Jacqueline Marie Betz

This plan outlines initiatives to shape Gladstone's business future, focusing on downtown activation, Main Street improvements, and tourism connections. The objective is to support local businesses, strengthen the downtown and Main Street areas, and enhance overall tourism and community activity. Key areas of focus include expanding existing programs like tree lighting and holiday decorations, implementing new initiatives such as pop-up markets and outdoor music nights, creating flexible open spaces on Portland Avenue for seating and dining, activating Dartmouth as a festival street for community events, fostering a connected Main Street program with improved visitor opportunities, and linking trails and biking paths to downtown businesses through better access, signage, and amenities.

The agenda items included general updates from the Community Center staff regarding the monthly report, Collette Travel, and current or upcoming events. Further discussions involved planning for a summer recess and community center program support. Additionally, a representative from the Gladstone Seniors Foundation provided an organizational update.

The meeting notice provides instructions for public participation, including the process for submitting comments either virtually via email or in person by providing a speaker card prior to the commencement of the meeting. Public comments are subject to a three-minute time limit.

The commission agenda includes a monthly planning report and a work session focused on the development of policies and code updates for individual food carts and food cart pods. The discussion intends to explore regulatory frameworks, the city's goals for food cart incubation and development, and the appropriate design standards for commercial or industrial properties.

The City Council meeting is scheduled to be held in both in-person and virtual formats, providing guidelines for public remote participation and testimony submission in accordance with state regulations. Key agenda items include City event announcements and a dedicated period for business from the audience.