Orlando: Medford Square is Making Progress

Citizens Important to Square Revitalization, Need to Support Businesses

The following update on the Medford Square Revitalization effort was written by Revitalization Committee Co-Chair Rick Orlando. The next meeting of the Revitalization Committee is taking place at 6:30PM in the City Council Chambers at City Hall tonight, Wednesday, January 16, 2008.

Medford Square Revitalization – Thoughts, observations and an update.

As follow up to recent discussions and questions on the Medford Square Revitalization since the Medford Transcript article on the program I wanted to put forward these thoughts for our community’s downtown improvement.

Obviously, we can debate our views on why it hasn’t happened already. There are many influences internal and external to our city that can be discussed, but I think focusing on moving forward will be a better use of our energy. All cities and towns that we frequently reference as having successful downtown areas were at the starting block at one point.

Some framework and context on the program, the team for an effort such as this requires many members. Yes, there is a Medford Square Revitalization Committee, and that group is one member of the team including the Office of Community Development (OCD), the Mayor, the City Council, other city agencies, the Chamber of Commerce, the business community, various city organizations and you the citizens of this community. Such an effort requires not only ideas for the square, but an understanding how to make this happen, the steps required and managing the implementation. On the public sector side, city government is needed to administer contracts and grants, manage city infrastructure improvement projects, ensure conformance to code, zoning and conservation requirements, and maintain the necessary linkages at the federal and state level to secure funding.

On the private sector side, property owners that actively pursue businesses compatible with the master plan such as restaurants, retail shops, etc are crucial. This requires working closely with the Chamber of Commerce and property owners while understanding their business considerations. Also, the “team” must make connections with existing and new businesses that will enhance the downtown area. This is most effective when approached one business or property owner at a time.

On the subject of funding, the city through Mayor McGlynn’s effort has secured over $14m in state and federal grants, and more funds are being pursued. Public sector funding is crucial to accommodate infrastructure updates and creating a downtown that is appealing to citizens and to businesses that may be considering Medford Square as a location for expansion. The general ratio of public to private sector dollars for downtown revitalization programs is 1 to 7. Therefore the funds already secured will create the potential to leverage significant private investment in our downtown area. Another crucial point to consider, these funds secured through federal and state grants eliminate the need to place a local tax burden on Medford’s citizens for the revitalization.

What has been accomplished?

Public Sector activity

1. The Medford Square Master Plan was completed August 2005.

2. The Medford Square Revitalization Committee has visited other towns to listen and learn from their experiences. This can provide useful information on what works and what doesn’t. We have visited Lowell, Waltham and Salem. The intent is not necessarily to replicate another community, but to research specific elements of other community’s downtown areas. The Lowell Auditorium is an excellent example of a downtown theater that books over 250 events per year ranging from major celebrities to local talent. Waltham has a great mix of retail and restaurant businesses. Salem provided interesting and useful examples showing how to capitalize on their oceanfront theme and history. This tool was used on the School Project and yielded numerous valuable ideas and features that were incorporated into our program as well as pitfalls to avoid.

3. Condon Shell Project – $695k federal funding secured. The design firm, CSS, is in place and public input has been provided on use of the site and facility. CSS is conducting the evaluation and developing design options for the site. CSS will be returning in the January/February timeframe to present alternative approaches to the project team and the public. Construction could begin late in 2008 subject to permitting.

4. Ring Road Re-design Project – $1m federal funding secured, the roadway will be re-located closer to the rear of the buildings leaving space for private development providing retail space, housing and parking. Also, along the river the newly reclaimed space will be used to create a park along the Mystic River. The site surveying of existing conditions is underway and the roadway re-design will follow. Construction is planned for the fall of 2008.

5. Mystic River connectivity – $825 federal funding secured. These funds will support projects to enhance connections along the river way. Examples of projects could include docks, walkways, etc.

Congressman Edward Markey has been supportive and the key person in securing the federal grants for items 3, 4 and 5.

6. Upgrade and re-construction of the Main Street/Craddock Bridge Project. – $1m state funding, has been secured for design and planning. There is an additional estimated $8m state grant for construction. The design is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2008. The bid process, contract selection and construction schedule to be determined.

State Representative Paul Donato has been instrumental in securing the funds for the Craddock Bridge project, item 6.

7. Governors Avenue Garage Project – $1m state funding secured and $1.6m federal funding secured. The project is waiting for transfer of funds from state.

9. There is $200,000 in mitigation funds from the MWRA slated to resurface High Street in Medford Square and replace 25% of sidewalk.

8. Open discussion with City Council
At a recent City Council meeting the co-chairs of the Medford Revitalization Committee opened the subject of the current liquor regulations. They asked the City Council about their willingness to pursue and support changes particularly to the 99 seat requirement for a full liquor license. The requirement of 99 seats to potential restaurants given the available space and smaller scale of these businesses is a major obstacle in the Medford Square revitalization. As you know a few years ago the City Council supported the change to the beer and wine seating requirement. This has proved beneficial to many smaller scale restaurants. The council suggested that including entertainment in restaurants would be beneficial. Live, light background music is what was described. The Liquor Commission has been contacted and the Medford Square Revitalization Committee has been requested to make a presentation to the Commission on possible changes. The meeting has been scheduled later in January.

On the private sector side there are a number of activities underway.

1. High Street Project
This project will provide street level retail business and residential housing on the upper levels. The owner is having new design and engineering plans developed to address the proposed modifications to the building and lower basement level. Upon completion the plans and specifications will be submitted to the necessary city departments for review and approval. This will facilitate the completion of the project and the re-opening of a totally renovated Bestsellers Café.

2. Century Bank / McCauley Building Project
The building upgrade is underway. The large electrical service box currently in the open area in front of the building will be re-located. The front courtyard will be re-designed and upgraded. WiFi capability is being planned for the area. The schedule for the bank opening is spring 2008.

3. Farmers Market
The market opened in the spring of 2007 and its first season was a success. The market brought several thousand visitors to the square during its 17 week season. The organizers are already planning the 2008 opening. The market will continue to expand.

4. Chamber of Commerce and Cultural Group Connection
A collaborative approach and connection has been established amongst the Chamber and numerous cultural groups. Recent events that have benefited from this joint approach include the Duck Race Day, Arts Festival and Victorian Stroll. Their work will continue to evolve over the coming year.

5. Outreach to Private Property Owners
A number of property owners and real estate representatives have been contacted. The Mayor and Revitalization Committee co-chairs have met with these individuals to describe the plans for the square, projects underway, the overall Master Plan and preferences for the types of new businesses in the downtown area. The new owners of the High Street property are working with a property marketing firm to pursue a potential restaurant/entertainment type tenant.

You, the Citizens – A crucial team member
What do we need to do? As the above described public projects are implemented and private development expands, we the citizens of Medford must support existing and new businesses. We all describe downtowns that appeal to us. Part of that appeal is the energy created by the people that frequent those squares. Has Medford Square realized its potential, no, but we must be willing to change our perceptions if the square is to thrive and become the hub of activity we all desire. I sometimes hear statements that “I never go to the square, the traffic and parking is miserable”. Does the parking need improvement, yes. Is it as bad as some say, no. I deliberately go to the square at different times to see how “miserable” it is. Sometimes just to drive through to experience the traffic. I can always find a parking space. I do not expect to park at the front door of the business I plan to visit. That is not realistic and I suspect you do not expect that in other downtown areas you visit. I am not trying to be critical. I just want to ask you to reconsider some of your perceptions of Medford Square and occasionally visit it, shop, dine, meet a friend there and get re-connected with it. Please realize that you are as much a part of the revitalization as a new roadway or business. Your presence in the square says to potential new business owners, open shop here. So if you do not like the current state, become an active member of the team.

So I hope this article has shifted your thinking from describing the characteristics of a desirable downtown area to a broader understanding of what is needed to make it happen.

Our committee will be providing increased communications to the public on the square revitalization activity and progress. There are a number of vehicles that we will utilize to communicate to the public. The methods include:
• Channel 15
• Web pages
• Articles in local papers
By using a range of communication vehicles we hope to increase the exposure and visibility of Medford Square’s revitalization progress to a wider audience.

Regards,
Rick Orlando
Co-Chair of the Medford Revitalization Committee