Freeport has for many years had an organization whose responsibility it is to continually improve the viability and appearance of the downtown area.
About ten years ago, the organization at that time was called Greater Downtown Freeport, or GDF. A planning process was undertaken with a planning/consulting firm, which resulted in changing that private, for-profit organization - into a public 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, with the name changed to Freeport Downtown Development Foundation.
At the same time, a downtown master planning document was produced to guide the overall ongoing programs and improvements to the downtown. A TIF district and a Historic District have since been created to assist in the funding and to maintain the historic character of the downtown. FDDF continually monitors and update the master plan, keeping its usefulness as a working document.
Our Maintenance and Beautification committee, chaired by Cal Wescott, is charged with cleanliness and having an aesthetically pleasing look to the downtown.
We do not have funds to undertake major infrastructure improvements, but we oversee the planting of flowers, placement of benches and trash containers, and other tasks to try and keep the downtown maintained. Again, many store owners and other volunteers step forward to undertake these tasks for the betterment of the entire downtown.
As property owners in the TIF district make improvements, the increase in real estate taxes are budgeted by city council to be spent for improvements in the downtown. FDDF gathers the desires and priorities of the downtown business community for expenditure of these funds and presents them to the city for approval and funding.
| 1. |
The removal of the former block long canopies on Stephenson and Exchange Streets; |
| 2. |
expended nearly $200,000 in TIF Funds for needed repairs of the worst sidewalks (this program is ongoing); |
| 3. |
the replacement of the dilapidated chain link fence along the south and west sides of the municipal parking, with a black aluminum (wrought iron look) commercial grade fence; |
| 4. |
the replacement of a dozen old rusty steel sidewalk access covers with bright new aluminum covers; |
| 5. |
and assisted with the administration of the Facade Improvement Grant Program that helps downtown property owners offset the costs of updating the frontage of their buildings. |
| Downtown Database |
We are working in conjunction with the GIS database at the County Assessor’s office, to create a database of all properties in the downtown TIF district. Starting by contacting each property owner, we plan to inventory the available space on each level of every building, its rental condition and occupancy status – and to obtain the tenant contact information so that we can better communicate and represent their specific needs. |
| Signage |
We are designing signage and determining locations for signs that will assist with bringing visitors into the downtown, finding parking, and leading them to the various civic, recreational, historic and shopping opportunities that the downtown provides. |
| Marketing |
We are looking at deciding the theme and culture that we want the downtown to present as an experience for everyone who comes downtown. This will lead into a marketing and advertising campaign. |
| Streetscape |
We are using the results of prior studies and designs, to create design guidelines to be followed for future public and private investment in the downtown. This will include acceptable sidewalk materials and designs, planters, landscape plantings, benches, lighting, and trash receptacles, all designed to create a uniform look and add a warm and green touch to the downtown. FDDF – working in a partnership with the City of Freeport to develop a thriving, hospitable and active downtown. |
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