Staff Writer
A public hearing was held Monday evening on a proposal to incorporate several improvements to the city’s business district and to unite the city economic development efforts with initiatives sponsored by the city’s community development office. The hearing was among several topics discussed during the City Council meeting.
The downtown revitalization plan calls for better signage, landscaping, sidewalks and other changes that would improve the looks of the city’s business sector.
Included in the district is the Sweden Street area, along High Street, and Bennett Drive. The proposed district also is being amended to include south Main Street and the riverfront. Traffic patterns in the mostly one-way Sweden Street area also should be reconsidered.
The plan also calls for tying the city’s economic development program, run by the Caribou Chamber of Commerce and Industry, more closely with the city’s Office of Community Development, city manager and other city departments.
Only one member of the public spoke during a hearing on the plan. Jim Cyr of Caribou said that the city could make several inexpensive changes that would have a big impact.
“Caribou has a real downtown feel that should always be kept in mind,” said Cyr.
The city’s unique one-way traffic pattern in the downtown area sets Caribou apart, Cyr said. Changing one-way patterns to two-way traffic appears to be a “solution in search of problem,” according to Cyr.
“It’s taken people 30 years to figure out the traffic pattern,” Cyr said.
Being “pedestrian friendly” is vital to the downtown area, Cyr said and encouraged the development of a “pocket park” on Sweden Street where the postal service plans to develop a parking area. (See related story on page 1A.)
In a related issue, the council voted to approve a change in the traffic direction of Grange Street, which is perpendicular to Sweden Street and between the former Dan’s Living Center and J.C. Penney buildings.
As a result of the city’s action, the direction of the traffic will change from north to south bound in order to accommodate the proposed parking lot that will be constructed in place of the Penney building.
Councilor Doug Morrell said that the street should be deeded back to the landowners.
“It’s a useless street,” he said. The motion to change the street’s direction included a contingency that the measure was approved pending final endorsement from the local Planning Board that is considering the parking lot project. The vote was 6-1.
A new ordinance was unanimously adopted that would allow the local police to monitor the consignment or resale of personal property for Internet consignment businesses.
According to Police Chief Michael Gahagan, the new law will allow police to ascertain whether merchandise sold in so-call “e-bay” is not stolen.
Without the ordinance, anyone setting up such an establishment does not have to file monthly report of all items taken into the establishment’s inventory. The ordinance pertains to every dealer in used personal property, such as pawn, consignment and Internet sales shops.
“We’re trying to be protective and preventive,” Gahagan said.
Failure to file the required reports can result in fines, according to the chief.
The council also approved the purchase of a new telephone system for the recreation department at a cost of $3,833. The council received three bids, of which the lowest came from North Woods Communications.
A five-year contract was approved for continuation of contract services for the County of Aroostook for certain roads in Connor Township. In addition, the council authorized the 2008 community assessments for fire protection for Connor Township, New Sweden, Westmanland, Woodland and T 16 R4.
The next council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 25.
