The Activities
Master Plan Report
The HeartWorks project devoted three years talking with people in Biddeford about Downtown – what their memories are – what their hopes are – and what their concerns are. Most importantly, we talked with you about how Downtown can be improved. All of that work has resulted in a Master Plan for Downtown – a road map for how the community can make Downtown a better place where people want to live, work, shop, have fun, and operate a business.
View the Completed Master Plan! It includes an overview of the master planning process, the Vision, as well as the goals, objectives and action plans. These action plans have been woven into the work plans of the Heart of Biddeford and City of Biddeford, as well as other committees and organizations that were involved in this project.
The final draft of the Downtown Master Plan was presented on Thursday, June 16th at the Richard J. Martin Community Center. It was accepted with the intention of weaving this plan into the City’s comprehensive plan.
The Master Plan presents a vision for what Downtown Biddeford can be in the future. This vision reflects what you told us you want Downtown to be. But the Master Plan doesn’t just present a pretty picture – the plan lays out a detailed set of objectives and actions for making your vision a reality. It includes an action plan that establishes what needs to be done and when if this vision is going to happen.
Many people have helped create this plan for Downtown. You told us about your experiences in Downtown and what Downtown means to you. Hundreds of you participated in neighborhood meetings and shared your hopes and concerns for Downtown. And still more of you attended a series of issue forums to talk about how specific aspects of Downtown can be improved.
The Master Plan focuses on seven main areas that were identified in the neighborhood meetings and last summer’s community forum:
- Creating a vibrant downtown business environment
- Improving downtown appearance
- Increasing downtown activity
- Addressing public safety
- Improving public infrastructure
- Preserving natural resources
- Engaging youth in the downtown
The HeartWorks project is a joint effort of the City of Biddeford, the Heart of Biddeford, and the Orton Family Foundation. The development of the Mater Plan was overseen by the HeartWorks Advisory Council. The Council is comprised of community members, City officials, and representatives from the Heart of Biddeford.
