A dull or dreary commercial street can be discouraging for both businesses and customers. There’s no question that Main Street retail on Roosevelt Island fits that description. But in the interest of improving underused community assets, we have some suggestions. There are many creative and effective ways to brighten things up and inject some vibrancy. Below are some of them, categorized by budget and effort.

by David Stone

The Roosevelt Island Daily News

How to brighten a dull or dreary commercial street

Low Budget, Low Effort:

• Seasonal decorations: Hang colorful banners, flags, or string lights relevant to the season or upcoming holidays. This should be labelled “no-brainer,” and Shops on Main should get involved.
• Street art and murals: Invite local artists to create murals on designated walls, adding a unique touch and attracting attention. Make the Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association (RIVAA) a resource.
• Community art projects: Organize painting workshops or invite residents to contribute their artwork to display on public spaces.
• Greenery and flowers: Add potted plants, hanging baskets, or even small community gardens to bring life and color to the street. Pots already in Good Shepherd Plaza should be better utilized, not shoved to the side. Plus, multiple locations exist along Main Street retail for distributing other, maybe smaller pots.
• Improved lighting: Ensure proper lighting throughout the street, especially in evenings, to create a more welcoming atmosphere.
• Street performers: Encourage local musicians, dancers, or other performers to showcase their talents, adding a lively touch.

Medium Budget, Medium Effort:

• Themed events and festivals: Organize regular events like farmers markets, art walks, or cultural celebrations to attract crowds and create a buzz. Jazz concerts are always popular on Roosevelt Island.
• Public seating and gathering spaces: Install benches, tables, or even small plazas for people to relax, socialize, and enjoy the street.
• Improved signage: Design attractive and informative signage for businesses and directions, making the street easier to navigate. We’ve harped on signs for years, but now’s the time to act.
• Collaborative beautification projects: Partner with businesses and residents to organize clean-up days, planting events, or beautification initiatives.
• Public art installations: Install temporary or permanent sculptures, water features, or other artistic elements to add visual interest. We have some, but we have the potential for much more.

High Budget, High Effort:

• Street redesign and pedestrianization: Consider closing the street to traffic on certain days or permanently, creating a more pedestrian-friendly space.
• Facade improvements: Encourage businesses to update their storefronts with fresh paint, unique signage, or architectural elements.
• Public art commissions: Collaborate with renowned artists to create large-scale, permanent art installations that become landmarks.
• Interactive elements: Integrate digital displays, water features, or other interactive elements to engage visitors and create a dynamic experience.
• Themed lighting and projections: Implement creative lighting schemes or projections on buildings to create a unique nighttime atmosphere.

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Finally, Lessons for Main Street Retail

Remember, the key to success is to involve the community in the planning and execution. Collaboration between businesses and RIOC must improve.

Gather input from businesses, residents, and other stakeholders to ensure the chosen solutions reflect their needs and preferences.

By implementing some of these ideas, we can transform Main Street retail into a vibrant and inviting space that attracts people, boosts business, and enhances the overall community experience.

So, let’s do it. What are we waiting for?

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