An Open Letter from Arlington Town Manager, Brian Sullivan
June 17, 2008
A vibrant commercial district is at the heart of any healthy community. Arlington is lucky to have three active commercial districts: East Arlington, Arlington Center, and Arlington Heights. Most residents can easily walk to a hardware store and pick up that hard-to-find plumbing part, or stop by the pharmacy to grab a prescription, or grab a quick bite to eat, or indulge in a more formal dining experience. We're fortunate to have such choices in our neighborhoods. I'm sure it contributes to Arlington maintaining a robust real estate market while other communities are struggling. A survey conducted by the Arlington Department of Planning and Community Development (Planning Department) a couple years ago found overwhelmingly that residents like commercial uses to be available to them nearby when such uses
enhance the quality of life. I have to agree.
I also know that we can't take for granted that Arlington will always have appealing businesses. Attracting and maintaining vibrancy in Arlington’s commercial centers requires active cultivation and management. The Town is constantly working to keep its business districts healthy. It's one of the top priority goals set by the Board of Selectmen.
Arlington's Commercial Revitalization Initiative, presented by the Arlington Redevelopment Board (ARB) and Planning Department, includes several programs to improve the Town's overall business environment. The Storefront Improvement Program launched earlier this year is helping business owners by providing free architectural assistance for storefront design and signage; this program is funded by a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The response by businesses has been excellent, so much so that the funds have been exhausted. Because of this great response we hope to offer the program again next year. To complement this program, a number of local banks have made commitments to provide loans at favorable terms to businesses to help upgrade their façades. This loan program is still active; interested businesses
should contact the Planning Department.
The Public Space Improvement Program focuses on East Arlington and Arlington Center, looking at ways to improve streetscape, lighting, landscape, and the overall aesthetics of these areas. The recent replanting and clean-up of Broadway Plaza in Arlington Center grew out of the planning dialog between business owners, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Town. The collaboration of these groups and residents has noticeably improved the aesthetics of the Plaza, resulting in an immediate impact on the vibrancy of the Center. The Town is also looking into other cooperative initiatives with the Chamber of Commerce, such as a Local First Program and Business Improvement Districts.
The Massachusetts Avenue Corridor Project involves the redesign and reconstruction of Massachusetts Avenue from Cambridge through Arlington Center. Phase 1 extends from Cambridge to Pond Lane. The design of Phase 1 is slated for the fall when federal and state funding comes through. These efforts are just a few examples of the Commercial Revitalization Initiative. You can read more about the Initiative at arlingtonma.gov.
The Commercial Revitalization Initiative is an ongoing process leading, thus far, to incremental improvements. However, these efforts need to go beyond improving storefronts and the public spaces of the Town. Our efforts need to look at the broader vision such as what businesses serve the community? What businesses do we lack? How do we attract these businesses?
A proactive approach to understanding our commercial inventory and residents' needs will help us maintain - and even improve - the quality of life in Arlington. To understand this relationship and the opportunities it presents, the Town is launching a study of its commercial districts. The ARB, working with the Chamber of Commerce, Board of Selectmen, a consultant, and the public will create a Commercial Development Plan. In broad strokes, the study will assess existing businesses, identify Arlington's competitive advantages, and analyze the infrastructure supporting Arlington's three main commercial districts. The study will gather resident demographics and commercial needs to identify the right business mix to complement each district and the community. The study will also compile a list of the types of businesses the Town should recruit and include strategies on how to recruit them.
We need to have a commercial development plan in place so that when key parcels become available we will be ready to engage those businesses that will enhance our community. The Hodgen-Noyes property on Mass. Ave. is a good example of the need for such a plan. Over the last two years the Board of Selectmen has accumulated enough federal funds to fund the development of the plan.
To ensure that Arlington is a desirable place to live and conduct business, we must constantly work at understanding what our business mix is and the people they serve and be ready to act strategically when opportunities present themselves. Taking a proactive approach to planning Arlington’s future ensures that we make the best decisions for the future of Arlington. – Brian Sullivan, Town Manager, Arlington, MA
The Commercial Revitalization Initiative can be found in the Planning section of arlingtonma.gov
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