The Downtown Development Commission (DDC) held its Annual General Meeting this morning at the HMS Briton Room in the Murray Premises.

Speaking to members of the Business Improvement Area (BIA), Chairman Bill Mahoney highlighted some projects from this past year, which included special events, capital works and tourism initiatives.

Mahoney stated “Last summer’s Buskers Program was a very successful project, gathering both local and national media attention. The project accomplished it’s goal of encouraging performers to showcase their talents Downtown, while providing an atmosphere and a sense of excitement not available elsewhere in the City.”

Downtown became even more tourist-friendly in 2003. Mahoney explained that the DDC partnered with the City of St. John’s to develop The Ambassador Program. The Ambassadors, volunteers identified by bright red vests, were on hand to greet cruise ships and other visitors to Downtown. Ambassadors answered questions, gave directions, and provided a friendly smile to tourists in the Downtown area.

To address winter accessibility and pedestrian safety issues Mr. Mahoney said that the DDC, in partnership with the City, started a Sidewalk Snow Clearing Pilot Project in 2003. “The Sidewalk Snow Clearing pilot Project was developed to address problems created by vacant lots and delinquent property owners in the Downtown who do not clear snow from their sidewalks.” The program was very successful with over a dozen clearings last winter. Sidewalk snow clearing was very well received by BIA members and it is set to continue in the Fall of 2004.

Looking toward the up-coming year, Mahoney announced that the DDC’s newly formed partnership with the Grand Concourse Authority will be very strategic to developing future plans for Downtown. “This partnership with the Grand Concourse Authority will focus on improving transportation in the Downtown core as well as developing more green spaces and rest areas throughout the area”. Mahoney is confident that the Grand Concourse Authority can help the DDC fulfill its mandate of making Downtown a more attractive place to live, work, shop and visit.