Page 5 - 2017 Summer Newsletter
P. 5

DDA Behind the Scenes

LIVE IT UP  A Refreshed Downtown Delray
            Beach Visitor Information Center
            Opening this Summer

This summer, visitors and residents will experience a refreshed and
renovated Beachside Visitor Information Center (2 S. Ocean Blvd). After
12 years, and more than 200,000 visitors, the DDA – who manages the
Center – decided that it was time for a makeover. When it reopens, the
Center will have tripled in size with new floors, ceilings, windows, doors
and signage. The new Center will have 40 ft. of wall space which will
house brochure and magazine racks, providing Downtown merchants
with more visibility. Other exciting additions include: a new fountain
outside of the center, a new public art component, a historic display,
enhanced digital signage, opportunities for digital advertising, and a
large map of the area. The renovated Center will be designated as the
Official South Palm Beach County Visitor Center by Visit Florida.

The DDA is spearheading this renovation project in partnership with the     Thank you to the Sandoway Discovery Center which is serving as the
City of Delray Beach. Local architect, Roy Simon (Roy M. Simon, A.I.A,      satellite Visitor Information Center as well the Visitor Information Center
Architect), and Maura Taft (Maura Taft Interiors), have generously          located at the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce.
donated their time, talent & services toward this project. Funding
contributions are welcomed. All contributors will be recognized in the      For more information, or if you are interested in becoming a Center
Center.                                                                     Volunteer, please contact: DDA@DowntownDelrayBeach.com or
                                                                            561.243.1077.

SUSTAIN     Downtown Security Ambassador                                    Bridge, and one block on either side of Atlantic Avenue from Swinton
            Pilot Program – Update                                          Avenue to the Intracoastal Bridge.

The DDA launched a new initiative to further enhance its Placemaking        “The DDA has been working closely with the City of Delray Beach Clean
goal of fostering a compelling destination by enhancing the physical        and Safe team and Community Improvement Department for 18 months
elements of the downtown, and its strategy to maintain a clean, safe        to find ways to assist with the quality of life issues that are affecting the
and welcoming environment for residents and visitors. The Downtown          Downtown/DDA District,” said Laura Simon, Executive Director, Delray
Delray Beach Security Ambassador Pilot Program debuted on February          Beach DDA. “I had learned about the Ambassador Program through the
6, 2017. In partnership and with direction from the City of Delray Police   West Palm Beach DDA and met with them on numerous occasions to
Department and the Downtown Manager, two ambassadors in bright              review the program and the successes that it has brought to their city
yellow shirts were on foot and bike from 6am – 11pm Sunday through          over the years. The DDA Board recommended that it would fund and
Wednesday and 6am – 1am from Thursday to Saturday. They patrolled           conduct the $50,150, 12-week Pilot/test program, and to hire Professional
from NW/SW 5th Avenue east on Atlantic Avenue to the Intracoastal           Security Consultants – the same organization providing Downtown
                                                                            Ambassadors for the West Palm Beach DDA, as well as City Place,
                                                                            Downtown Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach.”

                                                                            The role of the Ambassadors is to be a constant “security type presence
                                                                            with a hospitality side”, providing customer service support such as
                                                                            giving directions and information about Downtown to the public, Safe
                                                                            Walk services for employees or customers,  and serving as the extra set of
                                                                            eyes and ears for safety, lighting, banners and trash. The Ambassadors,
                                                                            with an aim of deterring criminal activity or disruptive street behavior,
                                                                            and addressing quality of life issues such as homelessness, panhandling,
                                                                            loitering, disturbances in front of businesses, had cell phone contact with
                                                                            the Police Department and businesses, and were on radio with the Clean
                                                                            and Safe Sergeant and the DDA team.

                                                                            Pilot Program Goals:
                                                                            •	 Enhance the perception of safety within the Downtown community
                                                                            •	 Enhance the quality of live by decreasing nuisance issues
                                                                            •	 Increase support of the Downtown Clean & Safe unit

                            Attn: Downtown Resident, Property or Business Owners
                                                 We Need Your Feedback!

               Please fill out our online survey: Surveymonkey.com/r/DowntownAmbassadorProgram
            Please send a letter or email about this pilot program to: DDA@DowntownDelrayBeach.com

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