GLOUCESTER, MA – The City is discontinuing its role in facilitating the proposed Downtown Business Improvement District (“BID”). The intent behind the proposal is appreciated, and it will become the basis of future City planning, however the BID process is not the right approach for downtown development at this time.
“It became clear that the proposal raised significant concerns among many downtown business and property owners, particularly amid ongoing economic pressures facing small businesses,” said Mayor Lundberg. “After reviewing the information and listening carefully to a range of perspectives, the City feels there are more effective ways to proceed with Downtown development.”
The concept of a downtown BID in Gloucester originated in the 2021 Gloucester Local Rapid Recovery Plan, which recommended the model as a way to pool resources, build organizational capacity, and create dedicated funding for downtown improvements. Following that recommendation, a group of downtown business and property owners expressed interest in further exploration.
“Earlier planning efforts identified a need for stronger downtown coordination and a way to pool resources. A group of business and property owners saw promise in a BID,” said Alex Koppelman, Community Development Director. “As the City facilitated outreach, concerns about equal benefits between Main Street and the Waterfront, a tough economic climate, and timing emerged. We took those concerns seriously. The engagement process also clarified downtown priorities and the ways the City can help advance them.”
Mayor Lundberg emphasized that, although moving away from the initiative, the BID discussions were constructive and helped surface important goals for downtown’s future. A recent survey of downtown business and property owners identified several focus areas that will guide the City’s efforts:
- Strengthening the Harbortown Cultural District: With the recent hiring of an Arts, Culture, and Events Coordinator, the City will expand cultural programming, pursue new funding opportunities, and support public art initiatives to activate downtown and support existing businesses. The district’s shift from volunteer to City management positions it well as the Mass Cultural Council program becomes competitive next year.
- Improving Parking Management: The City is evaluating potential changes to parking vendors and enforcement protocols and aims to implement recommendations from the 2024 Parking Utilization Study to improve the downtown parking experience and explore additional parking opportunities.
- Advancing Downtown Wayfinding: The City will fund the first phase of a new wayfinding system, including five directory signs and a district identifier sign, to better connect residents and visitors to downtown destinations.
“Downtown Gloucester remains a priority for my administration,” Mayor Lundberg said. “While we serve the entire City, downtown is a special place that deserves focused attention. We will continue working with our economic development partners, our Downtown business owners, Discover Gloucester and the Cape Ann Chamber, to support a vibrant, welcoming, and economically strong downtown.”
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Mayor Paul Lundberg
City of Gloucester
Good Morning Gloucester 