Over two dozen downtown stakeholders gathered for two hours at the Cherry & Webb building to discuss downtown revitalization on Saturday, May 20, 2006 at the invitation of Mayor Edward M. Lambert, Jr. Mayor Lambert had already unveiled a "Downtown Action Plan" which outlined a number of short and long-term improvements and initiatives designed to enhance the downtown. The Plan included $1 million in infrastructure improvements, consideration of a new "wing" to the downtown area along Pleasant Street, sale of the former police station, construction of the new courthouse, arts and culture development, and renovations of Government Center. The Mayor acknowledged that all of the projects and planned improvements probably could not come to fruition nor could the desired level of success without input, constructive criticism and help from the community, and those gathered were encourage to voice their ideas. For more information, contact Eric Poulin, Project Manager, at 508-324-2600.
 

(Top row, left) Paul Giroux, Jim Rogers and Stephen Horvitz look over one of the aerial photos of the downtown district. (Top row, center) Mayor Edward M. Lambert, Jr. welcomes participants as Miss Senior Sweetheart Virginia Ann Freeman and Fall River City Council President William F. Whitty listen. (Top row, right, and middle row) Fall River Office of Economic Development Executive Vice President Kenneth Fiola Jr. makes a few opening remarks before introducing consultant Steve Cecil of the Cecil Group who led the group through a discussion of issues affecting downtown development. (Bottom row, right) Business owner Steven Camara chats with Health and Human Services Director Michael Coughlin and Council Bill Whitty.