Emerging Trends Survey Results

 

Trends and Factors Shaping the Future of Maine’s Downtowns

 

Identified by Participants at the 2nd Annual Downtown Revitalization Conference

 

September 25, 2002

Saco, Maine

 

Participants at the Maine Downtown Center’s 2002 Annual Downtown Revitalization Conference were surveyed on the following question:

 

“What do you think are the most significant factors (policies, economic trends and/or cultural trends) that will impact the vitality of Maine’s downtowns over the next five years?”

 

Answers provided by conference participants were reported out during the Afternoon Plenary Session of the conference. Downtown Center staff grouped issues identified into the 9 broad categories below.  

 

Trends and Issues Identified:

 

A. Big Box Retail

 

1. Many wanted a “serious effort” to limit big box retail in Maine

2. Prepare for big box store vacancies

3. Change the “erroneous” belief that many people prefer shopping in malls and big box stores

 

 

B. Economy

1. National economic trends will influence downtowns – largely beyond our control

2. Economic downturn = less support from government, more needed from local businesses

3. Primary focus should be on keeping people in business, helping existing small businesses

4. Rising fuel costs could curb sprawl, and make downtowns popular again

 

C. Demographics

 

1. Aging population: downtowns need to consider needs of elderly when planning services and events

2. Immigration and how to provide for a variety of incomes, cultures and needs

3. Expansion of Southern New England into Maine

4. Influx of wealthy residents into small Maine towns, especially coastal towns

 

D. Tourism

 

1. Maine as a desirable tourist destination post 9/11- downtowns can capitalize

2. Prepare downtowns to host a variety of experiences: culture, entertainment, food, retail to meet tourist needs

3. Concern that downtowns are not meeting needs of residents and only serving tourists

 

E. Community Centers

 

1. Post September 11th desire to be connected to community will bring people back downtown

2. Downtowns as the center of arts and culture in a community

3. Balancing the challenge of meeting the needs of resident and those of visitors

4. Downtowns as the source of economic and cultural recovery

 

 

F. Land Use Planning

 

1. Regional approaches to sprawl needed

2. Create a clearer link between conservation of open space and farming and role of downtowns in combating sprawl

3. Great American Neighborhood and Neo Traditional Development momentum

4. Better zoning regulations are needed

–Specifically zoning and fire and building codes as related to upper floor use downtown

 

G. Transportation

 

1. Encourage pedestrian and bicycle oriented Main Streets and arteries to Main Street

2. Encourage multi-modal transit in and around downtowns

3. Public transit is critical to promoting vital communities and combating sprawl

 

H. Technology

 

1. Culture Creators choose to locate downtown – high tech businesses that can locate anywhere

2. High speed internet access will assist small businesses downtown thrive

3. New technology companies relocating in Maine

 

I. Attitudes and Leadership

 

1. A need to change attitudes about density and living in downtown areas

2. Municipal and state leadership needed– promote service center community vitality

3. Increase personal pride and involvement in your downtown.