By Eileen M. Adams,Staff Writer

RUMFORD – Selectmen unanimously endorsed efforts by the Downtown Revitalization Committee to try to restore economic and commercial vitality.

At Thursday’s board meeting, consultants Brian Kent and Amanda Walker of Kent Associates, Gardiner, presented an overview of the 150-page report prepared to show what needs to be done and a timeline for how to do it.

“This is a long-term concept plan. Towns around the state are being successful with their plans,” Kent said. “To be successful, this must be a public/private partnership.”

While many of the recommendations will require little financial outlays, such as installing green spaces and mini-parks, welcoming banners and landscaping, some of the other proposals will take a considerable amount of funding.

“There are substantial funds out there through the Maine Department of Transportation, Community Development Block Grants and other state and federal programs. You are well-positioned (to receive some of these funds) because most have been going to southern Maine,” said Kent.

William French, a member of the committee that has been meeting for more than six months, said that while the project is exciting, some attitudes of apathy and negativity must be overcome to be successful.

“This has got to be a unanimous thing, not just from the selectmen, but from the town,” he said. “This project is the kind of thing that starts turning towns around.”

Selectman Jolene Lovejoy called for the board and those attending the meeting to stand up and give the committee a round of applause.

“I can’t imagine not following through on this,” she said.

Among the proposals for the Congress Street area are:

• expansion of trails and sidewalks while narrowing some of the wider intersections and streets such as Portland and River streets;

• providing more user-friendly ways for access to the Androscoggin River and the canal; creating a downtown logo and brochure and establishing a downtown merchants association;

• continued promotion of the arts community and cooperative efforts with the River Valley Growth Council;

• focusing on the historic aspects of the town, including its unique architecture;

• considering a change in the major entrance to the downtown area from off Portland Street to Route 108;

• upgrading the backsides of buildings and areas around them; and

• taking part in a business faade improvement program.

For the Waldo/Cumberland streets area:

• consider rerouting U.S. Route 2 from Hancock Street to Waldo Street;

• establish a neighborhood committee to work toward improving the appearance and economy of the area;

• promotion of both business and residential use;

• improvements to the intersection of Waldo Street and Lincoln Avenue;

• installation of small parks, green spaces, and decorative lamp posts and banners; and

• development of an overall housing strategy.

The committee will meet early next month to begin sifting through the report and decide what first steps to take. They also plan to expand the membership on the committee and set up subcommittees that will study specific topics.

In the meantime, Town Manager Steve Eldridge is pursuing grants that could provide funding to begin work.

“We want to get the island back and lively, to look good, feel good and feel welcoming. Businesses aren’t going to come until then,” said committee member Linda French.