Mon., 2:00 PM 6:00 PM
Yarmouth Downtown Revitalization plan presented to public last night.
Tuesday, March 9th 2010
Yarmouth's Downtown Revitalization Plan was presented to the public last night.
What a plan it is. The 20 year-13 million dollar Downtown Blueprint calls for a whole new look and focus for Yarmouth's ailing downtown sector.
New buildings, sidewalks, street scapes , a farmers and fishermen's market, a new ferry-marine terminal are just a few nuggets contained in the 75 page document.
Over 100 people attended the unveiling at the Rodd Grand Hotel. People listened and watched with great interest as Rob Leblanc of Ekistics Planning and Design made his presentation. Leblanc says while the plan may appear pie-in-the-sky, it's very doable.
One of the cornerstone recommendations is to have more living space in the downtown to attract younger people and students.
The idea is to bring a new synergy into downtown.
Utilizing the second levels on the buildings along Main Street is key to that. Mayor Phil Mooney says the town won't take on that burden alone.
He says it will happen with public private partnerships and funding from the provincial and federal governments.
G. Brar, president of the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce says she likes what she's seen so far.
She is urging council not to let the document "collect dust on the shelf.
The plan still looks to Th'Yarc moving to the Collins Street parking lot as an anchor for a new arts and theatre district. Jonathan Kini, president of Th'Yarc, says the plan lacks any real detail.
Don Smith, president of the Yarmouth Development Corporation is excited about the possibilities.
Smith says it's just what's needed to breathe new life into the downtown .
A revitalized waterfront, a new Frost Park, a Bay of Fundy discovery centre, better signage and more trees and green spaces are also part of the downtown revitalization plan.
http://townofyarmouth.ca/attachments/196_Yarmouth%20Downtown%20Blueprint.pdf<< Back
