Join the Good Work of the Downtown Improvement Committee

To the Editor,

I am gratified by the interest shared in these columns and on social media by Manchester residents regarding the vitality of our downtown.
The Downtown Improvement Committee, which I chair, consists of volunteers appointed by the Select Board to assist our elected officials and municipal staff to work effectively with the merchants, restaurants, residents, and cultural institutions of our downtown for their benefit as well as that of their visitors and patrons.
Noting the vacancies and turnover of downtown properties, we have undertaken a project with the Manchester Section of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce to foster a sustainably vibrant downtown. Our initial efforts will include a promotional campaign for empty Manchester commercial space with appropriate area realtors, combined with an "incubation" program to identify and develop businesses which are complementary to our current establishments, and which (critically) seem likely to prosper with a primarily local clientele including through the winter.
Our next public meeting will be at 8:30 am on Wednesday, April 23, at which these projects will be our principal focus. If you are interested in these issues (and especially if you would volunteer to help) please attend (virtually) and participate. Our agenda and Zoom link will be posted on the Town website as usual.
Steve Carhart
Manchester