Art in vacant storefronts to promote business


 



I found this article I thought was rather interesting. It shows that at least one town is being proactive to draw interest to their downtown areas. I wonder if I could get the city of Preston on board with something similar to try to generate more foot traffic for the local vacant stores.

Go read the article from it's source it is really good. I'll add it to this blog if  the link breaks

http://arlington.wickedlocal.com/news/20171013/vacant-storefront-bylaw-in-effect

 
Arlington’s unique bylaw amendment that established a “vacant commercial property registry” is in full swing a year after it was approved at Town Meeting. Landlords with vacant storefronts had to register by Sept. 15, said Economic Development Coordinator Ali Carter. These landlords would then pay $400 per year for each vacant storefront they own. Landlords must pay the fee within seven days of a storefront going vacant.
In addition, landlords must show that they are making an effort to fill their vacancies, listing their property online and proving they are looking for businesses and renters to fill the space.
Carter noted that so far, the registry process is going smoothly. There are several storefronts that appear vacant that did not register and she will be following up with the landlords to see if there are businesses going in or if they skipped out on registering. There is a $100 a day fine for violating the bylaw, which would include failing to register.
If landlords chose, they can have the $400 registration fee waived if they allow public art to be displayed in their storefronts until the property is filled. This public art initiative, known as Art Revitalizing Town Storefronts, is coordinated by the Arlington Commission on Arts and Culture. Carter noted they would be sending out a call to artists soon.
“I think all along the majority of property owners have been making good faith efforts [to fill storefronts],” Carter said.

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