July 2, 2019

Offices Closed for Holidays

The Complete Streets HQ office will be closed July 4th for the Independence Day holiday. The office will be back open on Friday, July 5th. If there is an urgent matter do not hesitate to call or text us at the cell numbers at the end of this newsletter.
We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday!

Are you ready?

Dear Downtown Business Owner,

The Main Street Complete Streets construction project will be here before you know it! Don't let it sneak up on you. Are you ready? Are you in the strongest position possible to weather the impact? Have you begun your mitigation efforts? Don't wait to create positive changes, many of our downtown merchants are experiencing an increase in revenues now as a result. The City, the MainStreet program, and other resource partners want to walk along side you, see you come out the other side better for it, and help you celebrate your success.

Sincerely,

the MainStreet program, the MSCS project team, and BRP resources partners.

Main Street Complete Streets Construction Project

This large infrastructure construction project is currently in design and plans can be found at HQ at 119 W. Main. Would you like to learn more about our efforts to revitalize the downtown area? Please visit the Complete Streets Headquarters at 119 W. Main, the Main Street Complete Streets website or the Downtown Farmington website.

The estimated construction time frame is 10 months to complete. The City is adamant about avoiding impact to businesses during the peak season in November and December therefore construction is targeted to begin in early 2020. In preparation there are many other enhancement projects that are happening this year! See below for the current list:

2019 Construction Season Update:

Telecommunication contractors will be in the alleyways.
The Traffic Engineering Division will be evaluating and updating signage in the downtown alleyways to provide positive guidance for vehicles using the one-way alleyways.
Water line installation continues along San Juan Boulevard from Scott to American. Construction is estimated to complete in September 2019.
Please be advised a major street maintenance project will begin Tuesday, May 21, 2019 through Friday, October 25, 2019. Mill & Inlay will be completed on several streets throughout the City, including Broadway and Arrington. Click here for map.

Should you have any questions regarding this project, road closures, or street restrictions, please do not hesitate to call Public Works Dept at 505-599-1308 or visit http://www.fmtn.org/633/Projects-and-Construction for all the latest on road projects.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Downtown Farmington to see an increased uniform presence from FPD

Downtown merchants will be seeing more of the Farmington Police Department beginning in July. The department is hiring six new park rangers, two of which will be dedicated to patrolling the downtown coordinator Sunday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This is in addition to FPD’s District Coordinator Unit bike officers who patrol the area along with their regularly assigned duties. The new ranger program will provide an increased uniform presence for downtown businesses and patrons.

The Farmington Police Department would like to remind merchants to report suspicious and criminal activity as this helps the department adjust their patrols appropriately. Emergencies should be reported by calling 911 and non-emergency situations should be reported by calling dispatch at 334-6622.

Our department recognizes one of the concerns in the downtown area is aggressive solicitation, often referred to as aggressive panhandling. While panhandling (asking another person for money) isn’t criminal, aggressive solicitation is a criminal offense under Farmington Municipal Code.

Aggressive solicitation includes the following:

Blocking or impeding the passage of the solicitee intentionally.
Touching the solicitee with the intent to intimidate or coerce.
Following the solicitee, going behind, ahead or alongside of him or her, with the intent to intimidate coerce or threatening the solicitee, by word or gesture, with physical harm.
Abusing the solicitee with words which are offensive and inherently likely to provoke an immediate violent reaction.
Coming closer than three feet to the person solicited unless and until the person solicited indicates that he or she wishes to make a donation.
Engaging in solicitation activity in any of the following prohibited places specified: Bus stops, public transportation vehicles or facilities, a vehicle on public streets or alleyways, public parking lots or structures, outdoor dining areas of restaurants or other dining establishments serving food for immediate consumption, within 50 feet of an automated teller machine or a queue of five or more persons waiting to gain admission to a place or vehicle, or waiting to purchase an item or admission ticket.

The Farmington Police Department would like to emphasize the importance of reporting aggressive solicitation and other crimes. Making an official police report allows the department to track occurrences and adjust services accordingly.

Working together helps make our community a safe place to live, work and play!

Please welcome our new District Coordinator, Officer Malouff.

Keep Downtown Clean and Safe

Protect your business and our community by keeping unsafe waste out of your dumpster. Paint, solvents, pool chemicals, batteries and other flammable materials can ignite in your dumpster or flare up in the back of a trash truck and cause a serious fire. These items should be disposed safely and separately – not in your commercial dumpsters.

Solutions for Disposal Problems

Do you have bulk items overflowing from your dumpster? Call Waste Management to schedule an extra pickup. Do you have issues with illegal dumping? Lock bars may be the solution. Do you regularly overfill your container? Consider increasing service frequency or getting larger dumpster. Have a need for cardboard recycling? Call WM to order a recycling dumpster or a yellow-lid polycart.

Waste Management can help you solve your disposal challenges. Contact WM at 505-327-6284 or email csnewmexico@wm.com. Avoid unsightly disposal issues and help keep the community clean and beautiful for customers and visitors.

WEEKLY HAPPENINGS

Weekly Happenings List:

Wednesdays: Jazz Jam has returned to the pocket park behind Studio 116 from 7pm-9pm. FREE!
Thursdays: Maker's Market in Orchard Park begins June 6th, 4:30pm to dusk. The Maker's Market features handmade, homemade, or homegrown items. Also features live music and is voted a JOLT-WORTHY EVENT! You can download the vendor contract from www.fmtn.org/downtown, click on the events tab and then the makers market. Drop it in the mail or bring it by 119 W. Main, Farmington 87401. It’s $8 to set up or if you want you can buy a 5 market pass for $25 so it’s $5 a day.
Fridays: TGIF begin's June 7th at 11am-1pm. Join us in the plaza at the newly renovated Farmington Civic Center mid-day throughout the summer to celebrate Fridays at TGIF with live music while you enjoy lunch. The Chile Pod or Dickey’s BBQ will be serving up food from 11:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. or you can get something to go from one of the great downtown restaurants. For more information call, (505) 599-1148 or www.fmtn.org/CivicCenter
Saturdays: Saturday Dances at Bonnie Dallas Activity Center from 7pm to 10pm. Shine your dancing shoes and come on over! Geared towards adults 50 years and older that love to dance, this weekly event is just a $4.00 cover. Discounted dance passes also available. For more information call, (505) 599-1380 or www.fmtn.org/BDSC

UPCOMING 2019 EVENTS

Upcoming 2019 Events List:

Farmington Rotary Electric Light Parade: Downtown, Thursday, July 4th, 2019 at 9pm. Road Closure is usually in place 1.5 hours prior to parade. Celebrate the 4th of July with a Farmington tradition, the night parade! This is a free and family friendly event organized by Farmington Rotary. Sponsored by Kenneth W. Shields, CPA, PC.
4 Corners Rod Run: Downtown, Saturday, July 20th, 2019 from 5pm-10pm (NEW TIME). This is a full road closure along Main Street from Locke to Wall. Set up for the live music stage will be in the morning on S. Behrend between Main Street and the south alleyway. Click here for more information on the event: http://www.fmtn.org/496/Rod-Run
Connie Mack Parade: from Downtown to Ricketts Park, Thursday, July 25th at 10am. Road Closure is usually in place 1.5 hours prior to parade.
San Juan County Fair Parade: Downtown, Friday August 9th at 6pm. Road Closure is usually in place 1.5 hours prior to parade.
Downtown Off Road Takeover: Downtown, Friday, September 6th from 5pm-10pm. 4x4 Off Road vehicle descend on the Downtown for food and fun and flex ramps. For more information.
NEW - Four Corners Film Festival: Downtown, September 10th-15th. This is a five day festival centering around the Civic Center and Downtown areas. On Saturday evening the 14th, there will be a Block Party on Main Street which requires a small road closure. Click here for more information.

For more information on Downtown Events:

Pick up your copy of the Merchant's Guide to Downtown Events from Michael at HQ at 119 W. Main. This a great resource for merchants, it has plenty of ideas on how to make the most of downtown events. Included in this guide are the upcoming 2019 event dates.

For other activities around town, find a full Gateway events guide here: https://issuu.com/fmtn2/docs/gateways-summer-2019/56

Do you have an event you want to tell the 4 Corners about?

Submit your event to our Convention & Visitor Bureau calendar:
https://farmingtonnm.org/events/submit-an-event

Did you know? Memberships to the FCVB start at $50/year. This is a great way to get your business listed on one of the top performing websites in our community.

2019 Vacation Guides are out! Pick up a free copy at HQ or order a box through the FCVB, 1-800-448-1240.

Want to know the benefits of being a member of the Chamber of Commerce?

100 W. Broadway | 505-325-0279 | chamber@gofarmington.com | www.gofarmington.com

PUBLIC OPINION POLL RESULTS

Downtown Business Prospects Survey Results:

Downtown Farmington: A MainStreet Project asked for the public's help. We opened the survey on May 1rst and closed it July 1rst, 2019. The survey was divided into four types of businesses you would find in a downtown area; Eating and Drinking Establishments, Entertainment, Retail, and Service-Oriented Establishments. After that were questions about potential business recruitment and housing options and lastly two basic demographic questions for the survey taker. There were 229 respondents.

Here are some of the interesting take aways from the public opinion poll. A full report can be found at HQ.

Outdoor dining or outdoor seating or patio was a common requested feature for Full Service Restaurants, Deli & Sandwich Shop, and Nightclubs.
Live Music was a common requested feature for Coffee Shops, Brew Pubs, Theaters & Music Halls, and Nightclubs.
A Family-friendly venue was the common requested feature for Full-Service Restaurants, Games Rooms and Theaters & Music Halls.
Outdoor Food Truck Court and a Food Hall were the most requested types of Mercado or Public Market.
Of all the service-oriented establishments found in a downtown area, 65% of respondents said that Overnight Accommodations is the most important service to them. In second, 60% said that Salons and Day Spas are most appealing to them and in third is massage therapists.
Eating Establishments are the types of businesses most likely to be patronized, then establishments that offer entertainment.
25% of respondents are interested in opening a business, opening a second location, or relocating to downtown.
Nearly 50% of respondents are interested in potential housing options in the downtown area. Of the potential housing options the most requested feature was that it has an historic appearance but style could be a loft, patio home, or town home. Most requested size is a 2-bed unit.

SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES

We have been busy promoting our downtown businesses and events through our Instagram or Facebook Page; Downtown Farmington: A MainStreet project. Please like and follow our page for cross promotion opportunities and to add your event to our calendar. You can also tag us or invite us to your event to bring it to our attention. Don't forget to submit events to the Farmington Convention and Visitors Bureau as well for a larger audience.

Additionally, remember to help out your neighboring businesses by leaving a 5 star review on Google, Facebook, Yelp, and other social media outlets. We are beginning to see out of town and international visitors to the downtown area. Are you ready? Need ideas? Continue reading and see Michael for more information.

Are you ready?

Dear Downtown Business Owner,

The Main Street Complete Streets construction project will be here before you know it! Don't let it sneak up on you. Are you ready? Are you in the strongest position possible to weather the impact? Have you begun your mitigation efforts? Don't wait to create positive changes, many of our downtown merchants are experiencing an increase in revenues now as a result. The City, the MainStreet program, and other resource partners want to walk along side you, see you come out the other side better for it, and help you celebrate your success.

Sincerely,

the MainStreet program, the MSCS project team, and BRP resources partners.

Business Resiliency Project (BRP):

The Farmington Downtown Business Resiliency Project (FDBRP) is a team of small business professionals with diverse backgrounds and skills. Together, we're working to meet the business capacity and skill needs of downtown Farmington small business during the revitalization of downtown and those of all retailers in San Juan County and surrounding communities. Many of these educational and consulting services are at low or no cost to you! Need help? Just ask.

Other Small Business Resources:

Resources and inspiration can be found here:

Deluxe - Their website contains many small business resources on topics like Marketing, Financials, Starting a Business, eBooks, Videos, and Case Studies.
Flip This Town - Flip This Town started as a book by downtown revitalization expert Ron Drake, and has now transformed into a movement that is sweeping communities across the country. Join Ron Drake and his partner, Main Street Manager Kristi Trevarrow as they set out to restore the heart of America, one downtown at a time.
The Small Business Revolution - Small Business Revolution tells stories of America's most inspiring small businesses, using photography, film and written word. Championed by Deluxe (see above). They just wrapped up filming for season 4 of the online makeover documentary show. Follow their Facebook page and website for free small business advice, inspiration, and information.
HubSpot - a free marketing blog that is very informative and they even offer free webinars on a variety of subjects including social media, marketing, sales, and business development. They also have downloadable PDFs that you can read at your own pace.
Small Business Development Center @ San Juan College - Counselors at the SBDC assist small business in a variety of forms with confidential one-on-one consulting, low cost training in a variety of subjects, technical assistance, and we can assist your company in networking with other local companies to achieve your goals.
Construction Survival Guide - pick up this handy guide at HQ on ideas before, during, and after construction. Are you ready?
The Merchant's Guide to Downtown Events - this a great resource for merchants, it has plenty of ideas on how to make the most of downtown events. Included in this guide are the upcoming 2019 event dates. Pick up your copy at HQ.
SnapRetail - Complete online marketing solution for independent retailers. It’s website, email and social wrapped up in one powerfully simple tool – so you can plan, execute and track all of your marketing activities. Affordable solution that helps you build your brand and sales through meaningful, consistent customer communication.
Farmington Public Library - check with the reference librarian because with just a library card you can access online databases, including the Business and Finance section with templates, guides, and other tools to help you start, finance, and manage your small business. Need a special certification, they have access to that online course too! Call 505-599-1270 for more information on obtaining a library card and accessing the online databases.

Historical Photo Mural Grand Union Tea Co

The Grand Union Tea Co historical photo mural was installed in time for the Summer ArtWalk. This a great spot for selfies with Fannie Paxton, the store owner, from 1907. This installation is funding in part by the New Mexico Resiliency Alliance and installed with many volunteer hours. On the right of the mural is a custom fabricated metal gate.

New Mexico MainStreet Program:

Downtown Farmington: A MainStreet Project is part of the New Mexico MainStreet Program (NMMS). New Mexico MainStreet works throughout the state and partners with designated organizations to create a strong economic business climate while preserving cultural and historic resources. https://www.nmmainstreet.org/

The NMMS uses a Four Point Approach® to implement the goals and support the vision to transform downtown districts. These four areas are Organization, Design, Promotion, and Economic Vitality.

Do you have an idea for economic growth that qualifies to be a recipient of this program? Find out by contacting Michael Bulloch, NMMS Director, at 505-599-8442.

Arts and Cultural District (ACD):

Want to get involved? You do not need to be a committee member to be involved or to attend the meetings. Contact Michael Bulloch at 505-599-8442.

The Alley Art Jam kicked off on June 14th during the Summer ArtWalk. This will be a 'living mural' organized by ArrowSoul Trading and features a collaboration by more than 10 artists. The living mural is located behind 305 & 307 W. Main and behind the GC Harvest Church.

Art in the Alley:

The Art in the Alley project continues in 2019 with three more murals. The new murals will be in the alleyways behind the GC Harvest Church and Arrow Soul Trading, the ARC of San Juan County, and behind The Chile Pod and HQ.

Stakeholder meetings:

Next meeting will be July 8, 2019 at 9am (new time).* Bring your questions and concerns about the Complete Streets construction project or crime prevention.

Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency meetings:

Tuesday, July 16th, 2019 at 4pm.*
Tuesday, August 20th, 2019 at 4pm.*

Now that there is an updated MRA plan, the board is prioritizing the projects identified within the plan. Join in on this discussion and help shape our three districts, the Civic Center, the Downtown, and the Animas Districts.

*All meetings are held at HQ at 119 W. Main unless otherwise noted. All meetings are open to the public.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Opportunities to volunteer are available. This is a way to help out along side your fellow downtown neighbor. Contact Michael for more information.

Help out artists with upcoming mural installations.
Labor for future grant funded projects in the downtown area.
Our local non-profits can always use a hand! Contact Hustle Kindness Headquarters or The ARC of San Juan County.
Mayor's Volunteer Program - an opportunity to put your knowledge, talent, and energy toward improving the quality of life in our community.

Our Goal:

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. Additional details on any of the above referenced items are on file at HQ at 119 W. Main or on our website. Feedback is always welcome and participation is always encouraged!

Contact Us:

Michael Bulloch
Downtown Coordinator & Executive Director for MainStreet Program and Arts & Cultural District

119 W. Main Street
505-599-8442 office
505-716-6057 cell
mbulloch@fmtn.org

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