Design Committee Mission Statement

The Design Redevelopment Committee's mission encompasses a number of visual and physical improvements to the downtown. This includes preserving historic characteristics, as well as making the downtown more attractive and pedestrian friendly. Its duties include traffic, parking, walkways, storefronts, cleanliness, signage, and public plazas.

1. Work to create plazas, parks, and open spaces that are attractive and can accommodate special events and festivals.
2. Work to preserve the character of the historic buildings downtown. (Working with Historical Society and the Historic Preservation Committee)
3. Plan for optimal use, redevelopment, and expansion of parking facilities, both on street and off street. (Planning and Development, Public Works)
4. Identify opportunities to expand the Adopt-a-Spot program through City participation.
5. Work to create more visual and pedestrian connections to the Cocheco River. Also expand bikeways and walking trails.
6. Work to establish a river walk and a restaurant on the riverfront. The riverwalk now has it's own committee in the city.
7. Enhance lighting, signage and plantings (for parking, directions, and downtown attractions) using the theme of the Lilac City. Establish a "way finding" system from the highway exits to downtown.
8. Work with business and building owners to create more attractive storefronts and to promote a coordinated and positive image for downtown.
9. Creating historical plaques around the downtown.
10. . To recommend a new traffic pattern to the planning board and also address the problems of speeding and pedestrian crossings.