BIDDEFORD — Downtown Biddeford was once a hub of activity, with bustling shops and a vibrant textile business that brought people to the city center to work, shop and conduct business.

It’s now a shadow of its former self ”“ vacant storefronts on every corner and the textile industry gone ”“ but concerned citizens are working toward restoring the area to its former glory.

To that end, a downtown master plan is underway. Dozens of neighborhood meetings about how to improve the downtown district have been held throughout the city involving residents of all ages, from high school students to senior citizens.

Another round of meetings focusing on specific topics is underway, and is expected to generate more input for inclusion in the master plan.

After completion this spring, planners hope the downtown master plan will eventually be adopted as part of the city’s Comprehensive Plan.

A series of six meetings, covering seven topics, have been held or are scheduled to be held this winter.

Public safety and plans to engage youth in this enterprise were discussed at a previous meeting. Issues to be discussed in the future include increasing activities in the downtown, improving the area’s appearance and attracting business.

On Monday, about 30 people gathered at City Hall to talk about what infrastructure improvements are needed to create a vibrant downtown and how to tie in existing natural resources.

Providing sufficient parking was identified as one of the most significant hurdles to be addressed in order to bring more people to the downtown.

Although the existing parking is adequate to meet current needs, said Economic Development Director Daniel Stevenson, more parking is needed in order to attract a large business or businesses to the area.

The City Council has given its blessing for a look at the feasibility of building a parking garage.

Stevenson said two sites have been identified as possible locations for such a structure: One behind the Biddeford District Court, and a more promising site in the city’s mill district.

The land in the mill district is owned by developer Doug Sanford. Preliminary discussions have taken place between city officials and Sanford about possible scenarios for building the parking structure, said Stevenson.

Revenue from a Tax Increment Financing District, which shelters new property tax dollars generated by new value at the Biddeford Crossing shopping center on Route 111, could be used for construction of a parking garage, he said. Up to $15 million from that source could be used for that purpose.

Many details must be worked out before the city would go forward with the garage, said Stevenson, and it could take two years or longer before construction would begin.

The lack of lighting and traffic issues were among the other infrastructure issues identified to be addressed in the master plan.

In addition to discussing how to deal with cars in the downtown, getting around without automobiles was also brought up under the topic of natural resources in the downtown. Making the city more bike-friendly was also suggested.

City Planner Greg Tansley gave an update on progress of the planned Biddeford RiverWalk. The RiverWalk will start at Mechanic’s Park, travel through the mill district and eventually end up at Rotary Park.

Construction of a small section of the walk within the mill district is set to begin this spring, said Tansley, using part of a $500,000 grant from a state bond.

Ideas were generated for creating more green space and opportunities to use the existing natural resources in the downtown. Some of these ideas included: Widening the sidewalks and putting in more planters and landscaping, installing vertical planters along exterior walls of buildings, taking greater advantage of the Saco River by putting in a kayak launch, and making more areas for fishing available.

The downtown master plan is being created through a partnership between the city, the downtown revitalization organization Heart of Biddeford, and the Orton Family Foundation, which provided a $100,000 grant to fund the project.

Completion of the plan’s two-year research phase will culminate in a public presentation on April 11.

Prior to completion of the plan, additional workshops are scheduled to be held. Topics to be covered include: How to increase activities in the downtown, Jan. 31; improving the downtown’s appearance, Feb. 14; and how to attract business to the downtown, Feb. 28.

All meetings will be held on Mondays, from 4:30-6 p.m., at Council Chambers in Biddeford City Hall.

— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 324 or dmendros@journaltribune.com.