Downtown District Boundaries
The Downtown District is a vibrant, mixed-use district of retail, office and residential life comprised of approx. 132 taxable properties. It is situated at the geographical and historic center of Manchester. District boundaries run north to south along Main Street from Center Street to Hartford Road, a distance of some 4100 linear feet. District boundaries on the east side of Main Street extend approximately one block east of Main Street. Map of SSD Area (pdf)
History
The Downtown Manchester Special Services District was established by a referendum of downtown property owners in 1992 in response to changing economic conditions. Construction of Buckland Hills Mall, a total reconstruction of Main Street and deterioration of the built environment in the downtown were all catalysts for action.
Governance
The DMSSD is governed by an 11 member board of commissioners. The board is comprised of seven regular members, one alternate and three ex officio members as follows: the Town of Manchester Director of Planning and Economic Development, President of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and a representative from a church located in the District. Commissioners are elected every two years. Both property owners and tenants within the District are eligible to vote for commissioners.
Staff
The DMSSD employs a part time downtown manager who is responsible for the operation and promotion of the District. Two part time parking constables, charged with monitoring and enforcing parking policies within the District, are also employed by the District.
Budget
The fiscal year for the DMSSD runs from July 1 to June 30. The board of commissioners adopts a budget for the upcoming year in January. The budget for FY 18-19 is $234,750.00.
Services Offered
The DMSSD is responsible for the promotion and marketing of the District, business recruitment, parking management and supplemental maintenance and beautification efforts.
Opportunities for Involvement
Downtown business and property owners can participate in the improvement and promotion of the Downtown District by participating in a variety of standing and ad hoc committees managed by the DMSSD. Core standing committees include: the Marketing & Promotions Committee, Parking & Maintenance Committee, Economic Development Committee, and Nominating Committee. Additional ad hoc committees, such as the Strategic Planning Committee, are formed as the need arises. Details of meeting dates, times and locations may be obtained by contacting the DMSSD office at 860 645-2101.
Al Downtown constituents are welcome to attend the monthly meetings of the Downtown Manchester Special Services District board of commissioners.
Contact Information
For additional information on the Downtown Manchester Special Services District please contact:
Downtown Manager
Downtown Manchester Special Services District
983 Main Street, Suite 10
Manchester, CT 06040
Phone: (860) 645-2101
Fax: (860) 645-5325
E mail ~ dmssd@manchesterct.gov
Downtown Manchester Special Services District
