FARMINGTON - Meeting at the Homestead Bakery, a group of business owners and residents are planning a year of surveys, promotions and fun to attract more attention to the downtown district.

The Farmington Downtown Association held its annual meeting Wednesday, reviewing several ongoing efforts regarding improving traffic and commerce through the downtown, as well as attracting new businesses.

The association is planning a series of surveys later this year, which will encompass available parking and occupancy of the lots in the downtown area. Surveyors will also ask people conducting business in the area about what they like and don’t like about the downtown. Along a similar vein, the association intends to hold a panel discussion in May at the University of Maine at Farmington, where business owners and residents will share their views of the economics of the times.

This data collecting is designed to give the association information about what brings people to the area. That data will be used to help guide the association’s promotions and advertising efforts. The association is developing a color brochure, entitled “Starting Your Business in Farmington,” which will provide statistics, testimonials and frequently asked questions about the area. The association is hoping the pamphlet will augment its website www.farmingtondowntown.com, which continues to develop and grow.

Design Committee Chair Richard Davis, who is also the town manager of Farmington, said that grant money from a downtown development organization would allow a landscaping firm to tour the area and develop a list of potential beautification projects. Davis said that some suggestions had included benches, flowers and planters, artwork, improving alleyways and potentially reducing the number of dumpsters, when possible.

Funding for the actual work, Davis noted, could come from a variety of sources if the town was interested in pursuing some of the projects, including Community Development Block Grants.

Several promotions are also being discussed, including the July 4th festivities and Strawberry Festival in late July. The association is looking into having the Art in the Park event, which usually proceeds the Strawberry Festival Saturday, organized and operated by Upcountry Artists, a local nonprofit who specializes in art promotion. 

While this year’s festival will remain similar to previous years’, the association is looking at studying the timing of the event. They’re also seeking ways to get downtown businesses more involved in Strawberry Festival, and possibly including other events, such as a triathlon. 

Downtown business owners looking to become dues-paying members of the association should contact President Michael Mansir at m.mansir@fsbme.com