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Purchase Street events continue after TVI/TDI funding ends; local businesses planning weekly outdoor programming
Summary
Members reported local business-led programming and events on Purchase Street and North Main Street will continue after a TVI/TDI fellowship ends in October; organizers plan weekly outdoor screenings and market nights, and the city and businesses are coordinating holiday and seasonal events.
Fall River Redevelopment Authority members reported ongoing downtown activation efforts on Purchase Street and North Main Street after the authority’s TVI/TDI fellowship is ending in October.
Staff said the TVI/TDI district extension request was unsuccessful and the fellowship will not continue beyond October. Local business owners and property owners are stepping up to sustain programming: one property owner is planning weekly outdoor screenings, vendor markets and seasonal events in a plaza with a stage and lighting; staff described plans for food trucks, music and a September video-game tournament.
The authority highlighted a recent Purchase Street party that included a Coney Island hot-dog-eating contest, a children’s area supported by the mayor’s office event planner, vendor stalls and fundraising by United Way for Gabriel House. Sarah Page said the mayor and city staff were supportive, and that local restaurateurs and businesses such as Canteen and the Saint James are interested in continued involvement.
Staff said the city is considering moving a trunk-or-treat event to Purchase Street and that Thursday-night market music and other smaller events will continue through the winter hiatus and resume in April. The authority said they will continue to monitor and support local efforts, and organizers plan to meet monthly with a core committee to develop proposals to the larger business/resident group.
Board members presented the update as a community-led continuation of downtown activation rather than a new authority program.
