Bayfield will be able to address some recommendations from a community development assessment done in March, thanks to a small unexpected grant from the State Department of Local Affairs (DOLA).
The town will have $25,000, including a $6,250 local match approved by trustees on April 21. Several other area towns are also getting money for this.
"Each community has an opportunity to really tailor the program for themselves," Town Manager Chris La May said. "I think we've all struggled with figuring out where to pick off first."
He advised, "The $6,250 isn't in the budget, so it would be (from) fund balance." He suggested the money could go for directional or promotional signs, planting, messaging, and maybe some park planning.
Trustees agreed the grant shouldn't be passed up, because otherwise the cost would be all on the town to follow up on the recommendations.
Mayor Rick Smith wanted the money to go for things that benefit the whole town, not just Mill Street.
Downtown Colorado Inc. (DCI) sent a team to Bayfield on March 16 and 17 to do a community assessment centered on the historic downtown. They met with local officials, business and civic group representatives, and interested residents.
From that, DCI provided a list off observations and recommendations. Some are aspirational and philosophical, and some would cost serious money.
Aspirational recommendations included:
. More coordination is needed among various groups that are working to improve the community, and more clarification of their roles.
. Actively seek people out to get more community involvement. Hold monthly community meetings, show appreciation to volunteers.
. Give people and businesses something to rally around.
. Start on branding and niche development "based on authentic Bayfield ideas," such as Heritage Days, sheep, and agricultural heritage. Create branding materials.
. Grow existing assets into business opportunities, such as more rental housing, helping The Grocery Store expand, and promoting locally grown food. Look for business opportunities related to agriculture, horses, and sheep, including processing of ag products.
. Create more work and recreational opportunities for youth. Provide youth gathering places.
. Fill out Mill Street, such as by converting vacant homes to boutique shops; support efforts to add rentals or lodging on Mill Street.
. Make locals and visitors more aware of what's available here, such as a map of businesses, combine a visitors center with the museum, and expand the "Off the Beaten Path" business events that started last year in Gem Village. Promote the benefits of spending money locally, monthly First Friday events, collaborative marketing, work with the Chamber of Commerce.
. Provide consistent print and online information about Bayfield. Expand social media connections, keep social media sites updated.
. Communicate and celebrate town progress and achievements.
Recommendations that would require money include:
. Enhanced streetscape from Highway 160 to Mill Street, sidewalk improvements, bike lanes, fill in gaps in existing pedestrian/ bike paths.
. Develop a parks, open space, and trails master plan.
. Build a trail along the river; develop a system of mapped trails for pedestrians, bikes, and equestrian use.
. Create town gateways, such as at the east and west ends of Bayfield Parkway, and directional signs to Mill Street.
. Improve pedestrian crossings on Hwy. 160.
. Promote redevelopment of the rodeo grounds, maybe with a pavilion structure for multiple uses.
. Redevelop the old mid school (west building) on South Street, possibly as a combined fire station and community center.
More of the recommendations from the DCI team are online at the town's website, www.bayfieldgov.org.
