Complete Streets HQ and The Heart Downtown Farmington: A MainStreet Project

Purpose:

The purpose of this newsletter is to be transparent and open about our plans for this large-scale infrastructure investment with the downtown stakeholders. We recognize the potential for economic growth that could result from a project of this magnitude, but also the challenges that come.

MainStreet Program:

MainStreets work to revitalize their downtowns and historic commercial districts through preservation-based economic development and community revitalization. MainStreet follows a four point approach working in the areas of Economic Vitality, Organization, Promotion, and Design.

What is Creative Placemaking?

In creative placemaking, public, private, not-for-profit, and community partners come together to strategically shape the physical and social character of a neighborhood, city, or region around arts and cultural activities, essentially making a "place" or "social living room" that people are drawn to and want to spend time in.

Background:

The aging infrastructure has reached its life expectancy and needs to be replaced. Downtown Revitalization has been a goal for many years. The MRA board funded the conceptual design. The opportunity arose to reissue our existing bonds to fund the full construction project at once. The city recognized the benefits of utilizing a City-owned store front as a "Head Quarters" for the Main Street Complete Streets construction project.

Contact Us:

Michael Bulloch
Downtown Coordinator & Executive Director for MainStreet Program
119 W. Main
505-599-8442
505-716-6057
mbulloch@fmtn.org

Sherry M. Roach
Project Coordinator
119 W. Main
505-599-8443
505-427-1512
shroach@fmtn.org

Main Street Complete Streets Project

The City of Farmington is beginning a project in 2019 that will improve pedestrian walkability, safety, and accessibility; and create an inviting space that will help attract new residents, businesses, and investors.

Dear Downtown Business Owner:

Welcome to the new look of the Downtown Newsletter! We hope that you find this format visually stimulating and informative.

2018 Construction Season Update:

Waterline installation continues on W. Broadway between Auburn and Orchard. Beginning next week, traffic control will be changed over to allow for service tie-ins for business on the north side of Broadway. Contractor will begin at Auburn and move east toward Orchard. Contractor will be notifying each business of any water disruptions during this time. For the latest updates on street restrictions or closures contact Public Works at 505-599-1308 or http://www.fmtn.org/658/Public-Works-Closures

Stakeholder Meetings:

UPDATED TIME: Next Stakeholder Meeting will be held on September 17th at 10am.

Metropolitan Redevelopment Area Meetings:

MRA meeting are held the third Tuesday of each month. Next meeting is September 18th at 4pm.

Business Resiliency Project:

Classes begin September 17th at 8am to 10am. Topics include Marketing Plans, Digital Marketing, Social Media, Customer Service, Merchandising and Point of Sale Systems. Visit the website and register at: www.fdbrp.org First class is FREE!

Art in the Alley:

First completed mural is located behind Brown's Shoe Fit inside the pocket park behind Studio 116. James Joe and he's crew did a fantastic job. Jamie Fairchild's mural at the same location is in progress.

Jazz Jam:

Jazz Jam is every Wednesday evening at 7pm to 9pm in the pocket park behind Studio 116. Sponsored by the Connie Gotsch Foundation for the Arts.

Maker's Market:

Maker's Market is held in Orchard Park every Thursday evenings from 4:30pm to dusk until the October 25th. Anything Handmade, Homemade, and Homegrown. http://www.fmtn.org/632/Makers-Market

Events:

4 Corners 4x4 Week: This five day event will be having a Downtown Takeover on September 7th from 6pm-9pm on Main Street from Behrend Ave to Wall Ave. Main Street will be closed during this event. FREE admission, food, music, a raffle and giveaways. Go to www.cliffhangers4x4.com for registration and more information on other events around town during the 4 Corners 4x4 Week.

Chile in October: Test your salsa or chile recipe against others or be a taster and vote for the best in town. Held in Berg Park on October 6th, 2018 from 11am - 3pm. https://farmingtonnm.org/events/chile-in-october