HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-03-01 Board of Selectmen Handout - Part 2STREETSCAPE PROJECT
Sponsored by the Town of Reading
Economic Development Committee
Goals of the Initiative
In 2010, the Downtown Improvement Event Trust (DIET) was created with the goal of using
funds coming from economic development activity (Reading Fall Street Faire, Alleyway Project)
for the betterment of the downtown.
This Streetscape Project will extend the beautification of the downtown of Reading which was
recently given a significant facelift through a downtown improvement project. The goal of the
project is to attract more local residents to shop locally as well as enhance the look and feel of
our downtown which is in direct support of Reading's Master Plan of ensuring that our
downtown serves as an anchor for economic development.
Proiect Components
• Hanging Flower Baskets
• Town Banners
• Brackets
• Holiday Wreaths (Business Sponsored)
Hanging Flower Baskets/Banners
There are one hundred (100) lampposts in the
downtown and Haven Street areas which have
tremendous potential for providing immediate "curb
appeal"by providing seasonal hanging flower
baskets and welcoming town banners. Our initial
recommendation is to have a single hanging basket
on every pole in the downtown area (82).
After consulting with the Town of Melrose, which
• Installation
• Maintenance
• Fundraising
conducts a highly successful streetscape program, a
.'ready to hang" 16 inch moss basket consisting of Sophie Geraniums is the flower of choice. The
• Public Relations
only maintenance required is watering every other day with fertilizer; otherwise, it is
maintenance free
and has a beautiful cascading appearance.
The approximate cost of a flower basket is
$50 and would be annually installed the first
week of June with removal sometime in
October.
Flower Basket Brackets
We suggest that the flowers serve as the
"main attraction". Therefore, we are
recommending a simple powder coated bracket that will not compete with our lampposts. The
onetime cost for this bracket is $50.
Town Banners and Brackets
What better way to display the pride of our community
than with a "Welcome to Reading" banner as you enter
the downtown area.
Initially, we would like to display them as you enter the
downtown on both routes 129 and 28 south, as well as
on Haven Street. This would be a total of (25) banners.
The 30" x 60 "banners are made of an outdoor
Sunbrella fabric which has a five year manufacturer's
warranty.
The picture is an example of a two ink banner at the cost
of $ 74 per banner.
The brackets are rod flex, cast aluminum; powder
coated, and come with two straight arms, two brackets,
and six bands. The cost is $79 per set.
Installation: We have met with the Town Manager, DPW, and Town Engineer to review these
plans.
Fundraising Initiatives
Holidav Wreaths
During the holiday season, we propose adding festive holiday
wreaths, which would utilize the flower basket brackets. We
believe that this expenditure could be sponsored through our
local businesses.
Grant applications will be submitted to the Reading Garden Club, Cultural Council, and all
efforts will be made to seek sponsorships from local developers and banks. A major sponsor of
this project will be the Downtown Improvements and Event Trust.
Investment: Main and Haven Street Streetseape - Hanging Flower Baskets and Banners
Item
Flower Baskets
Banners
Brackets - Flower Baskets
Brackets - Banners
Wreaths
Watering
Installation
Cost
$4,150 per year
$1,850 one time
$4,150 one time
$1,975 one time
Sponsored by businesses
TBD
TBD
3
Total Cost: Year One = $12,125
Subsequent Years: $4,150