular safety. • Traffic calming to improve interactions between pedestrians and drivers. • Increase pedestrian foot traffic and retail sales of surrounding businesses. • Partner with local businesses, arts & culture organizations for volunteers, programming, and street murals. Starbucks was mentioned as a favorite place for youth and is a place where locals frequently meet friends and grab a coffee. Moveable tables and chairs can be added in the paved area behind Starbucks as a place to sit and hang out. The intersection crosswalk can be piloted using paint, traffic barriers, and planters with native plants. The bumpouts and planters calm traffic and crosswalks make it safer and easier for pedestrians to cross, increasing foot traffic to the surrounding businesses and historical society. The Pavement to Plaza tactic can be implemented on Nathan Nye Street. Drivers use Nathan Nye Street to access the parking lots, which can also be accessed by Cross Street and Howard Street. Starbucks, Bartol Library, and the other surrounding businesses can benefit from piloting a Pavement to Plaza at this intersection.

FREEPORT DOWNTOWN VISION - EARLY ACTION PLAN

3 4

6 7 8

1 Moveable Tables & Chairs 2 Caution Stop Ahead

9 10

3 Stop line 43 Cross walk

54 Barricade 6 Curb extension (colored paint) 7 Stop sign 8 Potted Bush 9 Potted Tree 10 Caution Stop Ahead

791 Tremont Street, Studio W513 Boston, MA 02118 1. 786. 361. 5285 studio@principle.us www.principle.us

PROJECT: Freeport Downtown Early Action Project DATE: 05/6/2021

Nathan Nye Intersection

A101

PILOT PROJECTS 47

Pilot Project #6

Holbrook Intersection

Values: Walkability and Bikeability, Local Economic Development, Village Center, Arts & Culture, Downtown for All Tactics: Intersection Repair, Parklet Program Local Partners: Connect Freeport, surrounding local businesses, MaineDOT, local volunteers Impact: • Improve pedestrian and vehicular safety. • Traffic calming to improve interactions between pedestrians and drivers. • Increase pedestrian foot traffic and retail sales of surrounding businesses. • Partner with local businesses, arts & culture organizations for volunteers, programming, and street murals. As a hub of Downtown, there are no indicators that traffic should slow down. As a result, cars become backed up when making a left-hand turn in the intersection, especially during peak hours and when school is in session. Creating traffic calming to help traffic move slowly and efficiently can be piloted. The businesses located at the corner of Main Street and Grove Street can benefit by adding more outdoor seating. A parklet along Main Street can be temporarily tested this summer. In addition, parallel parking can be added for convenient parking along Main Street.

FREEPORT DOWNTOWN VISION - EARLY ACTION PLAN

As a hub of Downtown, there are no indicators that traffic should slow down. Cars become backed up making a left hand turn in the intersection, especially during peak hours and when school is in session. Creating traffic calming to help traffic move slowly and efficiently can be piloted.

1 2

7 Created by Injamamul hoq miraz from the Noun Project

Created by Injamamul hoq miraz from the Noun Project

1 Parklet

2 Cross walk

3 Traffic barrier 43 Crosswalk Mural 54 Parallel Parking 6 Curb extension (colored paint) 7 Stop sign (3-way stop) 8 Potted Bush 9 Potted Tree

791 Tremont Street, Studio W513 Boston, MA 02118 1. 786. 361. 5285 studio@principle.us www.principle.us

PROJECT: Freeport Downtown Early Action Project DATE: 05/6/2021

Nathan Nye Intersection

A101

PILOT PROJECTS 49

Pilot Project #7

Town Hall Block

Values: Village Center, Walkability and Bikeability, Sustainable Growth, Connection to the Outdoors, Local Economic Development, Arts & Culture, Downtown for All Tactics: Pavement to Plaza, Food Truck Local Partners: Town Hall, Town Council, Adjacent property owners, Active Living Committee. Impact: • Utilize a parking lot as a gathering place for youth and locals. • Encourage movement and play in the outdoors. • Partner with local businesses, arts & culture organizations for volunteers, programming, and street murals.

The parking lots at Town Hall can be temporarily activated as a skatepark and obstacle course as a gathering place for kids and parents. Parking can be located along Main Street, Grove Street, and Depot Street to replace the parking for Town Hall.

An example of a pop-up skate park in a parking lot with a mural, games, and a public restroom.

FREEPORT DOWNTOWN VISION - EARLY ACTION PLAN

1 Street closure sign / saw house 2 Parklet

3 Improve street parking 43 Pop-up skate park 54 Pop-up pump track 6 Half pipe & other skate ramps

791 Tremont Street, Studio W513 Boston, MA 02118 1. 786. 361. 5285 studio@principle.us www.principle.us

PROJECT: Freeport Downtown Early Action Project DATE: 05/6/2021

Town Hall Block

A101

PILOT PROJECTS 51

Pilot Project #8

Village Station Crosswalk Values: Walkability and Bikeability, Local Economic Development, Village Center, Arts & Culture, Downtown for All Tactics: Intersection Repair Local Partners: Freeport Village Station, L.L.Bean, Hot dog cart, Local property owners. Impact: • Improve pedestrian and vehicular safety. • Traffic calming to improve interactions between pedestrians and drivers. • Increase pedestrian foot traffic and retail sales of surrounding businesses. • Partner with local businesses, arts & culture organizations for volunteers, programming, and street murals.

Inspiration for a street mural design connecting Freeport Village Station and L.L.Bean. (Credit: L.L.Bean) Existing conditions.

FREEPORT DOWNTOWN VISION - EARLY ACTION PLAN

5 6

8 1 Artistic Sidewalk Mural

Partner with LL Bean graphic designer

2 White Asphalt Paint 33 Post delineator 4 Traffic barrier 4’ 4 5 Potted bush 6 Colored paint 7 Potted tree

8 Map & wayfinding kiosk. Plywood. Space for community posting.

791 Tremont Street, Studio W513 Boston, MA 02118 1. 786. 361. 5285 studio@principle.us www.principle.us

PROJECT: Freeport Downtown Early Action Project DATE: 05/6/2021

Village Station Crosswalk

A101

PILOT PROJECTS 53

Pilot Project #9

Wayfinding & Signage Values: Walkability and Bikeability, Local Economic Development, Village Center, Arts & Culture Tactics: Wayfinding Local Partners: Visit Freeport, Complete Streets, DPW, Jay Paulus Design Studio, Street Gang, FEDC Impact: • Help pedestrians and cars navigate downtown. • Reduce stress for people walking and driving downtown. Working together with Visit Freeport and other organizations and individuals in Freeport, there is an opportunity to assess the existing wayfinding and signage and improve upon the existing wayfinding signage in Freeport. Visit Freeport has worked hard to created maps and install wayfinding kiosks downtown. Wayfinding signage can be tested this summer with tactical pilot projects by adding temporary Visit Freeport information kiosks in more prominent locations along Main Street.

FREEPORT DOWNTOWN VISION - EARLY ACTION PLAN

PILOT PROJECTS 55

Pilot Project #10

Co-op Public Market

Values: Local Economic Development, Village Center, Arts & Culture, Downtown for all Tactics: Pop-up retail Local Partners: FEDC, Freeport Village Station, Local small businesses Impact: • Fill empty storefronts. • Affordable pop-up spaces for small retailers. • Attract locals to shop here with unique local small businesses, artists, and makers.

Empty storefronts in Freeport Village Station and along Main Street can be filled with pop-up retail.

The intent is to create a large all weather indoor/outdoor year round space in Freeport Village Station to have a co-op public market featuring Maine Artists, Crafters, Prepared and perserved food vendors,and educational and entertainment offerings popular with both residents and visitors alike. Provide the opportunity for small scale vendors to get exposure in a premiere destination they would otherwise be unable to afford, and create a strong draw to the downtown complimentary to the vision of the residents and businesses in Freeport.

Pop up retail at Granville Public Market in Vancouver.

FREEPORT DOWNTOWN VISION - EARLY ACTION PLAN

PILOT PROJECTS 57

Pilot Project #11

Food Truck Summer Fridays

Values: Walkability and Bikeability, Local Economic Development, Village Center, Arts & Culture, Downtown for All Tactics: Parklet Local Partners: Impact: • Activate underutilized parking lots. • Support local food vendors and restaurants. • Create a regular event for locals and visitors to gather. • Promote the culture of food trucks and entrepreneurship.

Food Truck Friday can be a regular Friday evening gathering spot for locals, and visitors looking to experience a variety of food options. Lack of food and dining options is seen by residents as one of the top challenges facing Freeport. A culture of welcoming new food truck vendors to Freeport can help bring new and unique food options to Freeport on a weekly basis.

FREEPORT DOWNTOWN VISION - EARLY ACTION PLAN

PILOT PROJECTS 59

Pilot Project #12

Better Block Tactic

Values: Walkability and Bikeability, Local Economic Development, Village Center, Arts & Culture Tactics: Intersection Repair Local Partners: Impact: • Improve pedestrian and vehicular safety. • Traffic calming to improve interactions between pedestrians and drivers. • Increase pedestrian foot traffic and retail sales of surrounding businesses. • Partner with local businesses, arts & culture organizations for volunteers, programming, and street murals. • An opportunity for local artists, musicians, and potential business owners to temporarilty program vacant storefronts and reclaim public space.

FREEPORT DOWNTOWN VISION - EARLY ACTION PLAN

Sketch of potential tactical improvements that can be made at CVS.

PILOT PROJECTS 61

Pilot Project #13

Slow Town Roll Bike Ride

Values: Walkability and Bikeability, Local Economic Development, Village Center, Arts & Culture Tactics: Slow roll Local Partners: Impact: • Improve pedestrian and vehicular safety. • Traffic calming to improve interactions between pedestrians and drivers. • Increase pedestrian foot traffic and retail sales of surrounding businesses. • Partner with local businesses, arts & culture organizations for volunteers, programming, and street murals.

FREEPORT DOWNTOWN VISION - EARLY ACTION PLAN

Potential route for a Slow Town Roll.

PILOT PROJECTS 63

Next Steps... Areas to explore in Freeport Downtown Vision Plan:

Call to Action

• The past, present, and future of Downtown Freeport • The community’s vision • Housing & Land use • Economics of downtown’s retail environment • Urban Design Standards and the Built Environment • Downtown’s Connection to Natural Resources • Public Spaces • Mobility and Parking • Sustainability

IMPLEMENT JUNE Assist Local Team with Pilot Project Plans. Meet with Key Stakeholders & Property Owners. Assist with communications & website.

We need your help to make the Early Action pilot projects come to life. We need the community’s help: • Prioritize projects • Find Local Partners • Create the summer’s calendar of events

PLAN & DESIGN JULY & AUGUST Support Pilot Project installations & activities. Train local Team for measuring & evaluating pilot projects. Preparation for the Downtown Design Week. Prepare for phase 3.

ENGAGE SEPTEMBER Downtown Design Week, includes community workshop #2, focus groups, office hours, and community open houses. Prepare Downtown Design Week Summary. Initiate Phase 3 work.

DRAFT PLAN FALL 2021 Phase 3: Drafting the Downtown Vision Plan.