RUMFORD – Members of the Downtown Revitalization Committee began brainstorming ideas about how they’d like their town to look and how to improve both its appearance and economy.
This time, at their second meeting Monday night, they gave their ideas to Brian Kent and Richard Rothe, the planners who will take the information and use it as the basis for a downtown revitalization plan.
The arts and the historical architecture of the area were high on the list.
“I’d like an active retail district that is arts-based,” said Becky Welsh, coordinator of the River Valley Arts Initiative. “And a museum that highlights some of the aspects of the town.”
That museum could be a fire museum, possibly located in the downtown fire station if the department moves in the future, or perhaps a pulp and paper museum.
The Rumford Public Library was also high on the list of architecturally significant buildings that could become a museum or an arts center, if it, too, is relocated in the future.
Curtis Rice, a local lawyer, wants any part of a downtown revitalization project to embrace a historical theme because of the many architecturally important buildings in and around the downtown area.
“That could attract people and businesses,” he said.
Some said the river, canal and falls should receive more emphasis, while others suggested holding more events on Congress Street, looking into building a two-level parking garage, and changing the flow of traffic on Congress Street to two-way. Waldo Street should also be upgraded, some said.
These and many more ideas will be compiled by Kent Associates, then presented at a public hearing in late August, said Town Manager Steve Eldridge. At that time, members the public also will be invited to offer their ideas for rejuvenating the area.
In the meantime, Eldridge has scheduled meetings and tours with representatives from the University of Maine on offering classes at the former NewPage Corp. administrative building, with the Maine College of Art on possibly creating an outreach arts program in the area, and with Maine Preservation about funding to help preserve the many historic buildings in town.
He also plans to meet with representatives from Maine State Housing to begin a study of housing options and possible funds for the Waldo, Cumberland and Falmouth streets area.
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