BIDDEFORD — The need for more police presence in the downtown was one of the common themes voiced by residents, business owners and others concerned about revitalization in the area.
Changing people’s perception of the downtown was another.
On Jan. 23, several dozen people showed up to share their thoughts with the Biddeford City Council at city council chambers in City Hall about what they felt was needed for the downtown to thrive and attract more people.
More police were needed because “older patrons feel threatened,” said McArthur Public Library Director Jeffrey Cabral. The library, located on Main Street, is one of the busiest properties in the downtown ”“ if not the busiest, he said.
Better lighting would also improve safety in the area, Cabral suggested.
More police presence and improved lighting were among the recommendations made in the downtown master plan developed between 2009-11, said downtown revitalization organization Heart of Biddeford Executive Director Delilah Poupore.
Several new business owners said they had problems with theft at their downtown businesses.
Julian Shlaver, who owns the retail business Suger with his wife, said planters left outside their store were stolen. The business is located near the police station. James Rahn, who is opening a comic book store, said his first shipment was robbed.
Some said there is a drug presence that keeps people away from the downtown.
Mary Lyons, who has had a counseling business in the downtown for more than 10 years, said one problem she has noticed recently is panhandling. She said panhandlers have approached her on downtown sidewalks.
While there were a number of complaints about the downtown and recommendations about what was needed, some said the downtown was relatively safe and that the biggest problem is one of perception.
“Biddeford has come so far in just the last three years,” said Scott Thibeau, a Heart of Biddeford board member. “Biddeford has a perception problem, and that’s all it is.”
Changing the perception is the challenge, agreed business owner Grady Sexton, although he said he didn’t know the answer as to how to do it.
Some recommendations were made.
The council could address lighting, said City Councilor Michael Ready, and if people want more police presence in the downtown, they need to make that known during the upcoming budget discussions.
Councilor Roger Hurtubise said a focus group of University of New England Biddeford campus students should be formed and questioned to see what businesses they would like to see in the downtown.
Marketing Biddeford is another way to go, said Councilor Bob Mills.
Most important, said Mayor Alan Casavant, is for residents to get rid of the stigma associated with the city being a former mill town.
“It’s critical to devise a mechanism for people in Biddeford to believe in Biddeford,” he said.
— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 324 or dmendros@journaltribune.com.
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