Open House: Transportation & Trail Opportunities
Monday, July 31 | 4:30-7 p.m.
The SPACE on the River, 181 Water Street, Skowhegan
Join the Town of Skowhegan, Maine DOT, and traffic engineers from VHB to learn more about the Village Partnership Initiative that’s currently in progress and discuss opportunities for transportation in Skowhegan, including traffic pattern change considerations and ways to make Skowhegan’s village more welcoming and safe for pedestrians and bikes. BONUS: Check out a first draft of the Skowhegan Trail Master Plan that Main Street Skowhegan has been working on in partnership with the Outdoor Sport Institute.
RSVPVISION FOR SKOWHEGAN
The vision for Skowhegan’s future, as defined by residents during the 2016 strategic planning process, is for the town to become a thriving economic, cultural, and recreational destination where residents enjoy a high quality of life.
The Town of Skowhegan and Main Street Skowhegan, with the help of many community leaders and organizational partners, are laying the groundwork for this vision.
With a number of major projects underway that will impact mobility, traffic, parking, community development, and economic growth, the next logical steps are to consider all current and future infrastructure initiatives comprehensively, engage residents in the process, test project ideas and gather feedback, develop a master design plan, and implement projects accordingly.
VPI = DESIGN MASTER PLAN
To do this, the Town of Skowhegan will—as approved by town residents and officials in June 2022—work in partnership with Main Street Skowhegan and the Maine Department of Transportation on a new program, the Village Partnership Initiative (VPI).
A placemaking initiative at its core, the goal of a VPI collaboration is to develop and implement a master design plan for Skowhegan’s commercial core that will improve the quality of life for residents while promoting economic growth, enhancing the visitor experience, and guiding future development of Skowhegan.
The greater Village Master Plan will include a number of elements.
An all-voices-in approach with significant community engagement, transparency, and two-way communication, as well as idea testing and feedback will be key to community consensus and the success of this initiative.
RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT
Riverfront design concept planning started in August 2022 with a three-day community engagement process where residents worked with designers to come up with the ideal plan for developing a riverfront promenade and river overlooks in anticipation of the Skowhegan River Park.
learn moreTESTING + FEEDBACK
Testing of ideas has already begun, starting with the temporary riverfront greenspace in the riverside lot behind 151 Water St. and pedestrian safety measures that were installed during the 2022 Build Maine Conference. Feedback was gathered via two surveys. Stay tuned for 2023 test projects!
learn moreHOLISTIC APPROACH
All current and future projects will be taken into account—the new school, mixed-use real estate development on Court St. and at 7 Island Ave., revitalization of the opera house, construction of the Maine Appalachian Trail Center, the future river park, and more—as part of a greater planning effort.
learn moreTRAFFIC + PARKING STUDIES
While specific studies are still TBD, this initiative will assess parking challenges and consider options for additional parking, traffic patterns and congestion issues, pedestrian safety and bike/ped infrastructure, and more, pending feedback from the community.
learn moreGoals of the Initiative
What does project success look like?
BEAUTIFUL RIVERFRONT
A revitalized and welcoming riverfront that connects the Kennebec River Gorge to the commercial district on both sides of the river.
SAFER VILLAGE CENTER
A safer commercial district that eases traffic congestion and emphasizes pedestrian and bicycle safety.
BUSINESS FRIENDLY
A more business-friendly commercial district where people meet, walk, shop, eat, and recreate.
IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE
A walkable village center that welcomes residents and visitors alike, featuring thriving restaurants and retail shops and spaces to gather and enjoy our natural resources, arts, and heritage.