Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Betterment Group's mission?

The Livermore Falls Downtown Betterment Group (LFDBG) seeks to revitalize the downtown village area both economically and esthetically.

What guidelines or vision does the Betterment Group operate by?

Acting in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan of 2002 approved by the town, and the Pierce Atwood Planning Study and Revitalization Plan and the corresponding Action Plan for the Pierce Atwood Planning Study, approved by the Board of Selectmen in 2004, LFDBG wishes to create an inviting atmosphere in the downtown village area which will draw in new sources of retail and services. In the process, LFDBG will help Livermore Falls develop a more diversified economy, while retaining a small-town/village feel. Recently, with Livermore Falls' acceptance into the Square One Program of the Maine Downtown Center, we also have agreed to organize ourselves according to the four-point principles of the Maine Street Maine Program.

How does the Betterment Group hope to implement its strategies?

By enlisting local business people and citizens, the betterment group will work on small, on-the-ground projects as well as tending to a broader vision of the future of Livermore Falls , soliciting aid from appropriate funding sources when needed.

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Does the Betterment Group only work on the downtown?

While the Betterment Group's main focus will remain the downtown village area it will also, when needed:

• Provide advocacy for potential business owners attempting to move to the area
• Provide guidance for roadside improvement projects such as the Rt 4 reconstruction
• Work to expand recreational business activities and nature-based tourism in the region
• Cooperate with other larger scale agencies such as the Western Mountain Alliance and the Greater Franklin Development Corporation

What does the Betterment Group do?

The Betterment Group has been involved with many local projects including:

• Cleaning and repainting streetlight poles, riverbank cleanups
• Overseeing the selection of new streetlights
• Livermore Falls History Night (Formerly Main Street USA living history night. (MSAD36, Grow Smart, Betterment Group)
• The Gazebo Farmers' Market
• Oversight for the Bike and Walking Path project
• Research, select and solicit appropriate funding sources for specific projects (grants)

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Does the Betterment Group work alone?

The Betterment Group has paired with and supported many local organizations for on-the-ground citizen initiatives including:

• The Tower Clock Restoration Project (Jay-Livermore Livermore Falls Rotary)
• Adopt-a-Spot (Volunteers working with the town to care for selected highly visible areas)
• The Apple Pumpkin Festival (Jay-Livermore Livermore Falls Rotary, Jay-Livermore-Livermore Falls Chamber of Commerce and Municipal Government)
• " Frantasia "Out" Music Festival (Fran Szostek- alternative music, private citizen initiative)
• Gazebo Weekly Music Series (Gazebo Committee)
• VIP Program (Voluntary Improvement Project-Rental property owners working with Code Enforcement to improve and upgrade properties for safety, longevity and aesthetics)
• Skate Park Stewardship Program (Organizing park users to manage the skate park)
• Green and Gorgeous (a new garden club who donates time and plants to the VIP program in an effort to increase curb-appeal in Livermore Falls and Jay)
• Support of the Western Maine Paper and Heritage Museum initiative
• Advocated for Union Park upgrade including new flag pole and landscaping
• Supported creation of Fitness Park - new green space created by Fitness Styles owner, Tom Roy

Does the Betterment Group need help from local citizens?