The City Council Committee on Economic Development and Tourism convened on June 10, 2025. The meeting commenced with citizens' input, where Sandy and Dave Dennis advocated for city funding for the Waterfront Cultural District. They detailed 11 years of volunteer efforts, including marketing initiatives with Mass Office of Travel and Tourism and Blue Moon Marketing, and the district's current growth, expressing disappointment over the lack of financial support from the city and the mayor's office. Following this, the committee unanimously approved the minutes from March 26, 2024.
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City Officials
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My marble, become
0:27Hey, pain.
0:41Hey,, pain.
1:05Hey,
1:45As, for, a, city, council, subcommittee, on economic, development, and, touris, tourism will, be, called, to, order., Madam, clerk, roll, call,, please.
1:52Here chair, font, here.
1:57Pursuant, to, the, open, meeting, law,, any person, may, make, an, audio, or, video recording, of, this, public, meeting, or, may transmit, the, meeting, through, any, medium.
2:04Attendees, are, therefore, advised, as, such recordings, or, transmissions, are, being made, whether, perceived, perceived, or unpersceived, by, those, present, and, deemed acknowledged, and, permissible., My, bad.
2:14That's, the, old, council, president, days.
2:15There, you, go., Of, remembering, that, for years., Uh, first, item, on, our, agenda, is citizens, input., Uh, we, have, two, people signed, up, to, speak., First, person, is, uh Sandy, Dennis,, 132, Highland, Avenue regarding, the, waterfront, cultural districts, and, funding., Mr., Dennis,, you want, to, come, with, her?, Yeah., Okay, perfect., Dave, Dennis, as, well,, 132 Highland, Avenue,, Fall, River., Uh
2:38regarding, the, same, subject, matter,, three minutes, each., Oh,, but, three, minutes each., Um, unless, they, want, to, wave, the minutes, rolling.
2:49I'm, sure, you, have, one, of, these., Yes.
2:50Thank, you.
2:55Okay,, first, of, all,, thank, you, Council Ponte, and, the, committee, for, having, us tonight,, allowing, us, to, speak., Um,, and basically, what, we'd, like, to, do, is, speak on, the, waterfront, cultural, district., I noticed, on, the, agenda, that, you, have, u Main, Street, and, the, Flint, for, funding.
3:13And, in, your, last, meeting, when, we, came, to speak,, um,, it, was, going, to, be,, I, guess, recommended, that, there, be, consideration for, funding, for, the, Waterfront, Cultural District., Uh,, and, I, didn't, happen, to, see that, on, tonight's, agenda., And, I, just wanted, to, come, and, Dave, and, I, wanted, to come, and, kind, of, let, the, committee, know how, much, work, we've, done,, not, only, in
3:36the, district,, but, over, the, last, 11, years in, the, city., Um, but, primarily, we're going, to, focus, on, the, cultural, district.
3:43It, is, a, state, designated, cultural district, as, you, know, and, unfortunately it, was, designated, during, COVID., So, it set, us, back, two, years., But, if, you've been, watching, recently, in, the, newspaper and, on, Facebook,, uh, through, our aggressive, advocacy,, we've, been, working with, Mass, Office, of, Travel, and, Tourism and, we've, been, able, to, identify, um, some information, that, hasn't, been
4:12I, mean, promoted, for, Fall, River, primarily, the, Titanic.
4:17the, M, did, a, huge, blog, on, the, Titanic, in Massachusetts, and, Fall, River, was eliminated., So, we, work, with, Blue, Moon Marketing, and, she's, been, working, to, put together, information, for, M, and, we, do have, they, did, do, a, new, blog, on, the Titanic, with, Fall, River., They, also, did, a blog, on, Fall, River, with, a, lot, of, the different, assets, in, the, cultural
4:42district, and, Fall, River, which, is, huge.
4:46just, those, blogs, will, bring, in, much, more traffic, into, the, waterfront, cultural district, and, those, assets., Uh, so, I'm sure, these, people, like, the, battleship marriage, and, they'll, see, a, huge, uptick in, business, this, summer, because, of, that black flag., They, also, Sam, Surl, also, did a, big, story, on, Fall, River, and, the tourism, opportunities, and, like, a
5:08sleeping, city, that, was, just, in, the publication., Uh, all, of, that, can, be, found on, our, Facebook, page., Some, of, the, things that, we've, done, and, this, is, all, the information, related, to, that., I, don't have, copies, for, you., Um, everything, that we've, done,, we, have, forwarded, to, the city, council,, the, mayor's, office,, and the, state, reps., One, of, the, things, that
5:28we, have, done, is, we've, worked, on, the tourism, initiative, report, that, we, sent to, all, of, you., council, tip, you, obviously don't, have, because, you're, new, but, we'll be, happy, to, send, it, to, you, but, we, did, do an, entire, um, initiative, on, tourism, and basically, it, um, the, initiative, aimed, to improve, the, city's, full, presence, on, key tourism, and, travel, websites, primarily
5:51mass, office, of, travel, and, tourism southeastern, mass, visitors, bureau, trip advisor, and, Yelp, so, we, found, a, lot, of, uh areas, that, we, just, weren't, being represented, uh, in, opportunities, that, the city's, really, losing, out, on., So,, we, put this, initiative, together, and, some, of, the things, that, we're, working, on, and, some, of them, are, um, we, emailed, all, of, the culturism
6:15organizations, to, let, them, know, broken links,, things, that, have, misinformation, things, that, aren't, on, there, for, them, to correct., Um, we, also, worked, on, the waterfront, cultural, district, marketing plan, that, we, uh, worked, very, closely, with MCC, on, to, fulfill, all, the, initiatives, uh that, we, put, forward., Uh, that, plan, went out, to, everyone, and, it, was, a, lengthy
6:39plan, as, well., Uh, some, of, the, other things, that, we've, done, is, we, have, a, new website, because, our, original, website, got hacked, that, has, a, dedicated, staff, for the, dedicated, tab, for, the, district., Um, we, also, have, a, new, Facebook, page, just for, the, district., We, have, a, new, logo., We have, brochures., We, have, all, kinds, of marketing, materials, that, we've, been
6:59working, on, this, year., Uh,, and, we've, done this, with, all, our, own, efforts., Um,, no efforts, or, support, from, the, city., And we're, asking, that, after, 11, years, of doing, all, this, work,, the, district's thriving., It's, thriving., If, you, can, look at, every, other, district, in, the, city,, the waterfront, cultural, district, is thriving., If, you, drove, down, there, this
7:23weekend,, people, are, building,, people, are growing,, we're, adding, new, businesses, to the, district., There, really, aren't, any businesses, leaving, the, district, as opposed, to, other, areas, in, the, city., Uh so, I, come, to, you, tonight, to, ask, that, you please, if, you're, going, to, fund, downtown and, the, Flint, to, please, give, some funding, to, the, Waterfront, Cultural
7:45District, because, we're, doing, a, lot, of work, with, very, little lot, of, inind, lot, of, volunteerism and, um, you, know, we, do, play, pay, a marketing, firm, to, help, us, but, we certainly, to, keep, that, district, growing could, certainly, use, a, little, bit, more support, from, the, city., Uh, many, of, the cultural, districts, in, the, state, do, get support, and, funding, from, their
8:10municipalities., We, don't., Okay., So,, uh we, are, asking, that, if, you, if, you, can, put some, of, that, funding, to, us,, we, would greatly, appreciate, it.
8:23Okay., Thank, you,, Mr., D., Yeah., The, other thing, I, I, would, say, is, uh, I, think, Sandra covered, most, of, it,, but, I, I, really, I really, think, it, it's, it's, extremely unfortunate, that, the, bor, of, a, cultural district, in, large, part, and, certainly creative, arts, network, after, 11, years, has been, largely, ignored, by, the, city., Now, I would, I'll, be, generous, and, say, maybe, it
8:46was, just, an, oversight, but, I, doubt, it., Um for, 11, years, we've, done, an, awful, lot, of work, in, the, city, and, I, think, most, of, the most, you, at, the, table, know, it., Um, I don't, know, why, why, that, the, the, city hasn't, been, more, receptive., Uh, I, think that, uh, uh, you, know, the, the, waterfront cultural, district, project, alone, was, a five-year, project, that, nobody, wanted, to
9:08do, but, for, creative, arts, network, uh, we wouldn't, have, a, forever, cultural district, period, because, nobody, would, do it., Nobody, wants, to, take, the, project, on.
9:18Uh, it's, thriving., We, know, what's, going on, at, the, waterfront., Now,, as, I've, said many,, many, times, over, the, years,, so, goes the, waterfront., So, goes, Fall, River., Uh it's, our, it's, our, last, opportunity, in the, city., If, we, don't, get, that, right down, on, the, waterfront,, uh, I'm, not, sure what, else, uh, what, else, for, River, has, to offer., Um, and, the, waterfront, district
9:39can, be, a, large, part, of, that., But, again, we, can't, do, it, with, just, two, people., And I, know, people, say,, well,, and, I'll,, you know,, and, I'll, say, it, here, that, Dennis is, it's, not, it's, not, just, us., It's, it, is a, committee., We, do, we've, done, an, awful lot, of, work, with, an, awful, lot, of, people.
9:55Most, of, the, initiative, does, come, from, a very, small, group, of, people, and, yeah,, do the, people, sitting, at, the, table, here., Uh and, we've, done, it, with, with, no renumeration., Nobody, gets, a, paycheck., Uh so, I, think, the, city, at, least, at, a, very least, owes, us, uh, you, know, uh, some, type of, consideration, not, only, recognizing the, effort, of, of, the, waterfolk, district
10:18uh, committee, uh, the, opportunities, that are, there, uh, and, also, the, work, that's been, done, on, the, waterfront, uh, and throughout, the, city., So,, um,, you, know,, I I, I, I, think, again, I, I, I, think, that,, uh, um,, it's, there, are, plenty, of opportunities, on, the, waterfront, and there, are, a, lot, of, people, doing, a, lot, of good, work, down, there., So,, okay., Um,, just
10:39um,, before, I, acknowledge, any, of, my colleagues,, even, though, we're, citizens input, and, we, do, have, the, resolutions before, us,, I, just, want, to, ask, that, the question,, have, you, spoke, to, the, mayor because, the, mayor's, office, would, be, the department, of, which, the, appropriation orders, or, any, funding, source, would, come from?
10:55So,, let, me, just, say, this, on, the, record.
10:56We, have, gotten, absolutely, no, assistance from, the, mayor's, office, and, we, have spoke, to, the, mayor's, office, not, once, but twice, several, times, in, the, past.
11:05Okay,, questions., That, was, my, question.
11:08Okay.
11:10Thank, you., Thank, you, for, having, us., I appreciate, it.
11:14Next, item, on, our, agenda, are, the, minutes from, March, 26,, 2024., Motion, to, approve.
11:20Motion, to, approve, the, minutes, has, been made, by, councelor, Reposo,, seconded, by councelor, Tiff., Any, discussion, on, the motion?, Hearing?, None., All, those, in favor?, I, opposed., The, eyes, have, it., Next item, is, a, resolution, to, discuss, funding to, improve, downtown, South, Main, Street.
11:33It, was, adopted, and, amended, in, May, of 20125.
11:38It's, referred, over, to, this, committee.
11:40Resolution, by, council, Pereira., I'll, read into, the, record., Whereas, South, Main Street, is, one, of the, most, historic streets, within, the, city, of, Fall, River with, beautiful, architecture, and, unique building, facades., And, whereas, many buildings, on, South, Main, Street, are vacant,, vandalized,, or, in, need, of significant, restoration., And, whereas revitalization, of, the, downtown, area, of
12:00the, city, will, positively, uh, affect economic, growth, for, restaurants, businesses,, and, tourism., Now, therefore, be, it, resolved, that, the, economic development, and, tourism, convene, with, the director, of, city, operations, corporation council, and, the, executive, director, of the, community, development, agency, and, any other, interested, parties, to, discuss methods, of, funding, that, could, be
12:20utilized, to, improve, the, down neighborhood, of, downtown, South, Main Street., Mr., Dion,, anybody, else, here, on this?
12:28down.
12:36Hello.
12:40As, you, approach,, you, should, state, your name., Uh,, for, the, record,, please.
12:47Michael, Dion,, director, of, community development., Sarah, Paige,, executive director, of, the, Fall, River, Redevelopment Authority., councils, questions.
12:59Mr., Dion,, would, you, like, to, give, a, brief overview?
13:02Well,, um there, is, been, a, lot, that, is, happening, on South, Main, Street., Um, we, had, South, Main Street, as, a, TDI, district, um transformative, district, initiative., Um we, have, had, several, several, meetings throughout, the, years., But, what, has happened, with, that, area, and, and, uh, um what, has, happened, with, the, the, actual city, was, the, COVID, crisis., Uh, CO, really
13:30put, um, uh, a, damper, on, our, efforts, um, in that, community, in, that, in, that, section.
13:37Um, we, were, making, real, strides, I, think and, then, um, uh, you, know, like, anything else, co, hit, and, everybody, started, going home, and, um, what, has, happened, since, then has, been, some, refocusing, on, um, uh, North Main, Street, um, with, South, Main, Street also, um, I've, asked, uh, um, the redevelopment, authority, to, be, part, of this, meeting, because, um, she, can, give, you
14:04more, information, about, South, Main Street., I, know, we've, done, a, parking study., Uh, in, terms, of, housing,, um, we've worked, with, the, people, who, own, the Academica, building, and, also, uh, the owners, of, the, old, Etna, Insurance building, looking, at, putting, uh, some housing, in, there,, some, uh, workforce housing., We've, also, talked, to, um, I've talked, to, Matt, uh, uh, um, Thomas, Thomas,
14:32our, tax, title, attorney., Um, 308, South Main, Street, is, a, problem, property, that we've, had, in, tax, title, that's, finally coming, out, of, tax, title., Um, so, we, will be, dealing, with, that, in, the, very, near future., Um, that's, the, on, the, corner, of uh, South, Maine, and, Columbia, Street, and Rodman, and, Rodman., Um,, we, also, um, are are, going, to, start, probably, this, summer.
14:59Uh,, I, want, to, say, sometime, in, July., And I'm, not, I, can't, give, you, 100%, of, all, the information, from, Dan, Aguar,, but, we're looking, at, redoing, Colombia, Street, and we're, looking, at, redoing, that intersection, to, make, it, more, friendly.
15:14Um,, uh,, you, know,, uh,, Viva, put, their headquarters, in, that, area,, uh,, for, a while., Um,, you've, seen, some, murals, go, up in, that, section., Um,, but, I, brought, uh Sarah, along, to, give, more, information, uh about, the, South, Main, Street, area., Great.
15:33Well,, when, I, got, here, uh, at, the redevelopment, authority, in, 2020,, um, the uh, transformative, development initiative,, which, is, a, program, of, mass development,, they, had, made, a, commitment to, have, a, fellow, work, with, a, lot, of businesses, and, people, um, in, the, South Main, Street, area., And, so,, um,, one, of, the first, things, that, we, did, was, work, on
15:58this, state, program, and, develop, a, rapid recovery, plan, for,, um,, that, South, Main Street, area., And, I, just, thought, I'd mention, a, few, things, that, were, goals, and have, happened., So,, uh,, one, was, improve the, public, realm, and, increased amenities., And, the, group, really, focused on, wanting, Jerry, Lton, Park, to, be, redone and, to, do, it, in, a, way, that, it, could
16:24activate, South, Main, Street., So, there's, a place, for, concerts, to, happen,, you, know, kind, of, a, place, for, bands, to, set, up., Uh there's, the, vision, that, outdoor, dining could, go, on, there, and, that, tables, and chairs, could, be, stored, in, the, uh, Cherry and, Web, building, and, restaurants, could kind, of, host, popup, events, there., And, um then, it, also, talked, about, the, importance
16:52of, popup, activities, and, there, were, some during, the, pandemic, uh, out, here, on Grammatada, Plaza, and, they, were, attended.
17:00It, was, one, of, those, efforts, like, get people, outside, enjoying, things, and, we worked, on, a, plan, for, outdoor, dining, and outdoor, dining, happened, at, a, number, of restaurants, in, the, downtown, area, and that, was, successful., Um, then, popup activities, and, kind, of, activating downtown, has, continued, with, both, frack and, viva, fall, river, working, on, that., Um,
17:29an, effort, that, we, worked, really, hard, on and, didn't, fully, um,, achieve, our, goal was, the, goal, to, increase, administrative capacity, with, the, development, of, a district, management, organization., So, some, cities, have, a, business, improvement district, downtown, and, it's, very complicated.
17:51Um, all, the, pro, a, lot, of, property, owners have, to, basically, agree, to, be, in, a, way taxed, specifically, to, fund, activities, in the, downtown, and, to, fund, kind, of, a downtown, manager, and, um, we, ended, up, not getting, the, complete, support, that, would be, needed, to, do, that., However,, what, grew out, of, that, is, a, lot, of, businesses, in north, downtown, are, really, coming
18:20together,, meeting, once, a, month, and sponsoring, kind, of, activities, that, a, few restaurants, together, collaborate, on., We have, Bank, Five, and, their, whole, new headquarters., Um,, and, our, fellow,, we still, have, a, TDI, fellow,, and, he's, been working, with, all, of, us, on, pedestrian safety,, which, was, a, concern,, and, a number, of, issues., And, Viva, ended, up
18:45going, down, to, Purchase, Street., And, so, it's, kind, of, a, Purchase, Street,, North Main, Street, area., And, so,, that's happening., Um,, a, couple, more, things about, South, Main, Street, is, that, there are, a, lot, of, private, developers planning, or, talking, about, developing buildings, for, housing., And, if, a, lot, of housing, comes, to, South, Main, Street,, it
19:12will, create, much, more, activity, there, and people, to, um, go, down, to, restaurants, and really, frequent, stores., And, so, that's, a really, important, effort, that, we, really hope, is, going, to, yield, a, lot, of, fruit, in the, reasonably, near, future., The, other thing, the, redevelopment, authority, did was, hire, a, historic, consultant, and, try to, turn, the, south, main, street, area, into
19:41um, a, second, downtown, historic, district.
19:45We, first, wanted, to, expand, the, existing downtown, historic, district,, which, is really, north, main, street, focused,, but the, um, we, really, went, back, and, forth with, the, historic, commission,, the, state historic, commission,, and, they, wouldn't let, us, expand, it., And, we, thought, that, we would, be, allowed, to, create, a, South, Main Street, historic, district., And, they, ended
20:10up, coming, back, and, saying, you, can, have like, three, or, four, historic, districts,, a few, of, these, buildings,, a, few, of, these, which, isn't, really, what, a, historic district, usually,, um,, that's, not, how they, usually, are, done., So,, um,, so, we've kind, of, set, that, on, hold, for, a, while, but, we're, I, think, we're, picking, it, up again, because one, of, the, goals, of, that, is, that,, um,
20:37developers, can, get, historic, tax, credits, which, really, helps, fund, development, of buildings, that, need, a, lot, of, work,, which those, buildings, do., So,, um,, so, that's, I think, a, next, thing, that, the redevelopment, authority, is, looking, at revitalizing, because, we, we, were frustrated, and, kind, of, set, it, on, hold for, a, little, while., The, last, thing, I
21:01want, to, say, is, that, um, working, with, the mayor's, office,, we, just, put, a, grant proposal, into, the, vacant, storefront program, and, it's, a, program, that, the redevelopment, authority, applied, to, years ago, and, it, was, not, as, helpful, as, it, is now., They, redesigned, it., So,, it, would allow, us, to, get, $50,000, in, tax, credits for, the, next, year,, and, we, could
21:31incentivize, businesses, to, come, into vacant, storefronts., With, that,, the redevelopment, authority, board, agreed, to match, that, with, a, $10,000, grant., So, every, time, we, gave, an, allocation, of, tax credits,, 20%, grant, would, also, go, with that.
21:50And, so, that, would, be, um, usable, on, North Main,, South, Maine,, and, Pleasant, Street where, we, have, vacant, storefronts, in, all of, those, areas., And, my, hope, is, I, believe we'll, get, we'll, be, funded., And, my, hope would, be, that, every, year, we, can, go, back and, we, can, build, kind, of, a, program, that people, learn, about, and, we'll, build, some momentum, on, filling, storefronts, because
22:18that's, just, a, huge, priority., Thank, you, Councelor, Repos., Thank, you,, Mr., Mr.
22:24Chairman., Mr., Dion,, that, you, mentioned the, parking, study., Can, you, share, that with, with, us?, Is, that, possible?, We, can.
22:30Yeah,, we'll, talk, to, Mr., Yeah,, we'll, get it, shared, with, you., Okay,, that'd, be great., It, just, got, published., Yeah,, it just, got, done., Oh,, the, one, that, he, sent out, recently, then., Mhm., Yeah., Okay., So, it's, the, same, one, I'm, talking, about.
22:39Great., Because, I, already, started, reading that., Um,, so, I, I, think, my, my, think, for this, particular, resolution, is, obviously there, just, seems, to, be, a, gap, of, of, like Purchase, Street, here, is, is, doing, pretty well., You, get, past, this, corner, over, here um, near, Government, Center., It's, pretty good., And, then, there's, just, a, gap, of nothing., And, then, it, kind, of, picks, up
22:58again, as, you, go, past, Columbia, Street, and you, get, toward, TA, and, what, have, you.
23:02There's, a, lot, of, activity., So,, I, guess to, me, the, focus, seems, to, be, this, this section, right, here, that's, just, dead,, you know,, and, it, doesn't, seem, and, you, would think, with, the, courthouse, there,, you would, think, there'd, be, more, activity., It seems, like,, you, know,, there, was, a restaurant, or, two, that, were, there, they're, now, gone, and, it, just, keeps, it
23:19keeps, it's, a, rolling,, you, know,, rolling issue., So, I, guess, in, the, plans, that you're, discussing, there, outside, of housing, and, storefront, development,, are there, any, other, considerations, of, what could, be, done, in, the, next, 5, 10, years about, that, that, particular, section, that seems, to, be, not, only, empty, but, also, now falling, apart, as, time, passes, us, by.
23:42Well,, it, was, good, that, the, brew, um, brew district, came, into, the, cherry, and, web building, and, that's, activated, that, area a, bit., Um, but, yeah,, recently, some, more storefronts, have, been, vacated, and, the right, aid, for example., You, know, what?
24:00The, right, aid, left., Yeah,, which, was, a big, one., Yeah,, the, Chico, furniture.
24:05Chico, furniture., And, then, there, are, a couple, of, others, there, too., So, um, I think, what, needs, to, be, done, and, we, did, a lot, of, thinking um, during, this, whole, planning, period., Um we, talked, about, complimentary businesses., Um, you, know, we, have, this whole, bridal, and, prom, business, going, on.
24:29you, know,, could, we, bring, uh, shoe, stores and, lingerie, stores, and,, you, know,, other stores, that, people, who, go, there, would want, to,, you, know,, go, to, Alexandra's would, want, to, also, frequent., Um,, and there's, just, a, lot, of, thinking, that needs, to, be, done, about, how, do, we, fill those, storefronts., There, may, be, business um, grants, for, businesses, that, we, could
24:54go, after,, which, was, one, thing, discussed in, this, plan,, but, I, it, may, be, we, need, a committee, just, very, focused, on, those couple, of, blocks, that, really, need, work.
25:07I'm, really, excited, that, Matt, Thomas, is saying, that, that, building, that's, been looking, so, bad, and, vacant, on, the, corner of, Rodman, and, South, Maine, will, finally be, open, to, redevelopment., Um,, and, that that, could, be, a, gamecher., If, we, could get, a, few, buildings, that, are, vacant, to, you, know,, get, redeveloped,, that, would make, a, big, difference., But, I, think, we
25:35need, a, group, working, on, how, do, we, fill storefronts, there., And, is, is, it, true that, the, Cherry, Web, building, is, up, for sale, currently, as, well, and, the, plan, is mixeduse, housing, and, and, what's currently, there, essentially?, Yep., Okay.
25:50It's, going, to, zoning, soon., Yeah., All right., I, yield., Thank, you,, Mr., Chairman.
25:54Thank, you., Um,, in, terms, of, my, only question, I, or, comment, rather, is, I, really think, the, future, of, South, Main, Street, is going, to, be, centered, around, parking because, you're, not, going, to, have, a successful, downtown, in, my, opinion, if it's, hard, to, for, people, to, go, show, up, to work, and, for, it, to, be, operational., Um, what, I, hear, on, what, might, be, happening
26:18in, the, Cherry, and, Web, building,, my, first question, is, where, is, everybody, going, to park?, Granted,, you, can, probably, park, in one, of, the, parking, garages, and, pay, for that,, but, you're, walking, up, a, block, which, is, what, it, is., You, can, discount that, in, rent., So,, I, think, there's, a, two thing, two, twoprong, approach, that, needs to, be, brought, into, consideration,
26:34whether, it's, through, the, redevelopment authority, or, traffic, studies, or whatever., I've, always, maintained,, I don't, know,, it's, it's, it's, plausible, or even, possible,, is, to, make, South, Main Street, a, certain, part, of, it, a, one, way, you, know,, from, whether, it's, from Columbia, Street, all, the, way, down, coming towards, Government, Center,, very, similar
26:51to, Newport,, for, more, parking., I, think that, might, be, an, opportunity., I'm, not sure, if, that's, possible,, but, maybe that's, something, that, the, council, would be, able, to, refer, over, uh, through, a resolution, uh, to, have, the, traffic department, look, into, that, if, that's possible., That, will, do, a, number, of things, that, will, increase, parking., That
27:09will, increase, parking, uh, fees, that, we would, be, able, to, charge, for, parking meters, and, it, would, allow, restaurants, a more, ca, or, businesses, a, more, capable outlook, to, determine, whether, or, not, they want, to, put, their, business, there., Um just, being, a, business, owner, myself,, I can, attest, to, the, fact, that, one, of, the first, things, we, look, for, is, adequate
27:26parking, for, our, customers,, right?, So, the future, of, our, of, that, I, believe, is, going to, be, certainly, going, to, be, parking., Um, I, think, that's, really, my, only, comment, on that., Um,, there's, more, that, can, be, done certainly., Um,, oh,, the, other, thing, is, I I, will, say, that, what, makes, a, downtown successful, in, any, other, urban, city, or town,, if, you, look, into, Worcester, or
27:49anywhere, else,, is, um, is, housing., Um,, I think, having, housing, in, the, middle, of our, downtown,, people, showing, up,, living there,, leaving,, going, to, the, store, going, to, the, local, market,, that's, an, e economic, development, driver., Um,, and, any kind, of, project, of, sorts,, whether, it's low, to, moderate, or, market, rate, or combination, of, both, in, our, downtown,, I
28:12think,, would, definitely, have, a, huge impact, on, getting, traffic, flow., And, and that, could, be, looked, upon, when, you, see um, what, some, of, the, market, rate, housing has, done, in, our, community, um, and, where it, has, happened., So,, um, I'll, just, throw that, out, there, for, whatever, it's, worth.
28:25Uh, but,, um, if, the, council,, if, anything comes, from, this, resolution,, if, we, want to, do, something, up, for, discussion, council, repos., Yeah., My, only, other followup, question, is, similar, to, the, plan we'll, talk, about, that, we're, doing, in, the Flint,, has, a, process, like, that, been engaged, for, the, South, Main, Street, area?
28:42Well,, we, have, the, downtown, urban, renewal plan, and, and, really, this, rapid, uh recovery, plan, was, very, much, a, coherent plan, that, looked, at, a, lot, of, ways, to rejuvenate, South, Main, Street., So, this both, of, those, could, be, pulled, out, and, a committee, work, on, you, know, how, do, we implement, some, of, the, recommendations.
29:08Um and, raising, money, will, be, really important., Um, but, I, agree, with, councelor P, that, uh, to, get, housing, there, is critical, and, the, um, parking, study, was, a significant, effort, with, a, significant grant, that, funded, it, and, it, really, is important, to, pull, that, out, and, think about, the, recommendations, because, one, of the, recommendations is, to, look, at, how, parking, is, managed
29:41because, there, is, a, lot, of, parking it, needs, to, be, managed, differently, and um, there's, some, cost, associated, with that., You, know,, if, you, want, to, switch, to a, system, that, people, are, highly recommending, where, you, can, get, on, your phone, and, pay, for,, you, know,, pay, for your, parking, and, then, if, you're, in, a meeting, and, it's, going, over,, you, can, add
30:04an, hour, to, your, parking., If, we, can implement, some, of, those, systems,, that would, be, fabulous, and, that's, really recommended, and, it, will, take, some investment, to, to, change, our, present system, to, a, new, system., Yeah., I, mean,, I know, we, in, the, budget, deliberations, Mrs., MacArthur, talked, a, little, bit, about the, upgrading, of, the, the, coin, meters, to
30:25the, digital, meters, now,, but, also, a possibility, that, the, garage, particularly could, utilize, something, like, that,, an app-based, system, that, allows, people, to add, or, subtract, or, whatever, it, needs, to be., Um,, yeah,, I, think, I, agree, with, my colleague, as, far, as, the, parking, is, is the, huge, thing., And, the, fact, that, the Cherry, Well, building, is, up, for, sale, to
30:43have, housing, that, could, be, like, the pinpoint, building, where, starts, there, and then, it, begins, to, spread,, you, know,, up the, street, hopefully, is, is, kind, of, the the, goal., Um, okay., And, and, on, South, Main, Street,, are there, any, buildings, that, are, too, far gone, at, this, point, like, there, are, in, the Flint?, Well,, there's, the, question, about
31:02that, building, at, the, corner, of, Rodman and, South, Main., I, hope, it's, that's, the only, one, that, I, mean, that's, a, question.
31:10It's, been, you, know, it's, been deteriorating, for, quite, a, while., Okay.
31:14So, there's, there's, no, reality, of, any, of the, buildings, on, South, Main, Street, that could, be, a, possibility, of, it's, it's, a knockdown., No., And, I, think, you, have, some great, anchor, tenants., Um, I, know, that, uh we, learned, a, lot, from, the, TDI, district.
31:28We, we've, gone, through, it., Um, the, other thing, is, uh, hearing, from, a, lot, of, people from, the, outside., Um, they're, very envious, of, the, way, our, downtown, is concerning, the, buildings, and, how, um, uh there's, no, uh, uh, open, spots., It's, a continuous, section, of, of, uh, um, South Main, Street., Um, you, have, Alexandria's which, has, proved, so, important, to, the
31:55area., You, have, the, uh, music, shop, across the, street., DJs., Um, uh Mexican, Fiesta's, moved, in., Um, you, have uh, um, you, know, the, the, Cherry, and, Web building., Uh, Harry's, the, Harry's, has been, a, staple., Um, there, there, are, some buildings, like, the, one, on, South, Main Street, that, that, is, really, bad, that needs, to, be, turned, around., We've, had, a
32:21lot, of, interest, in, it., It's, just,, you know,, we, got, to, take, it, by, tax, title., Um I, agree, with, the, parking, study., Um,, I agree, that, we, should, be, looking, at parking, that, is, behind, the, buildings that, we, have, now., Um,, you'll, see, that some, of, it, was, um,, uh,, successful, with the, board, and, school, uh,, being, parking uh,, for, the, restaurant., You, also, see
32:43some, parking, that, was, done, for Alexandria's, behind., I, mean,, when, I, was a, kid,, that, was, Modern, Furniture, um, which, is, now, Alexandria's., So,, um,, as, as we, go, on,, uh,, some, attention, needs, to, be definitely, given, to,, um,, South, Main Street,, uh,, but, also,, you, know,, we, we we've, been, really, really, focused, on Pleasant, Street., Yeah,, I, yield., Thank
33:07you,, Mr., Chairman., Mr., Dion,, do, you, have any, money, that, you, can, get, pay, for, a traffic, study, within, your, department, for South, Main, Street?, Well,, they, just, they just, had, a, traffic, study, done, by, um, uh Dan, Aguya, parking, study., the, traffic, the traffic, study, um, would, probably, be, a planning, and, and, management., We'd, have to, look, at, that., We'd, have, to, see, um
33:27that, goes, against, our, 20%, admin, cap, and uh, the, way, we've, been, taking, hits lately., Um, with, the, new, president, and and, not, knowing, if, community, development is, going, to, actually, be, be, able, to, keep going, in, the, future., Um, it's, it's, a tough, situation, right, now., We, took, about 150, to, $200,000, in, cuts, for, this, year.
33:51So,, um, 20%, of, that, is,, you, know,, like, I said,, 40,000, 30, $40,000., So,, um, I, don't think, a uh, traffic, study, would, be, something, that would, be, costly,, but, I, agree, with, you., I think, it's, something, needs, to, be, done, on the, city, side, if, it's, community development, or, the, city, some, type, of parking, uh, some, type, of, uh, study, for, the
34:13traffic, flow, to, see, if, that, could, be, um made, a, oneway, with, diagonal, parking, um which, would, you, know, bring, more, people probably, into, the, area, you, know, I, love that, diagonal, parking, I, see, it, in, these old, cities, and, stuff, and, old, towns, and it's, beautiful, you, know, well, the, TDI group, has, been, talking, with, Serped, the regional, planning, agency, and, they, have
34:37wanted, to, do, projects, in, Fall, River, and I, know, Dan, Aguiar, is, on, committees, of theirs, and, so, the, North, Downtown, group has, been, talking, with, them, about, doing, a study, for, traffic, on, North, downtown., It would, totally, make, sense, to, ask, for, them to, do, a, study, for, both, and, they, have funding, to, do, those, kind, of, studies.
34:59Perfect.
35:01Um,, is, it, the, will, of, the, committee, uh to, refer, this, to, the, full, council, uh with, um, for, the, full, council, to, make, for this, committee, to, make, a, recommendation to, the, full, council, to, in, uh, ask, the administration engage, with, um, necessary, departments, uh as, been, articulated, tonight, um, to, review and, have, a, traffic, study, be, commenced, to
35:27to, see, if, that, South, Main, Street, can, be further, developed, since, it, is, probably the, consensus, here, tonight, that, traffic is, probably, the, most, parking, is, the, most important, ingredient, for, this, to, be successful, and, if, anything, can, come, from that, maybe, that, could, be, it., Is, there, is there, a, will, of, the, committee, for, that?
35:43I, would, say, so., I'll, make, the, motion., Uh motion, has, been, made, by, councelor, Raposo to, refer, this, resolution, up, to, the, full council, to, consider, action, um, to, refer to, the, mayor um, um, a, recommendation, to, engage, the services, for, a, traffic, study, to, be commenced, to, determine, whether, or, not, um um, South, Main, Street, could, be, converted
36:11to, a, oneway, or, explore, other, parking parking, options., explore, the, op, the options, of, parking, andor, changes, to, the traffic, flow., Just, to, clarify,, are, we referring there's, no, res, are, we, creating, a resolution, with, what, you, just, stated from, this, committee, to, the, full, council for, we, we, can, do, that., Yeah,, we, can, do that., I, just, want, it's, at, your, will., I
36:34just, Yeah,, that's, that's, fine, because, I don't, think, we, can, refer, the, item without, an, action, item, to, vote, on, in full, counsel., So, correct., Um, that, is, for this, committee, to, do, such, and, it'll, be on, the, next, council, agenda., Motion, has been, made, by, councelor, oppos., Is, there, a second?
36:49Before, I, second, this, one is, that, the, plan, of, the, project, the proposal, project., Uh, this, is, a um, this, is, a, plan, that, was, done, during the, pandemic, to, figure, out, a, variety, of strategies, and, the, parking, study, is, what I, think, you, especially, want, to, look, at right, now, that, just, got, published, and, um that, is, highly, relevant, to, this recommendation.
37:22Um, were, you, asking, about, housing, plans?, No, the, the, project, on, the, South, Main Street., Uh,, because, I'm, like, since, I'm new, and, stuff,, I, I, I, would, love, to, see the, details, of, that., So,, no, more understanding, and, um, also, you, said, um you, still, haven't, have, a, committee, uh, in place, yet,, right?
37:44Well,, the, committee, that, was, in, place that, did, this, plan, has, kind, of, morphed into, a, committee, that's, focusing, on North, Main, right, now., So,, we, may, it, may be, a, wise, idea, to, create, a, committee that's, going, back, and, focusing, on, South Main., I, think, that, would, be, a, good, idea to, have, a, self, uh, committee, on, that, one so, that, way, the, north, um, doesn't, focus
38:09on, uh, on, the, North, Main, Street, alone.
38:11Yeah.
38:12And, um second, question,, I, know, we, doing, a, south main, project, and, then, what, happened, to this, north, northern, because, they, have two, of, them, or, south, main, and, north north, project., Well,, what, happened, is, a lot, of, the, energy, of, the, South, Main Street, group just, wasn't um, wasn't, jelling, and, the, businesses, in North, Maine, said,, "Yeah,, we, really, want
38:45to, work, together., We, really, want, to, make this, happen.", So, there's, a, lot, of, energy working, on, kind, of, getting, foot, traffic on, North, Main, and, dealing, with, some pedestrian, safety, issues, and, a, variety of, things., And, um, that, leaves, some, of that, energy, no, longer, on, South, Main., And so, it, may, be, important, to, think, about how, do, we, rejuvenate, a, group, really
39:13focusing, on, South, Main., I, see., Because the, way, I'm, listening,, it's, just, like, it seemed, like, it's, shifting, to, South, Main and, then, North, Main., Then, once, the, South Main, get, all, active, with, all, business coming, in, and, then, what, happened, to, the north, because, right, now, the, North, Main Street, the, downtown, is, is, is, not, very vibrant., It's, like, very, neither, is
39:33vibrant., I, mean, North, Main, has, some, more vibrancy, right, now, than, South, Maine.
39:39We've, got, a, lot, happening, on, Purchase Street, and, you, know, I'm, concerned, about Jerry, Lton, Park, because, there, was, all kinds, of, thinking, about, what, activities would, go, on, in, Jerry, Lton, Park, and, we have, it, done, now, and, people, need, to, be thinking, about, what, concerts, what, popup things, are, going, to, happen, there., So, it may, be, important, to, really, have, two
40:02groups., Okay., Uh, then, can, you, give, me, uh request, who, is, in, charge, of, the, north main information?, I, can, send, that., What information, are, you, talking, about?, The report, that, she, has, with, you, right, now with, the, traffic, the, people, like, the committee, right?, Yeah, I, can, give, you information, about, that, committee., We meet, once, a, month, and, because, I, would
40:25like, to, u, go, go, there, and, obserate, so that, learn, more, about, it., Great., You yield, posible?, I, yield., Is, there, a second, to, the, motion?, Second., Second.
40:35Motion, has, been, made, by, councelor Reposo,, seconded, by, councelor, Tiff., Any further, discussion, on, the, motion, to, send this, resolution, to, the, council, for adoption?, Hearing, none., All, those, in favor?, I, opposed., The, eyes, have, it., Next item, on, our, agenda, tonight, is, another resolution, referred, to, the, subcommittee.
40:50I'll, read, it, into, the, record., Whereas the, city, of, Fall, River, has, received various, forms, of, f, federal, funding, to improve, sidewalks,, streets,, and landscaping, with, various, areas, of, the Flint, neighborhood., And, whereas, there are, many, ongoing, projects, to, assist nonprofits, and, business, owners, within the, neighborhood, to, update,, renovate, and, improve, various, storefronts,
41:10sidewalks,, and, shared, public, spaces., And whereas, these, projects, will, improve, the quality, of, life, and, economic, growth, for the, residents,, business, owners,, and visitors, of, the, city, of, Fall, River., Now therefore,, be, it, resolved, that, the committee, on, economic, development, and tourism, convene, with, the, administration, the, executive, director, of, the, community
41:29development, agency,, and, any, other interested, parties, to, discuss, the ongoing, redevelopment, of, the, Flint neighborhood,, provide, updates, on, the current, projects, utilizing, the, funding provided,, and, share, general, information regarding, various, events, that, will assist, in, the, improvement, of, this, area.
41:46Councelor, Republic,, so, I'm, I'm, happy, to say, that, I've, heard, this, presentation already., Um,, Mr., Dion, has, gone, around, to multiple, neighborhood, association meetings, um, and, presented, this, and particularly, to, the, Flint, as, well,, which I, was, it, was, a, welcome, um, conversation.
42:02Um,, I, will, I, will, allow, you, to, go through, it,, Mr., Dion., I, just, have, one quick, question, because, I'm, ahead, of, the game, on, this., As, far, as, the, section, of Pleasant, Street, that, is, um, 1345, 1351,, and, 1365,, as, well, as, 1453,, aka, the ones, that are, going, to, get, demolished.
42:20Um,, what, is, the, timeline?, Do, you, have, an updated, timeline, of, when, we'll, see, that reality?, I, don't., Okay., Nothing, nothing in, the, immediate., We're, we're, probably looking, at, um uh two, years, away., Two, years., Okay., And, the reason, why, is, is, um, uh, the, urban, renewal plan, right, now, that, we, have, is, going through, the, meer., Uh, and, that, just, takes
42:46time., Okay., And, once, we, have, that, plan, we'll, be, in, a, better, position, to, acquire the, properties,, which, will, be, the, first piece., Yes., And, the, complexity, here, is that, we, need, to, um, if, we're, going, to, uh put, together, a, package, of, numerous properties,, which, a, couple, of, these envision,, we're, going, to, have, to, go, to different, owners, and, purchase, the
43:13properties., And, that's, always, known, to be, a, time, consuming, process, process., Um, but, the, 1465, 1453,, and, 1441, that, may, be, able, to, go sooner, because, one, building, may, be, able to, be, just, rehabbed, in, the, nearer future., Okay., Yeah., I, mean,, I, I, will, say I, spent, a, lot, of, time, in, the, Flint because, I, work, in, the, Flint., Um,, happy to, see, some, of, the, things, that, are
43:40already, underway., storefronts, obviously were, a, welcome, change., Um,, some, of, the bigger, buildings, have, I, know, have, been purchased, and, already, starting, to, do some, work, in, them, which, is, great., Um, and, I, know, we, did, some, work, at, Father Travass, the, other, day, with, the, um, community, garden, which, was, nice, to, see.
43:56Um,, I, guess, my, only, concern, and, I, think it's, probably, separate, from, this, but again, it's, part, of, the, neighborhood, is just, some, of, the, uh,, graffiti, that, I've seen, along, some, of, those, buildings.
44:05There, will, be, a, graffiti, day, very, soon.
44:07Um,, you, just, made, me, so, happy, today.
44:09We've, gone, out, and, uh, um, we've, met, with all, of, the, businesses, and, all, of, the, uh uh, housing, projects, in, that, vicinity., Um all, the, way, from, uh, County, Street, up Eastern, Avenue,, I'm, sorry,, up, Pleasant Street, down, to, Alden, Street., Um, and, uh we, have, uh, certifications, from, each, of those, landlords, that, have, uh, a, waiver, uh waiver, certification., So, very, soon, we
44:40will, be, going, out, uh, specific, day, and the, city, will, be, removing, all, the graffiti, in, those, areas., So,, you'll, see the, graffiti, that's, uh, will, be, taken, off that, uh, old, gas, station, down, on, Alden Street., And, then, there's, some, properties through, uh, Pleasant, Street, that, have, it.
44:57And, Pleasant, and, Cash,, for example,, if you, know, of, anywhere, um, that, uh, uh, is particular, interest,, just, jot, it, down.
45:06Let, me, know, the, address., We'll, see, if that, address, is, is, uh, on, our, list., If it's, not,, we'll, add, it, and, we'll, go, out there, with, the, um, a, waiver, to, have, that taken, care, of., Perfect., And, let, me, ask, a question, since, we're, on, that, topic, and it, has, to, do, with, the, Flint., One, of, the points, I, brought, up, at, the, budget meetings, was, about, graffiti, removal, and
45:25my, frustration, that, not, enough, I, believe has, been, done, after, we, changed, the ordinance., We, got, some, ARPA, money, for the, new, graffiti, removal, machines., Is, it in, your, opinion,, Mr., Dion,, that, the ordinance, is, not, doing, enough, to, support what, needs, to, be, done?, Do, we, feel, that we, need, to, revisit, that, as, a, committee um, further, to, to, get, more, an, aggressive
45:45action, done, when, it, comes, to, graffiti?, I think, I, think, we, just, need, to, be aggressive., Um, I, think, uh, going, forward um, if, if, we, see, it, on, there,, we, need, to take, it, off., Um, we, need, to, just, be, more aggressive., We, have, to, dedicate, some time., Uh, I, don't, know, if, it's, a, day here,, day, there,, but, we, have, to, go, out to, certain, areas, of, the, city, that, are
46:05having, graffiti, problems, and, remove, it.
46:07If, you, get, uh, if, it, gets, consistent, to you,, you, just, start, living, with, it., And and, I, see, it, all, the, time, as, I, drive here,, as, I, come, into, the, city,, you'll see, it, in, different, spots, and, you, you just, become, used, to, it., You, and, that's not, supposed, to, happen., So,, we, need, to take, it, off, as, soon, as, it, needs, to, as soon, as, it, goes, up,, we, need, to, take, it
46:27down., So,, we, can, look, at, the, ordinance.
46:29We, could, see, what, what's, what's happening, with, that., But,, uh,, I, would love,, uh,, that, I, think, that, the,, you know,, DCM, people, who, are, overworked,, uh, just, need, to, get, out, there, and, and, take down, the, graffiti, as, it, goes, up., Yeah., I I, guess, my, my, larger, concern, was, that when, we, redid, the, ordinance,, you, know, one, of the, things, we, I, talked, about, then
46:48was, that, there, was, not, enough, teeth, to the, ordinance, to, then, go, out, and, get, it cleaned, up., So,, I, guess, my, question, is if, that's, not, the, concern, right, now, and it's, just, a, matter, of, going, out, and doing, it,, then, fine,, we'll, leave, it, be.
46:59But, if, it's, a, situation, where, there's graffiti, and, we're, running, into, kind, of like, red, tape, about, getting, it, taken care, of, or, who's, responsible,, what, have you,, then, that's, what, I, would, engage, the conversation, about, it., But, I, think, all graffiti, is, a, responsibility, for, the city, to, take, care, of., Fair, enough., Um, we need, to, we, need, to, we, need, to, deal, with
47:16uh, um, landlords, and, and, private landlords,, get, them, to, do, a, waiver,, make sure, that, we're, not, responsible, for, it, and, take, it, down., Okay., Thank, you., I yield., Any, comments, on, this, resolution?
47:26I, think, there, was, that, question, and, this present, I, just, I, just, wanted, I, know, we went, sat, through, the, presentation., I just, wanted, to, to, present, to, you., I mean,, we, did, this, booklet, for, uh, a, $7 million, bond, that, was, put, in, by, Senator Rodri's, um, in, the, uh, uh, state bond, bond, bill, and, we, want, that, we, want some, of, that, money., So,, we, put, this
47:51together., A, lot, has, been, going, on, with um, uh, Pleasant, Street., Uh, we, decided with, uh, uh, funding, that, if, we, started, to do, some, storefronts, that, it, would, um, uh you, know, have, other, people, come, on, and do, their, storefront., We've, taken, some, uh anchor, tenants, being, White, Rose, Bakery and, Gilberts, and, Nelly's, and, we've, done five, storefronts., Uh, on, the, third, page
48:19of, this, uh, you'll, see, I, have, pending applications, for, the, storefronts, right now., There's, um, about, eight, or, nine, uh that, are, pending., Um, we're, waiting, for funding, for, those, uh, uh, properties., Um the, bond, bill,, well,, first, of, all,, we've put, it, we've, gotten, a, set, aside, from, the EDI, HUD, project, for, about, $1.6, million.
48:48uh, that, is, to, do, uh, road, work, infrastructure, work, throughout, um Pleasant, Street., Uh, we've, we've, really looked, at, um, housing, projects, in uh, that, neighborhood., I, can, report, that on, 1446 and, 1454, Pleasant, Street,, there's, 13 residential, units., We, closed, on, that probably, about, two, weeks, ago., Um, that property, will, be, six, market, rate, units and, seven, uh, workforce
49:25um, affordable, housing, units., Which address, is, that?, Uh, if, you, go, on, on, uh that's, 1446 and, 1454, Pleasant it, we, uh, right, after, that, project., When you, say, closed, on, it,, you, closed, on, it.
49:42Yep., It's, a, community, development., Well, it's, owned, by, a, private, uh, developer., Y um, we, uh, committed, a, certain, amount, of funding, to, that, private, developer, uh, and we, we've, uh, gone, out, for, bid., The contractor, shouldn't, be, starting, that project, right, now., I, think, he's, there now., CD, uh, what, funding, did, they, get?
50:01Home, funding., Home, funding., Uh, 1438 Pleasant, is, owned, by, the, same, private owner.
50:09Siri's, talking, to, me., Sorry, about, that.
50:11Uh, 1438, is, owned, by, the, by, the, same owner., So,, as, soon, as, we, get, done, the, 13 residential, units,, we'll, be, moving, into the, eight, residential, units, that, you, see there., Um,, the, 1270,, 1288, Pleasant,, and 1616, Pleasant, was, uh, recently, purchased.
50:31They, started, working, on, the, 1270, and 1288, Pleasant., And, I, know, that, 1783 Pleasant, um, was, six, residential, units for, just, the, bottom, of, the, property., We looked, at, that, to, develop, in, uh commercial, uh, properties, on, the, bottom, but, there, is, a, lack, of, parking, in, the area., So,, the, owner, wants, to, turn, those into, um, some, type, of, residential, units.
50:57So,, we're, we're, you, know, going, along, we're, developing, housing, in, the, area., Um that, area, uh, that, housing, will, will, be affordable, housing., Uh, we'll, have, a, a portion, of, affordable, housing, to, those developments., Um,, we, also, in, that neighborhood, um, applied, for, a, Love, Your Block, Grant, program through, um, Bloomberg, Philanthropies.
51:24Uh,, we, were, awarded, a, two-year, grant, for just, $100,000.
51:29We, have, a, full-time, person, that's working, on, the, Flint, that's, working, for Love, Your, Block., Uh,, her, name, is, Gloria Sadler., She, is, out, in, the, community., um she, is, dedicated, full-time, just, to, that Flint, area., So, when, you, saw, last, uh, this past, Saturday, with, the, um, uh, uh community, garden,, that, is, a, love, your block, uh, program., Uh, we, will, be, awarding
51:58uh, very, soon, probably, next, Monday, uh many, grants, uh, in, that, area, um, to, uh spectrum, uh, uh, spectrum, group., Uh, there is, also, um, the, black, uh, um, is, it, black Bristol, Black, Collective?, Bristol, Black Collective., Um, there, is, uh, an, award, for the, Yah, ya, corpse, and, also, for, um there's, another, one, too., I, forget, which one, it, is., There's, so, many, of, them., But
52:32we, we, will, be, reporting, uh, on, that, on Monday., Um, so, as, you, can, see,, you, know, there, is, a, a, uh, real, partnership, between community, development, and, the redevelopment, authority, to, look, at, these buildings., uh, like, she, said, on, 1351, 1345, Pleasant, and, 1365, Pleasant, to, look at, those, buildings, and, and, and, uh, once the, uh, urban, renewal, plan, is, done, to
52:58start,, you, know,, getting, getting, a, uh appraisal, on, that, property, and, courting those, owners, to, see, um, you, know,, what would, be, the, cost, of, the, sale, of, those properties., Um,, so, we're, we're, very close., Uh,, hopefully, um we're, close, with, the, bond, bill., Uh, we've, uh, sent, them, more, additional information, of, exactly, when, we, needed
53:24the, money., Um,, we, we're, talking, about, uh improving, the, C, street, parking, lot, with new, paving, with, some, cameras,, some beautifification,, and, maybe, doing, uh, um some, arm, work, to, that, uh, uh, area., We were, talking, about, doing, some, uh, new sidewalk, improvements,, trees,, upgraded light, fixtures, uh, and, doing, some, more, storefront improvements, to, about, seven, or, eight
53:55storefronts., So,, uh, you, know,, the, Flint Pleasant, Street, was, a, very, vibrant community, when, I, was, growing, up., I'm from, that, area., Um, uh, you, know, I, I, was telling, Gloria, it's, really, important, to bring, back, uh, a, real, sense, of, pride, to that, area., We, have, some, great, anchor tenants., Um, we, do, have, uh, vacancies and, um, you, know, the, mayor, and, I, we've
54:26talked, about, a, pilot, program, with community, development, um, to, defay, the cost, of, maybe, some, rent, for, people moving, into, the, area., um, maybe, picking up, 6, months, to, uh, um, 12, months, of, half the, rent., Uh, in, majority, of, people, that we've, talked, to, in, the, Flint, don't, need another, mortgage, on, their, uh, uh property., Um, so, the, storefronts, was, a
54:53grant., Uh, they, were, to, give, um, a, 5-year affordability, so, that, they, would, not sell, the, property, within, those, five years., Um,, we, did, have, a, property, that we, did, not, go, with, because, the, owner wanted, to, turn, that, property, around., It is, not, our, um, goal, to, improve, a, person's property, so, that, they, can, just, turn around, and, sell, it., Um,, you, know,, we
55:19really, want, to, make, some, changes, to, uh the, Pleasant, Street, area., I, think, we have, done, a, lot, in, the, past., We've, uh redid, the, face, of, Alden, Street., Um, uh Councelor, Reposa, will, be, happy, to, know that, um, we're, going, to, work, on, putting better, signage, up,, some, park, benches, uh for, Father, Travaso's, Park., Um, I, actually went, there, on, Saturday, and, I, couldn't
55:47figure, a, way, to, get, in., Um, welcome, to, my It's, like, it's, like, the, best, hidden, park in, the, city, from, what, I, can, see., So,, um, uh,, we're, working, on, that., So,, there's, a lot, of, things, going, on, at, the, moment, uh,, with, Pleasant, Street., Uh,, and, we look, forward, to, if, if, there's, anything that, the, council, could, could, bring, to us,, any, kind, of,, uh,, um,
56:10ideas, or, anything, like, that,, it'd, be great.
56:13Just, just, a, real, quick, question., 1616 Pleasant,, obviously,, it's, being redeveloped., Is, there, any, reality, where that, fence, could, be, removed, at, some point?, because, that's, just, that, just caused, a, hazard, over, there., People walking, in, the, middle, of the, street because, there's, no, sidewalk., Do, we, do, we know, if, if, we, had, conversation, with, the
56:30developer, where, things, would, be, safe enough, over, there, allow, people, walk, back on, that, sidewalk?, Yeah,, the, the, the concept, that, the, developer, showed, us, is actually, beautiful., Um, there, would, not be, any, commercial, on, the, first, floor., It would, be, all, residential., I, will, talk, to him, about, removing, that, fence., I, know that, fence, was, put, up, for, security
56:50purposes, um, because, of, infrastructure, uh to, the, building,, but, I, will, find, out what, he's, doing, with, that., Um, I'll, also talk, to, Glenn, Hathaway, because, that, was put, up, by, Glenn., Um, so, we'll, find, out.
57:05Uh, I'm, assuming, defense, has, to, stay, as long, as, the, X, stays, on, the, building.
57:10Yeah., Um, but, I'll, find, out, about, that.
57:12Thank, you., I, yield., Any, further questions?
57:15Is, there, a, motion, to, table, for, further updates?, Motion, to, table., Motion, to table, has, been, made, and, seconded., All those, in, favor?, I, opposed., The, eyes, have it., Motion, to, adjurnn., Motion, to adjourn., The, committee, has, been, made, by councelor, reposu., Seconded, by, council, t.
57:28Any, discussion?, Hearing, none., All, those in, favor., The, eyes, have, it.
57:55Hey,, hey, hey.
58:14Hey, hey,, hey.
1:00:07Heat., Hey. Hey. Hey.
1:00:23Heat., Hey, Heat.