Arts & Land Use & Economic Development

We should consider creating an arts district within the community that would specifically support artistic and creative opportunities. This area could include the development of galleries, museums, cultural centers, civic arts facilities, and residential uses along with supportive community uses such as coffee shops, artist lofts, delis, etc. Gilbo Avenue may be an area worth exploring for this kind of redevelopment district. There is also the opportunity to create festivals, fairs and other arts and cultural activities that could serve as economic generators.

The community should explore recruiting creative-economy businesses, from artisanal foods to screen printing, digital media, publishing or other creative businesses. Portland, Maine, is a great case study for economic development around arts and cultural opportunities. This would have the side benefit of helping achieve another goal stated in the planning process – retaining younger people within the community, as many are seeking these types of creative opportunities and amenities.