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The landscape may be changing downtown. Among well-established businesses, churches and other institutions, there are also conspicuous, empty storefronts and much vacant office space. But glimmers of hope for extensive revitalization are emerging in the past few months as some gaps are being filled.
Three businesses in the shadows of the City Hall have opened in the past four months. Another, Attleboro Kitchen and Bath, is preparing for its grand opening on Nov. 6 in the very heart of downtown at the corner of Park and North Main Streets.
"Downtown revitalization is something that is very important to me and my administration," Mayor Kevin Dumas said. "There are many important attributes that are key to building a successful downtown such as parking, public transportation, art and culture, street-scape beautification, government agencies and restaurants."
"We have focused on all these aspects during the last several years," the Mayor continued. "The former post office building next to City Hall that the City purchased from the Federal Government almost 20 years ago was mostly unused except for the basement level where the former City of Attleboro Building Inspection Office was located.
"We worked on renovating the building and now it is also home to the Registry of Deeds as well as the Registry of Motor Vehicles that services thousands of people monthly," Dumas added.
Attleboro native Kristy Pelletier and her mother, Patty Lamarre, are co-owners of Sweet Gifts, which makes and sells gifts, baked goods and hand-crafted items. Since opening the Park Street store, they have welcomed two adjacent business neighbors, Lee's Nail Salon and Scorpio's Restaurant. "Hopefully we can help bring Attleboro back to life," Pelletier said. "The Chamber of Commerce threw us a huge party and we have had lots of support from the city and Sal Pina (community development director of Attleboro) ."
Just a few blocks away on 16 South Main St. is Morin's Hometown Bar & Grille, known to the locals as Morin's Diner. Established in the city in 1911, the popular family-owned institution is poised to celebrate its centennial next year and co-owner Bill Morin is optimistic the city can overcome any challenges.
"I see some energy rising forward," he said. "A lot of projects are on the burner and I hope street-scape will continue."
JA Gallagher, Inc., the local building and home remodeling contractor for Attleboro Kitchen and Bath, are looking to their neighboring businesses for support.
"We are very excited about getting in the downtown area," said Cindy Woyton, officer manager at JA Gallagher. "We are trying to work with other businesses to establish a relationship and support the businesses that have been here."
Last year the collapse of the Attleboro Redevelopment Authority, the major economic finance corporation of the city, considerably set back efforts to forge ahead with downtown revitalization projects. Overseeing the completely reassembled ARA is Chairwoman and former Attleboro Mayor Judith Robbins. Her major task has been to steady the agency so it can coordinate efforts between federal, state and city officials to create a stronger climate for growth and redevelopment throughout Attleboro.
"We're still mainly concerned with the urban renewal plan approved by the City Council," Robbins said. She is convinced all the projects she and the ARA board are working on "will encourage people to come to Attleboro."
Meanwhile, Dumas says the movement to develop the downtown has gained momentum. "We completed our first phase of the street-scape beautification project which included decorative lampposts, new sidewalks and trees. We have now begun the design and engineering for phase two of the street-scape beautification with construction beginning next summer. This has not only improved the image of our central downtown but has given rise to other new revitalization."
"It may not happen right away, but down the road I can see it happening," said Morin of new businesses being attracted downtown. "Having every light on downtown creates a more positive feeling and makes everyone feel more secure."
"Step by step we are creating a downtown for the community to utilize and be very proud of," Dumas said.
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