The Hyannis Main Street Business Improvement District (HMSBID) is a private nonprofit organization that was established in 1999 in response to the need to carry out the revitalization of downtown Hyannis. Business Improvement Districts (BID) across the country have been successful in revitalizing downtowns because they are funded by the property owners within the district, which provides a dependable revenue stream. BIDs are special assessment districts, enabled by Mass. General Laws Chapter 40 (0) and sanctioned by the local legislative body. While there are more than a thousand BIDs throughout the United States, the Hyannis Main Street BID is one of only seven in Massachusetts. BIDs speak with a unified voice for their districts and are solely focused on the implementation of the Improvement Plan voted on by the members. The 14-member Board of Directors is comprised of property owners and tenants who are geographically distributed and represent the 100 property owners and all business aspects of the district.
Mission Statement
To promote the community and economic development of the Main Street, Hyannis district as a desirable place to live, work, invest, and visit. In order to achieve our goals, we work collaborately with local agencies and organizations.
Business Development
- Tenant Consultant Study
- Created F.O.O.D. District (Fabulous Owner Operated Dining) to market the 50+ restaurants, cafes and eateries on Main Street.
- Assisted with the Arts & Culture District designation, which provides free publicity of the Main Street area and could be a source of funding in years to come.
- Spearheaded the Shop Local campaign, ongoing Main Street events and special group advertising deals.
- Help launch free shuttle service in partnership with the Town of Barnstable and the Regional Transportation Authority for the summer months.
- Raise $20,000 in grants annually for arts and culture initiatives in the Main Street area.
- Initiated facade improvement grants program with Town of Barnstable and HUD’s CDBG funding. Currently, 13 businesses applied.
- Working to keep Cape Cod Symphony in Hyannis.
- Continually work with tenants, property owners and realtors to keep spaces occupied with appropriate tenants.
- Advocated for the redevelopment of Asa Bearse House, The Beechtree and removal of Stone Antiques properties, currently working with Hibel to redevelop parcel. Also work with RTA and Pleaseant Street, key partnerships.
Capital Improvements
- Lobbied for East End improvements, $3 million streetscape plan to start in 2016.
- Brought in Police Station and secured a central location for station on Main Street.
- Helped fix airport rotary.
- Working with homeless social programs to reduce the impact on street; continuously evolving the current system.
- Currently working on new uplightingplan with Town of Barnstable.
- Created a WiFi Network along Main Street.
- Purchased a GumBuster machine to clean gum stains off of sidewalks.
- Lobbied for continued road improvements from the Hyannis Youth & Community Center to Main Street via Bassett Lane and High School Road.
- Leveraged $370,000 worth of funding and oversaw the planning, design and installation of 56 new street lights.
- Provided street banners for utility poles.
- Producing new signage at the corner of Sea and Main to invite pedestrians to visit Sherman Square boutiques and restaurants.
- Creating Wayfinding Plan in collaboration with the Town of Barnstable to assist visitors in locating Main Street and once here, to assist pedestrians.
- Installed new street and directional signs for Main Street.
- Constructed walkways from Main Street to public parking and restrooms– West End walkway completed in 2001 and East End walkway completed in 2005. Both projects were completed for at least a quarter of the market rate by leveraging free labor and grant opportunities.
- Leveraged $2 million Public Works Economic Development Grant from Office of Transportation and Construction and Federal Highway Grant for the reconstruction of Main Street with new drainage, pedestrian friendly crosswalks, traffic calming features, wider sidewalks, street furniture and trees which was matched with $1.8 million from the Town of Barnstable.
- Leveraged $96,000 for façade improvements for the Sturgis School.
- Participated in the CDAG application process, design and construction of $1 million Walkway to the Sea Project.
- Instrumental in the acquisition and un-development of the abandoned gas station at 725 Main Street.
- Installed and update informational kiosks at 12 sites on Main Street and the harbor with a map, events and other pertinent information, including one at the RTA.
Events
- Created the Long Table- a fine dining and wine tasting event.
- Started Village Green summer activities, including Movies on the Green, Tai Chi, Concerts.
- Thursday Music Stroll in the Summer.
- Two Shop Local Days
- Created and host Spring on Main event
- Safe Trick or Treat
- Hyannis Village Christmas Stroll
- The HMSBID also serves on and contributes to many other events such as, the Father’s Day Car Show, and July Fourth Parade and Celebrations.
Marketing
- Created app for Hyannis Main Street downtown
- Expanding Facebook and Instagram reach
- Creating public e-blast list
- Launched Shop Local Campaign and F.O.O.D. District campaign
- Maintain Website: www.hyannismainstreet.com, which has comprehensive directory of BID members, a calendar of events for the Hyannis area, advertises and details out Shop Local discounts and Christmas Stroll events. We are currently in the process of redesigning and updating our website to include more features and links to social networking sites, YouTube and to serve as a better resource to visitors of Main Street.
- Produce a map and directory for distribution at all visitors’ centers, hotels and other locations on Main Street, throughout Cape Cod. (60,000)
- Produced logo and branding.
- Organize cooperative ad campaigns featuring Main Street business owners.
- Public Relations work with print and electronic media.
- Worked to create initiative with local partners to make downtown a wedding destination.
Maintenance
- Power wash sidewalks yearly.
- Provide supplemental Saturday trash removal during the summer season.
- Remove graffiti.
- Supplement snow removal at all intersections and crosswalks
- Contract with the Baybridge Clubhouse Clean Team daily for litter removal, weeding and gardening, and painting. ($76,000 federal grant)
- Work closely with the DPW regarding services such as street sweeping, and trash pick-up
- Provide maintenance services to BID’s members
Beautification
- Maintain over 100 flower planters.
- Created landscape sites at Center Street , Old Colony, the Post Office and Sherman Square, currently encourage team to fix up corner of High School Road.
- Supply and put up seasonal street decorations.
- Lobbying for funds for renovation on Hyannis Public Library and JFK Museum.
Merchant Services
- Monthly newsletter to all businesses in the district regarding timely issues and updates.
- Hold meetings to discuss and inform various issues of concern to merchants.
- Offer merchant workshops on topics such as advertising, web design, window design, customer service/needs and regulatory issues
Regulatory Issues and Government Relations
- Work closely with local leaders to improve social services efficacy in dealing with street people.
- Helped create valet parking plan.
- Monthly meetings with Town manager’s office.
- Postive relationship with State.
- Successfully campaigned to reverse the split tax rate.
- Lobbied the Town to increase sign allowance for businesses.
- Assist new merchants, businesses and developers through the regulatory process.
- Work with town officials on development or any issues related to BID members and merchants
- Attend and advocate for members at regulatory board and commission meetings such as the Planning Board, ZBA, Historic, Health, Site Plan Review and Town Council meetings.
- Supported and assisted the Town of Barnstable with developing the first mixed use zoning ordinance for downtown.
- Developed ordinance to allow outdoor dining on sidewalks, continuously working to improve diner friendly codes.