BID reveals plans

By G. Michael Dobbs, Managing Editor

SPRINGFIELD Developing a downtown grocery store and a movie theater and taking over the city's parking authority are among the many goals listed in the FY2008-2010 management plan for the Springfield Business Improvement District (BID).

After approval by its members, the BID released the plan last week.

Jeff Keck, the BID's executive director told Reminder Publications the plan supports of the BID's slogan of "Clean It Up, Spruce It Up, Liven It Up and Sell It."

Keck said the BID would be making a proposal to the Finance Control Board to take over the management of the Springfield Parking Authority. He said that BIDs in other cities have taken that step and that both organizations could save money by consolidating services.

A downtown grocery store is also a priority for Keck, who has approached the Whole Foods chain to consider opening a store downtown. Keck said the daytime downtown population of office workers combined with residents makes up a large enough group to sustain such a store. There are several locations Keck is considering.

Keck said a movie theater is another component needed in downtown. If established, downtown residents wouldn't have to leave their neighborhood to see a film and it could encourage others to come downtown.

The plan also includes:

Business recruitment and retention by partnering with the Springfield Technical Community College Business Incubator program to guide businesses downtown.

Creating a new downtown loan fund to support new retail businesses and restaurants.

Making wireless Internet service available downtown.

Continuing the Stearns Square concerts on Thursdays, the Farmers Market, the lunchtime concerts and the "happy hour" performances at the Market Place.

Working with city representatives to lock downtown dumpsters to eliminate illegal dumping and scavenging.

Advocating for more police foot patrols and more public safety cameras.

Undertaking a mixed media advertising campaign for downtown events and activities.

Looking into establishing a shuttle service in anticipation of the reconstruction of the Civic Center garage and to address the idea the parking garages under Interstate 91 are too far away from downtown office buildings.

Promoting downtown as the best place for new state, federal, educational and other public facilitates that generate employment.

Keck said that among the interesting developments downtown is an agreement between CBS 3 and the Sky Plex bar at Stearns Square to build a small broadcast studio in the bar for remote broadcasts.