By Gillian Graham

Staff Writer

Three years and 800 participants later, the Downtown Master Plan outlines a vision of Biddeford as a vibrant area where business and culture attract visitors of all ages. 

The plan was presented to the community June 16 at a meeting that capped a three-year process of compiling stories, concerns and suggestions from residents. The plan will be woven into the city’s Comprehensive Plan, said Heart of Biddeford Director Delilah Poupore. 

The HeartWorks Project, funded by a grant from the Orton Family Foundation, encouraged community members to weigh in on how they envision the future of Biddeford’s downtown. The Heart and Soul Community Planning Initiative focused on creating a downtown master plan for revitalization and is a joint project of the city of Biddeford, Heart of Biddeford and Orton Family Foundation.

“This is a road map and a way for us to say we need this funding and we need people to help put it together,” Poupore said. “It’s built a lot of enthusiasm and support for Biddeford moving forward.” 

Poupore said some aspects of the plan – including beautifying the area and improving pedestrian safety – are already under way. She said she expects collaboration between the city, Heart of Biddeford and Downtown Development Commission will allow other aspects of the plan to become a reality. 

Daniel Stevenson, Biddeford’s economic development director, said the downtown master plan is an “invigorating approach to move issues many people think about forward.”

“What really helps is so much of the community has been involved in this process for so long,” he said. 

The downtown master plan identifies seven key issues participants felt need to be addressed to improve downtown Biddeford. The plan also prioritizes actions to achieve those goals. 

Enhance business

Goal: Create a downtown where shops,