STAMFORD DOWNTOWNstamford-downtown.com/wp-content/uploads/Reports/2011-12...factor sublease availability, the latter rate goes up to 18.2 percent, still better than the city’s overall

STAMFORDDOWNTOWN

ANNUAL REPORT2011/2012

TWENTY YEARS

to the vitality. A grant program brought three quality retailers to the Downtown four years ago. A new such program is underway now, and a master goldsmith will open on Bedford Street this summer. Restaurant Weeks bring many thou-sands of diners to participating restau-rants where 14,725 meals were served this past February.

The strength of the District’s economic development program has prevented the blight of urban sprawl in Stamford. Over the course of 20 years, the DSSD has strongly supported the city’s 1984 Master Plan, which mandates the Downtown as the densest part of the city and the site for hotels, boutique and destination retail and entertainment. To emphasize the latter, the DSSD has been instrumental in initiating, facilitating or supporting the following critical initiatives: a 535 space garage built by the URC; Zoning regulations which prevent large format retailers from locating anywhere but the Downtown; additional on-street parking for use by downtown patrons while keeping parking rates low; elimination of the 1,500 feet barrier for both liquor-serving restaurants and package stores; elimination of Zoning regulations that gave additional density to obsolete uses such as raised public plazas, while substituting regulations giving additional density to ground floor retail, pedestrian connections, Mill River Greenbelt and shared parking. Addition-ally, the DSSD was instrumental in the elimination of “adult retail uses,” estab-lishing an Architectural Review Design District for the Downtown, reconfiguring Spring Street into a two-way road to enable enhanced automobile access to activate the neighborhood, creation of Bedford Street as a historic district, easing the city’s regulations for outdoor dining, reducing burdensome residential parking requirements, eliminating the zoning barriers which inhibited building movie theatres. Furthermore, the DSSD has worked to provide an appropriate density balance in neighborhoods adjacent to the downtown, so that multiple areas of the city can thrive.

Today, Stamford Downtown is the site of many award-winning events produced by the DSSD. Stars such as the Beach

Boys, Blues Traveler, Hootie and the Blowfish and Sugar Ray have graced the Alive@Five Stage, bringing an average of 7,000 people downtown each Thursday night and generating $3,000,000+/- of revenue to area businesses. Jazz Up July, only in its second year, has featured such stars as Neil Sedaka, Roberta Flack and this summer, Al Jarreau. The UBS Parade Spectacular is the largest parade in Connecticut and the second largest helium balloon parade in the country, attracting 250,000 patrons. Rappelling Santa has been televised on national TV featuring guest star stunt-men, Brian Cashman and Rick Reich-muth. Thousands visit the downtown each summer to enjoy the outdoor sculpture program, which has boasted nationally renowned artists such as Botero, Henry Moore, Schnabel, Fischl and Oldenburg. Artfully decorated, sculpted and painted cows, elephants, cats, dogs, automobiles and giraffes have also adorned the streets as part of the sculpture exhibit. This summer, magnificently painted horses will be on display throughout the Downtown.

A summary of a twenty-year journey would be incomplete without thanking the hundreds of sponsors who give so generously to support downtown programs, the thousands of volunteers who help annually at events, the dozens of streetscape gardeners who beautify our environment and the Friends of the Downtown who spearhead the program to acquire outdoor art (3 significant pieces on display in downtown parks) and help defray the costs of the yearly sculpture exhibit. Special recognition is given to city personnel who have worked tirelessly on Downtown programs; none of which would happen without backing from the very top. For 14 years, Mayor Dan Malloy (now the Governor) gave support and encouragement to our efforts. Our current Mayor, Mike Pavia, has been an enthusiastic proponent of DSSD events and programs.

In closing, while we salute great progress, we know that much still remains to be accomplished. Better pedestrian connections throughout the Downtown are essential. The Transpor-

tation Center and its environs are in need of major work. Quality residential development must be encouraged on lower Summer St., Washington Blvd., and Atlantic St. properties, as well as on the remaining vacant Downtown parcels. Support must be given to the Innovation Center, now located at a beautifully renovated Old Town Hall. Additionally, the comprehensive Downtown Master Plan completed in 2011 must be folded into the city’s new Master Plan, soon to be created. Finally, the DSSD must continue to ensure that the Downtown remains the heart of the city – the center of office, retail, dining entertainment, higher education and residential development.

How the years do fly! The DSSD celebrates its twentieth anniversary this year and what a perfect time to look back and assess the past and

look forward to plan the future. A quick look backward to 1992 uncovers a Downtown perceived as dangerous and dirty, with few pedestrians after 5pm, where retail store window-grates rolled down at dusk creating a feeling of desolation and darkness. Class A office rents were at a low of $21 per sf. and retail availability was at 22 percent. There were only 5 movie screens, few quality restaurants, no outdoor cafes and a dimin-ished residential market, with only one new high-end condo development, which was struggling for buyers. When the Downtown property owners voted overwhelmingly to establish a business improvement district in 1992, they opted to use their own tax dollars to fund an organization (the Stamford Downtown Special Services District) dedicated to downtown revitalization.

Stamford has been transformed by two decades of vision, planning, vigilance and investment. While the Downtown’s land mass is less than 1 percent of the city’s total acreage, it commands 8.3 percent of the Grand List, with a whopping value of two billion dollars, a growth of 20 percent just in the last 7 years, despite the recent reces-sion. A dynamic sense of place has been created where many thousands of people live, work, shop, are educated and enjoy the arts. Pedestrians have embraced the downtown in large numbers, because they now live here (5,407 housing units with another 712 in construction or approved, as opposed to 3,285 in 1992), diners abound, eating al fresco on dozens of outdoor patios in 85 diverse restaurants (only 40 in 1992). Stamford Downtown is now the home to major multinational financial institutions, which have established their North American headquarters in our city (RBS and UBS with a combined workforce of over 6,000 employees.) NBCUniversal is

producing 3 television programs at the Rich Forum, which leverages millions of dollars into the city’s economy. The art scene is growing: new galleries have opened, outdoor sculpture exhibits and craft shows are part of the DSSD’s yearly programming menu and the Stamford Center for the Arts has emerged from Chapter 11 and is planning a solid menu of programs for the coming years.

During the past two decades, the DSSD has initiated improvements to enhance the environment, create a sense of place through an award-winning panorama of events and targeted retail programs and has facilitated economic development initiatives, which have made the downtown strong and have prevented the urban sprawl which has destroyed the value of many downtowns in our country.

The DSSD manages a comprehensive outdoor maintenance program. Twenty years ago there was nothing. Today, there is daily street cleaning, regular ambassador street patrols and a landscaping program, which ensures four dramatic seasonal plantings with 168 lush flower-filled hanging baskets adorning the lampposts. DSSD Gardeners plant and care for a large panoply of downtown gardens, parks, street planters and median dividers. DSSD workers plow the sidewalks during and after snowstorms, facilitating pedestrian access to shops and restaurants. The Downtown is brightened with thousands of dramatic lights during the holidays. And, Bedford Street is turned into a winter wonderland during December through the artful window decorating skill of volunteer garden clubs and florists.

The office and retail markets remain relatively strong, despite a weak economy. Class A office space in the Downtown is listed and leased at anywhere between $35 and $50 per sf. (Compared to an average of $21 per sf twenty years ago.) The direct Class A office space availability in the District is at a low of 13.2 percent as opposed to a city-wide average of 21.7 percent. If you factor sublease availability, the latter rate goes up to 18.2 percent, still better than the city’s overall rate of 26.2 percent. Down-town’s retail market, 1,754,922sf strong, has an occupancy rate of 91 percent as opposed to 78 percent twenty years ago. Many DSSD retail initiatives have contributed

2 3Stamford Downtown Annual Report 2011/2012 Stamford Downtown Annual Report 2011/2012

A TWENTY YEAR RETROSPECTIVE

Stephen J. Hoffman Chairman

Sandy Goldstein President

To foster the Downtown’s economic growth through a strong retail recruitment and retention program.

To ensure the appropriate economic development of Stamford Downtown through comprehensive strategic urban planning and advocacy.

To plan, initiate and manage enhanced operational services, which improve the Downtown’s outdoor environment.

To attract people to the Downtown through targeted signature events and marketing programs.

GOALS:

The vision for Stamford Downtown is that of a 24-hour/seven day a week center for living, working, shopping, dining, education, culture and entertainment.

VISION:

The Downtown Special Services District is responsible for creating, managing and promoting a quality environment for people, which enhances the economic vitality of the Downtown.

MISSION:

The creation of a vibrant retail environment is at the core of Stamford Downtown’s mission. This

year, recruitment efforts were enhanced by reactivating the Retail Advancement Grant Program, as well as several other initiatives.

2011/12 Accomplishments:

Retail Advancement Grant Program: The Retail Advance-ment Grant Program provides grants up to $50,000 (plus a matching landlord contribution) for product retailers who execute a 5 year lease within Stamford Downtown (restaurants and

service-oriented businesses are ineligible). Three strong candidates applied and were interviewed by the Retail Committee to date. As a result, Russ Hollander, a master goldsmith, in

business for 30 years, has signed a lease at 154 Bedford Street. Scheduled to open in summer of 2012, this high-end jewelry store will be a welcome complement to Bedford Street businesses. New retailers are encouraged to apply for this grant.

Commercial Broker Quarterly Newsletter: In an effort to heighten the awareness of Stamford Downtown’s activities, the newsletter, Real Estate Update from Stamford Downtown, was created. It is sent to over 100 real estate brokers in both Fairfield and Westchester Counties.

Scouting efforts: Scouting different towns for retail prospects remains an important initiative of the Retail Department, as is participation in the International Council of Shopping Center’s retailer’s trade show in Hartford, an excellent place to meet retail prospects and retail brokers.

On the Retail retentionfront…

A Holiday Salute in Stamford Downtown: Stamford Downtown hosted its second annual holiday decorating contest to transform Bedford Street into a “winter wonderland.” Prominent florists and nurseries generously donated their decorations and labor to professionally adorn seven Bedford Street storefronts. Participants included: Eden Farms Nursery & Garden Center, Stamford Florist, Springdale Florist, Exquisite Environments Garden Center, Eastern Land Management as well as Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses and McArdle’s Florist and Garden Center from Greenwich.

2012 DSSD Demographic Profile: Stamford Downtown continues to update and distribute a 20-page document highlighting the latest statistics regarding population growth and the Downtown’s residential, office and

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retail markets. The Demographic Profile is updated quarterly and is available on-line: a resource tool for property owners, real estate brokers and prospective business owners interested in locating to Stamford Downtown.

DSSD’s Downtowners Events: This year Stamford Downtown continued to host the Downtowners events, at the newest Downtown developments, including stylish rooftops and luxury amenity rooms. Designed for those “who live and work in Stamford Downtown,” this meet and mingle social event, attracts 150± people, while spotlighting both new and existing businesses.

Stamford Tables: Membership in Stamford Tables grew by 20% in 2011/12 with new members: Bar Rosso, Rodizio Grill, Hudson Grille and Bar Taco. Stamford Tables hosted Summer & Winter Restau-rant Weeks, in addition to publish-ing a 2012 Stamford Tables

Concierge Book spotlighting each of the restaurants in a two-page spread. This publication is distributed to area hotels and Stamford Downtown residential complexes.

Stamford Tables Restaurant Weeks were held during the last two weeks of August, and from February 26th through March 11th. A record number of 30 restaurants participated in this year’s campaign, resulting in 14,725+ served lunches and dinners. The Avon Theatre offered Restaurant Week patrons $4.50 popcorn vouchers. The Stamford Hospital reintroduced their Kids’ Fans 5-2-1-0 program, designed to promote nutrition and fitness in children.

2012/13 Goals:

Government Center Neigh-borhood: The Government Center neighborhood will be enhanced by a plan to put artist’s studios in the retail vacancies

along this important Washington Boulevard corridor leading to the Transit Center.

Stamford Tables: Winter & Summer Restaurant Weeks will continue with a focus on targeting new participants and sponsors. An updated 2012 Concierge Book will feature two-page spreads on 40 Stamford Tables restaurants and will be distributed to 40 area hotels and apartment complexes in Stamford and neighboring communities.

1. The Bridal Suite “Best of Show” Holiday Salute 2011

2. Stamford Tables’ Concierge Book

3. Board Visit to Governor’s Mansion

4. Avon Theatre “Popular Vote” Holiday Salute 2011

RETAIL RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION


To foster Stamford Downtown’s economic growth through a strong retail recruitment and retention program.

GOAL:

1 2 3 4

2012/13 Goals:

City Master Plan: In the upcoming year, the Stamford Planning Board will hire a consul-tant to create, with community input, a new citywide Master Plan. The DSSD will closely monitor all phases of the project and play an integral role in development of the downtown portion.

New Development Oversight: The DSSD will continue to monitor emerging development proposals both in the Downtown and in the adjacent community through a comprehensive review and analysis process.

Transportation: Active engage-ment in proposals for a new Transportation Center garage as well as city and state plans to improve access, circulation and infrastructure in and around the complex.

.

The DSSD is the watchdog for appropriate Down-town development, balancing the challenge

of intense development with environmental and quality of life objectives. Using Stamford’s Master Plan as a guide, the District has helped foster the development of a Downtown with a full array of retail, office, cultural, recreation and residential uses.


This past year, in an effort to incentivize dense, high rise residential development, the DSSD was the applicant for a Zoning regulation text change that would enable use of a reduced parking ratio of 1:1, under Special Excep-tion. The change was approved at the end of March and by the first week of April a developer em-ployed it in an application for an urban infill residential project. The DSSD Economic Development Committee reviewed and analyzed several development proposals including plans for: Harbor Point, Park Square West and infill

residential proposals on Bank Street and Summer Street. DSSD positions were developed for each of these projects and publicly communicated to appropriate city boards and committees.

Old Town Hall: Work on Old Town Hall’s renovation was completed, as was an extraordi-nary hardscape and landscape makeover of adjacent Heritage Park. The DSSD is a designated member of the Old Town Hall Redevelopment Agency, which has just leased most of the building to the new Stamford Innovation Center.

Boards And Commissions: DSSD staff sits on the boards of numerous significant public agencies and corporations including: Stamford Center for the Arts, Mill River Collaborative, Ferguson Library, Stamford Chamber of Commerce, Stamford Partnership, Stamford EMS, Tully Health Center Community Board and Stamford Police Foundation.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT


1. Welcome Garden in Veteran’s Park

2. Landmark Building

3. Stamford Downtown Aerial View

4. Trump Parc

To ensure the appropriate economic development of Stamford Downtown through comprehensive planning and advocacy.

GOAL:

1 3 4

2

Stamford Downtown has a strong and focused calendar of events featuring the following: a

summer-long outdoor sculpture exhibit, eleven outdoor summer concerts, a farmers’ market, an arts & crafts show, the second largest helium balloon parade in the country as well as a star studded Santa rappel down Landmark Square, coupled with a Christmas tree lighting.

The events draw renowned artists, musicians and sponsors, while successfully attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators annually, who ultimate-ly shop, dine and enjoy all the Downtown has to offer.


Art In Public Places, Sculpture Exhibit: During summer 2011, Stamford Downtown hosted “Wit and Whimsy,” a sculpture exhibit that featured 40 impressive works of art.

Battle Of The Bands: In conjunction with 95.9 The Fox, Stamford Downtown continued its very successful band competition (May 2011) at venues throughout Stamford Downtown. Winners competed at the Bedford Street Promenade; finalists won opening slots at Alive@Five.

Bedford Street Promenade: This second year event on Bedford

Street was held on three Satur-days in June and included live music from the Battle of the Bands. The event brought foot traffic and revenue to the busi-nesses on Bedford Street, which had extended sidewalk cafés.

Big Apple Circus: Produced two successful circus-related fundrais-ing events in conjunction with Mill River Collaborative.

Alive@Five: Successfully produced seven concerts opening with Third Eye Blind and closing with the B52’s. Keeping public safety in mind, new rules for the front gate and surrounding perimeter were initiated.

Jazz Up July: Launched a new event to replace Pops in the Park. The premiere season included successful concerts starring Roberta Flack and John Tesh.

UBS Parade Spectacular: The 2011 parade hosted three grand marshals Laura Linney, Gabi Sidebe and John Benjamin Hickey, four new balloons, plus a spec-tacular trampoline float making last year’s parade an incredible way to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Heights & Lights: Celebrity rappeller, Brian Cashman, GM of the NY Yankees, just couldn’t resist playing a Christmas elf again, but this time he added to the follies by challenging Bobby Valentine, GM of the Red Sox to rappel with him in 2012. Bobby V indicated that he is up for the challenge!

Street Banner Program Assembled a committee of marketing executives to review design submissions for a new banner campaign. Led the project to completion through design, production and installation. A total of 360 “This is the Place” banners have been installed throughout Stamford Downtown.

2012/13 Goals:

Downtown Events: To continue to enhance the district’s program of signature events while insuring that each event leverages economic benefits for Downtown businesses.

Art In Public Places, Horsin’ Around Stamford Downtown, Sculpture Exhibit: To produce a sculpture exhibit featuring 40 fiberglass sculptures of horses painted and adorned by local artists. A portion of the proceeds of the auction will benefit the Ferguson Library.

French Market: To add new vendors to the market to give the market wider appeal.

Alive@Five: To produce a concert series featuring seven national headliners including Los Lonely Boys and Foreigner.

Jazz Up July: To build on the success of last year’s premiere Jazz Up July series, starring greats from the Jazz world including Al Jarreau and Spyro Gyra.

Arts & Crafts On Bedford: This year’s arts and crafts show will be produced by the DSSD, thus ensuring high quality, engaging crafters.

EVENTS & MARKETING


1. Arts & Crafts on Bedford

2. Street Banner Program

3. UBS Parade Spectacular

4. Alive@Five

5. Horse of Another Color by James Scinto

6. Brian Cashman rapelling at Heights & Lights

To attract people to the Downtown through comprehensive signature events and marketing programs.

GOAL:

1 2 3 4 6

5

A TIMELINE FROM 1992–2012

10 11

4�Burlington Coat Factory Opens

4�Target Opens

4�Avon Theatre Restoration Completed

4�Donation of Gossip, Martha Pettigrew Sculpture to City by Friends of Stamford Downtown

4�Downtown Directional Signs Installed

4�Crown Landmark Movie Theatre Expansion Completed

4�Clean Team & Green Machines Program Begins

4�Donation of Uninvited Advice, J. Seward Johnson Sculpture to City by Friends of Stamford Downtown

4�Retail Advancement Program Launched

4�Summer Place Parking Garage Opens

4�Landmark 7 Retail Pavilion Completed

4�Old Town Hall Exterior Renovation Begins

4�Clark Street & Bell Street Garage Improvements

4�Broad Street Median Cut Enhances Access to Bedford Street Garage

4�Bedford Street Design Plan Initiated

4�UConn Campus in Stamford Downtown Completed

4�Mill River Restoration Begins

4�Alive@Five Starred Blues Traveler with Record Crowds

4�Stamford Downtown Hosted Largest J. Seward Johnson Exhibit in Nation

4�Chaired & Hosted Stamford 2000

4�Nightlife Safety Plan Created

4�CowParade 2000 Ushers in Era of Outdoor Folk Art Exhibits

4�1 Million People Attend Downtown Theaters

4�8 Million People Shop at Stamford Town Center

4�Second DSSD Parking Master Plan

4�First Arts & Crafts Show

4�Downtown Master Plan Completed

4�Hotel Zero Degrees Opens

4�First Bandapalooza Battle of the Bands

4�Fernando Alvarez Art Gallery Opens

4�Spring Street Becomes Two Directional

4�Holiday Salute Program Launched

4�Broad Street South Curbside Parking Enhancement

4�Retail Advancement Grant Reinstated

4�1:1 Parking Ratio Zoning Regulation Enacted for Residential Development

4�This is the Place! Banner Campaign

4�First Grand Summer Night

4�First Annual Dinner & Report

4�First Downtown Directory

4�First DSSD Newsletter

4�First DSSD Parking Master Plan

4�First Holiday Tree Lighting

4�First Retail Master Plan, Rodgers & McCauley

4�First Sidewalk Cleaning Program Established

�

4�Palace Theatre Renovation Completed

4�Employee Discount Parking Program Begins

4�Historic District Boundary Expansion

4�Kiwanis Park Renovation Completed

�

4�First Chefs Festival

4�Donation of Granite Base by Friends of Stamford Downtown for Seated Lincoln Sculpture

4�Big Box Zoning Initiative

4�First Downtown Holiday Street Lighting Program

4�Broad Street Corridor Plan Created

�

4�First Pops in The Park

4�Marriott Courtyard Hotel Opens

4�Reduction of Package Store Radius

4�Sidewalk Snow Removal Program Established

4�Third DSSD Parking Master Plan Completed

4�Architectural Review Design District Established

4�Received IDA Achievement Award for Signal Box Art Program

Stamford Downtown Annual Report 2011/2012 Stamford Downtown Annual Report 2011/2012

�

4�First Giant Helium Balloon Parade

4�Ambassador Program Established

4�Amenities Bonus Zoning Initiative

4�Avalon Grove Completed

4�Columbus Park Renovation

4�Crown Majestic Movie Theatre Opens

4�First Alive@Five Concert

4�First DSSD Website

4�Signal Box Art Program Begins

4�Stamford Downtown

Launches Blog

4�The Classic Converted to Condominiums

4�Stamford Town Center Expansion and Redesign Completed

�

4�UBS Opens

4�Avalon Corners Opens

4�Starbucks Opens at the Ferguson Library

4�Traffic Calming Initiative Begins

4�Administration of Mayor’s Neighborhood Grant

4�Trump Parc Completed

4�Old Town Hall Exterior Renovation Completed

4�RBS Opens in Stamford Downtown

4�NBCUniversal Leased Stamford Media Center

4�Park Square West Completed

4�Avalon Towers Completed

4�First Jazz Up July

4�Bedford Street Sidewalk Renovation Completed

4�The BLVD Completed

4�Franklin Street Works Art Gallery Opens

4�Old Town Hall Interior Renovation Completed

4�Property Owners Vote Overwhelmingly to Start DSSD

4�Diagonal Parking Increases Bedford Street Parking

4�First Downtown Banner Program

4�Adult Retail Zoning Initiative

4�Archstone on Bedford Street Completed

4�Donation of Mommy’s Shoes, Prince Monyo Milhailescu-Nasturel Sculpture to City by Friends of Stamford Downtown

1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

12Stamford Downtown Annual Report 2011/2012

4�First Outdoor Café

4�First Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit

4�Streetscape Task Force Established

4�First DSSD Rappelling Santa

4 Downtown Development

4 DSSD Programs

4 DSSD Economic Development Initiatives

4 Downtown Events produced by DSSD

KEY TO TIMELINE

STAMFORDDOWNTOWN

CELEBRATING

TWENTY YEARS

The District operates five major programs to address the Downtown experience: a Clean Team

to control sidewalk, park and curbside litter 7-days a week; Downtown Ambassadors to provide a secure environment 200 patrol-hours, 6-days a week; a Green Team to enrich the streets and parks with seasonal plantings; Streetscape Operations to interface with city operations and property owners on all Downtown maintenance issues; and the Sidewalk Snow Removal program to enhance the pedestrian experi-ence in the winter. All ensure well-maintained public spaces and parks, which attract people, fosters retail development, increases property values, and creates a sense of place.


Stamford Downtown Directory: Published the annual Downtown Directory and distrib-uted 38,500 copies containing paid advertising, detailed free listings for 225 Downtown businesses and 16 pages of valuable community information.

Stamford Downtown Dining Guide: Produced a sponsor-funded annual Dining Guide to promote the 78 Downtown restaurants.

Contract Negotiation: Negoti-ated favorable labor contracts for Downtown Ambassador and Sidewalk Cleaning programs.

Ambassador Program Monitoring: An electronic route verification system is carefully monitored to ensure consistent, reliable and efficient Downtown Ambassador patrols.

Graffiti Documentation & Removal: Monitored all incidenc-es of Downtown graffiti, following up with photo documentation, police reporting and immediate removal, resulting in steadily decreasing graffiti incidents.

Design Review: Worked with Zoning Enforcement to ensure enforcement of and adherence to Downtown Design Guidelines.

23 Tons of trash collected per

year by the Stamford Downtown

Clean Team.

2,100 Tons of snow removed

from downtown streets (during

snowy winters).

40,000 Plants and bulbs are

planted each year by 3 dozen

streetscape volunteers.

10,400 Miles per year covered

by Ambassadors, more than

2 round trips to Los Angeles.

The DSSD produces the

state’s largest outdoor sculpture

exhibit in Stamford Downtown

each summer.

360,000 +/- People per year

attend Stamford Downtown events.

37,697 Record number of

lunches and dinners served

at Stamford Downtown

Restaurant Weeks.

200 Corporate and community

businesses partner with

Stamford Downtown.

3 Million people reached per

year with Stamford Downtown’s

promotional efforts for events.

10,000 People per week visit

the Ferguson Library in

Stamford Downtown.

In 2012, 51.3 percent of

DSSD’s operating budget is

funded by sponsorships

and donations.

Holiday Light Program: Established a new, dramatic holiday lighting plan for Columbus Park.

Stamford Circus: Maintained and managed a special, short-term website and managed all ticket sales and fulfillment for the Stamford Circus fundraiser.

Performance Augmentation: Monitored and maintained a route verification system for the Down-town Clean Team to ensure optimum performance and effectiveness.

2012/13 Goals:

New Stamford Downtown Website: Manage the develop-ment of a new Stamford Down-town website and associated mobile app. www.stamford-down-town.com

Veterans’ Park Improve-ments: Add programs to improve conditions and the perception of Veterans’ Park.

DSSD/Mill River Joint Fund-raiser: Design and operate a website to facilitate fundraising efforts for the Stamford Downtown and the Mill River Collaborative.

2012/2013 Directory: In-house publication and distribution of 38,500 Downtown Directories on a positive cash flow basis.

Design Review: Work with Zoning Enforcement to ensure enforcement and adherence to Design Guidelines.

CLEAN, SAFE & GREEN


To plan, initiate and manage enhanced operational services, which improve Downtown’s physical environment.

GOAL:

1 2

1. Latham Park

2. The Clean Team: Left to right: Lester Milian, Hugo Enriquez, Vincente Santos

3. Ambassadors: Left to right: William Gilson, Magdalia Rivera, Brian Leahy, Gilbert Reyes, Robert Cornell, Garry Walker

3

13 Stamford Downtown Annual Report 2011/2012

DO YOU KNOW?

2

40

7

0

1

2,011

0

1,366

431

6 Million

$328 Million

4

85

18

12

4

5,955

1

1,901

600

7.5 Million

$1.9 Billion

Major Hotels

Restaurants & Clubs

Movie Screens

Signature Events

Hip Galleries

Residential Units

Universities

Public Garage Parking Spaces

Curbside Parking Spaces

Office Space

Downtown Grand List

THEN (1992) NOW (2012)

Avon Theatre Film Center

Bildner Capital Corp.

Building & Land Technology

Emmett & Glander, Attorneys at Law

First County Bank

Frank Mercede & Sons

Gibraltar Management Co., Inc.

Heyman Properties

Hoffman Investment Partners

Marchetti Management

Marlo Associates

Nexvue

Nizzardo Holding LLC

People’s United Bank

Purdue Pharma L.P.

RBS

Reckson, A Division of SL Green

RFR Realty, LLC

RMS Companies, LLC

Saks Fifth Avenue

Seaboard Properties, Inc.

Silver Golub & Teitell, LLP

Stamford Town Center

Steven Wise Associates, LLC

UBS

United Realty of Con-necticut, Inc.

84 Park

Aria Restaurant

Barcelona Restau-rant & Wine Bar

Bar Rosso

bartaco

Bar Q

Black Bear Saloon

Boca

Bobby Valentine’s Sports Gallery Café

Bradford’s Grill & Tavern

The Brick House Bar & Grill

BUtterfield 8 Restaurant & Lounge

The Capital Grille

Capriccio Café

California Pizza Kitchen

Chez Jean-Pierre Bistro & Wine Bar

Chinese Mirch

Columbus Park Trattoria

Curley’s Diner

Emme of Capri

EOS Greek Cuisine

Ferrante

Fin II Japanese Restaurant

Grand

Jenna Marie’s Deli

Kona Grill

Kotobuki Japanese Restaurant

Kujaku Japanese Restaurant

Layla’s Falafel

Lola’s Mexican Kitchen

Lucky’s Classic Burger & Malt Shop

Lucky Break

Mitchell’s Fish Market

Morton’s, The Steakhouse

napa & co.

The Palms

Patrizia’s of Stamford

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro

Picante Fresh

Quattro Pazzi

Remo’s Brick Oven Pizza Company

Riviera Maya Authentic Mexican Cuisine

Rodizio Grill, The Brazilian Steakhouse

Sam’s American Bistro at the Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa

SBC Restaurant & Brewery

Station Eats

Sundance Café & Wine Bar

Tappo

Tengda Asian Bistro

Tiernan’s Bar & Restaurant

Tigin Irish Pub & Restaurant

Volta Gelateria Creparia

ZAZA Italian Gastrobar

Bartlett Arboretum

Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church

CTE’s Lathon Wider Community Center

Curtain Call

The Ferguson Library

First Congregational Church

Mill River Collaborative

Shippan Point Garden Club

Stamford Center for the Arts

Stamford Chamber of Commerce

Stamford Emergency Medical Services

Stamford Garden Club

Stamford Museum & Nature Center

Stamford Symphony Orchestra

Stamford Volunteer Fire Dept.

Stamford Youth Founda-tion

United Way of Stamford

University of Connecticut

Urban Redevelopment Commission

The DSSD is funded primarily by 128 property owners who pay an annual fee to the District

based on their property assess-ments. The formula was adopted in 1992 when the District was incorporated and subsequently amended in 1998 to reflect the impact of re-evaluation. In addition to assessments, a significant portion of the DSSD’s program income is derived through sponsorships.

Tax & Assessment Data: The Downtown Grand List is analyzed and maintained by DSSD’s Vice President of Operations. Evalua-tions, forecasts and strategies for optimizing collections are derived from the analysis.

City Funding Requests: Detailed reports for the Mayor, Board of Finance and Board of Representatives are generated for city funding requests.

51.3% Sponsorships/Revenue Generation

0.2% Interest

48.5% Assessments

51.0% Marketing & Event Promotion

18.1% General Administration

11.6% Retail & Economic Development

19.3% Operations, Clean, Safe & Green

Where The Money Comes From:

Where The Money Goes:

FUNDING THE DISTRICT

FUNDING & SUPPORT


Because of the DSSD’s strong sponsorship and revenue-generating programs, for every $1 of assessment paid by a property owner $2.06 is returned in services and programs.

Many District property owners voluntarily supported our 2011– 2012 initiatives through donations and in-kind sponsorships, which are in addition to their tax assessment:

Many thanks to the generosity of our Downtown restaurant and nightclub owners, whose donations, participation & gift certifi-cates make numerous patrons of the Downtown very happy:

The following non-profit organizations support District initiatives through monetary or in-kind partnerships:

Who Pays What:• Top 5 property owners pay 54% of total program cost averaging

$189,155 each• Top 10 property owners pay 74% of total program cost averaging

$129,889 each• Smallest Annual Assessment $152• Largest Annual Assessment $246,281• Average Atlantic Street assessment is $4,307• Average Bank Street assessment is $1,674• Average Bedford Street assessment is $1,509• Average Broad Street assessment is $2,626• Average Main Street assessment is $1,627• Average Summer Street assessment is $3,876• Average Washington Boulevard assessment is $14,962

Mayor Michael A. Pavia and his Team of Dedicated Workers from the City of Stamford

A. Vitti Construction

Bill Ackley

The Advocate

Affinion Group

Agabhumi, The Best of Bali

Agora Spa at the Stamford Marriott

AlliedBarton Security Services

Jim Anderson

Sharon Anderson

Sarah Arnold

The Ashforth Company

Ashforth Management Services

Bank of America

Bartlett Tree Experts

Mike Berkoff

BevMax

Board of Finance, City of Stamford

Board of Representa-tives, City of Stamford

Bobby Valentine’s Sports Academy

Bull’s Head Pet Hospital

Chief Fire Marshall Barry Callahan

Bob Callahan Design

The Bridal Suite

Broadway Kitchens & Baths of CT

Camp Bow Wow

The Campus and 1937 West Main

Care of Trees

Krissy Carboni

Carolle

Brian Cashman

Orazio Cerelli

Tom Chukas

City Carting

City of Stamford Health Dept.

City of Stamford Operations Dept.

Les Cohn

Kathyrne Colatrella

Dan Colleluori

Conair Corporation

Dennis Conley

Connecticut Film Center

Connecticut Light & Power Company

Fire Chief Antonio Conte

Valerie Cooper

County TV and Appliance of Stamford

Courtyard by Marriott Stamford

Cox Media Group

Crystal Rock

CT Cigar Company

CT Transit

Curtain Call

Mike Cusato

Ron D’Amico

Mark Delgado

Robert DeLuca

Dr. Bruce Lee Denker, DDS

Charles DeSalvo

Tommy DeSalvo

Sgt. Ryan Devanney

Dichello Distributors

Monsignor DiGiovanni

DiMare Pastry Shop

Downtown Golf

Carol Duggan

E. Gaynor Brennan Golf Course

Eastern Land Management

Edens Farms Nursery & Garden Center

Justin Einhorn

Lisa Eisenman-Salley

Wendy Epstein

Exquisite Environments Garden Center

Fairway Market

Charles Fazzino

Frank Fedele

Fernando Luis Alvarez Gallery

First Niagara

GB Parking

GE Asset Management

Bill Gerardi

John Gill

Bob Goldstein

Jessica Gorman

Grade A ShopRite Cingari Family

Louisa Greene

Grunberger Jewelers

Laurie Guzda

Jack Halpert

Happyhaha Photography

Eileen Heckerling

Heineken USA

John Benjamin Hickey

High Ridge Plaza

Hilton Stamford

Congressman Jim Himes

Liz Hirtenstein

Russ Hollander

Hotel Zero Degrees

Doug Hoyt

Joe Hoyt

HSBC

The Insurance Exchange

Michael Jacopino

Lavrel Johnson

Juner William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty

Renee Kahn

Alan Kalter

Craig Ketover & The Memory Studio

King Features Syndicate

Jimmy Koplik & Live Nation

Todd Kosakowski

La Dolce Vita

Patricia Lamouthe

Chris Larsen

Eric Larsen

Rich Levitt

Betsy Lewis

Laura Linney

Lisa Lockwood

Rick Lockwood

Lord & Taylor

Martha Mahoney

Maiden Lane Company

Malkin Properties

Governor Dannel Malloy

Michael Marchetti

Ron Markey

McArdle’s Florist & Garden Center

Brad Meling

Mercedes Benz of Greenwich

John Michelson

Irwin Milch

Ruth Miner

MINI of Fairfield County

Moffly Publications

Lt. Nick Montagnese

Paul Montanero

Bruce Moore

Bruce Moore Jr.

Denise Morgan

Lina Morielli

Andrew Munce

Kevin Murray

The Museum of Modern Art

Nagi Jewelers

National Realty & Development Corp.

NBCUniversal

Nestlé Waters North America

Newport Mansions

Police Chief Bob Nivakoff

Noble Spa

Noelle Spa

Northeast Utilities

Norwalk Self Storage

Old Greenwich Tennis Academy

Tony Olive

Ernie Orgera

Parade Volunteers & Balloon Handlers

Michael Paulson

107.1 The Peak

Pedigree Ski Shop

Michael Pelazza

Pet Pantry Warehouse

Pitney Bowes

Paulette Pitt

Post Road Entertainment

Danielle Powers

Bill Price

Printech

Krissy Ramsey

Daniel Raymer

Tami Raymer

Redniss & Mead

Rick Reichmuth, FOX News Channel

Riccio Sports

Kahn Riyasat

Captain Trevor Roach

Jim Rockwood

Hannah Rosenberger

June & Rolf Rosenthal

Sherri & Allen Rosenthal

Donald Ryan

Anita Sabato

Elizabeth Sabia

Jim Sabia

Michele Sabia

SAC Capital Advisors, LP

Saks Fifth Avenue

Sam Bridges Nursery & Greenhouses

Mary Schaffer

Roy Schiffer

Steve Schneider

James Scinto

Heather L. Scott

Kevin Segalla

Serpe Brothers

Ellie Sgritta

Salon Shahin

Lauren Sherwood

Jami Sherwood

Shipman & Goodwin LLP

Gabourey Sidibe

Jody Silver

Silvermine Golf Club

Simply Signs

Sir Speedy

Skytop Lodge

Asst. Chief William Smith

Stu Sobel

Jason Soto

Steve Soyland

Merle Spiegel

Spinnaker Real Estate Partners

Springdale Florist

Stamford Catholic Schools

Stamford Dental Spa

Stamford First Bank

Stamford Florist

Stamford Hospital

Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa

Stamford Parks & Recreation Commission

Stamford Planning & Zoning Boards

Stamford Police Department

Stamford Professional Firefighters Local 786

Stamford Public Schools

Stamford Wine & Liquor

Star Wine & Liquor

Stepping Stones Museum

Sterling Farms Golf Course

Strada 18

Summer High Associates

Lauren Tamborino

Sharon Tappe

Jason Teitelbaum

Tully Health Center

U&I Deco

Brian VanOrsdel

Dolly Veit

Darah Velesbir

Vinny Vetrini

Vinylume

Virgin Atlantic Airlines

Joel Wald

WEBE 108

Dan West

Jim West

Meri Wick

Pat Williams

Captain Tom Wuennemann

Yankee Gas

Jim Zielinski


Special thanks to Mayor Michael A. Pavia whose vision of a strong and vital Downtown is essential to the Downtown’s success. Much appreciation is also extended to the Mayor’s team of outstanding city employees who contribute their time, energy and ideas toward making the Downtown the city’s neighborhood.

SPECIAL THANKS:

Thank you Governor Malloy for giving the 2011 DSSD Annual Dinner Key Note Address and for continued support of Downtown programs.

NOTE OF APPRECIATION:

Numerous corporations and individuals, both inside and outside the District, support our work through generous annual donations to programs and events. Included as well, is the generosity of City and State Boards, Commissions and Agencies which, through their funding, recognize the importance of a dynamic downtown:

The District thanks a dedicated group of volunteers, the Friends of Downtown, who annually raise money for art in public spaces:

Joan Fields, Chairperson

Margie Benefico

Karen Denker

Lynne Fife

Ginny Fox

Eileen Heckerling

Elayne Jassey

Phyllis Kapiloff

Harriette Ketover

Nancy Kucera

Alice Lyons

Gail Malloy

Pamela Mullender

Shae Rosenthal

Maddy Shapiro

Karen Sheftell

Jami Sherwood

Claudia Silver

Susie Swirbul

Camille Tomasello

The District thanks a talented group of volunteers led by Marion Glowka, for invaluable assistance in designing, planting and maintaining our beautiful downtown gardens:

Alice Ballin

Jo Ann Benson

Penney Burnett

Gail Calder

Maureen Carson

Carole Del’Aquilla

Suzanne deMilt

Judy DeRose

Lenore DiPalma

Joseph Epstein

Paula Eytel

Libby Fatum

Suzanne Gould

Jeanne Hersh

Rose Hill

Pat Langley

Sharon Larson

Barbara Miller

Ricki Miller

Georgia Norstrand

Pat Pemberton

Betty Roberts

Carol Rooker

Jim Sabia

Ed Selig

Re Telep

Jane Waugh

Sandy Goldstein President

Evan Buechler Operations & Retail Coordinator

Lynne Colatrella Vice President, Events & Marketing

Kate Cook Coordinator, Events & Marketing

Annette Einhorn Director, Events & Marketing

Marion Glowka Streetscape Coordinator

David Klein Manager, Events & Marketing

Maryann Rockwood Executive Administrator

John Ruotolo Vice President, Operations

Cheryl Vukelic Project Manager, Operations

Jacqueline R. Wetenhall Director, Retail Development

Chairman: Stephen J. Hoffman Managing Partner, Hoffman Investment Partners

Vice Chairman: Randall M. Salvatore President, RMS Companies, LLC

Treasurer: Kathryn Emmett, Esq. Emmett & Glander

Secretary: Greg Caggainello Sr. Vice President, Reckson, a Division of SL Green

Laure Aubuchon, Director Office of Economic Development, City of Stamford

Goitom Bellete, President GB Parking

Carl Bildner, President Bildner Capital Corp.

Norman Cole, Acting Land Use Bureau Chief City of Stamford

Jack Condlin, President & CEO Stamford Chamber of Commerce

John J. DiMenna, Jr., President Seaboard Properties, Inc.

Reyno A. Giallongo, Jr., Chairman & CEO First County Bank

Thomas Gissen, President & CEO Stamford Partnership, Inc.

Rachel Goldberg, Interim Director/General Counsel Urban Redevelopment Commission

Robert H. Kahn, President United Realty of Connecticut, Inc.

Robert Karp, President BE Rep Group

Joe Kelly, General Manager Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa

David M. Kooris, Unit Owner Classic Condominiums

Todd M. Kosakowski, Managing Partner Post Road Entertainment

Gregory Lodato, President MarLo Associates, Inc.

Norman Lotstein, Vice President Pyramid Real Estate Group

Michael Marchetti Columbus Park Trattoria

Frank J. Mercede, President & CEO Frank Mercede & Sons, Inc.

Marjan Murray, First Vice President, Tri-State Market Manager People’s United Bank

Courtney A. Nelthropp, Owner Sir Speedy

Maurice A. Nizzardo, President & CEO Nizzardo Holdings, LLC

Michael A. Pavia, Mayor City of Stamford

Greg A. Perna, Managing Partner The Capital Grille Stamford

Andrew Rowley, Head of Communication & Marketing The Royal Bank of Scotland Group

Mary Schaffer napa & co.

Randall M. Skigen, President & Deputy Mayor Stamford Board of Representatives

Merle Spiegel, Senior Director of Corporate Communications Purdue Pharma L.P.

Rocco Veltri, Regional Head of Security, Americas UBS Investment Bank

Tracie Wilson NBCUniversal

Steven Wise Steven Wise Associates, LLC

Friends of Stamford Downtown:

Front row, from left to right: Harriette Ketover, Sandy Goldstein, Joan Fields, Camille Tomasello, Lynne Fife

Second row, from left to right: Elayne Jassey, Nancy Kucera, Shae Rosenthal, Karen Denker, Jami Sherwood

Back row, from left to right: Claudia Silver, Gail Malloy, Margie Benefico

Missing from Photograph: Ginny Fox, Alice Lyons, Eileen Heckerling, Phyllis Kapiloff, Pamela Mullender, Maddy Shapiro, Susie Swirbul, Karen Sheftell

Stamford Downtown Staff

Front left to right: Annette Einhorn, Lynne Colatrella, Sandy Goldstein, John Ruotolo, Jacqueline Wetenhell

Back left to right: Kate Cook, Maryann Rockwood, Evan Buechler, Marion Glowka, David Klein, Cheryl Vukelic

Stamford Downtown Board of Commissioners

Front left to right: Rey Giallongo, Greg Lodato, Marjan Murray, Randy Salvatore, Sandy Goldstein, Steve Hoffman, Kathy Emmett, Michael Marchetti

Back left to right: Andrew Rowley, Laure Aubuchon, Courtney Nelthropp, Joe Kelly, Thomas Gissen, John DiMenna, Robert Kahn, Rachel Goldberg, Carl Bildner, Mary Schaffer, Norman Lotstein, Norman Cole, Merle Spiegel

Missing from photograph: Greg Caggainello, Tom Bellete, Jack Condlin, Robert Karp, David M. Kooris, Todd M. Kosakowski, Frank Mercede, Maurice Nizzardo, Michael Pavia, Greg Perna, Randy Skigen, Rocco Veltri, Tracie Wilson, Steve Wise

Board of Commissioners

Stamford Downtown Staff


STAMFORDDOWNTOWN

ANNUAL REPORT2011/2012

TWENTY YEARS

Stamford Downtown Special Services District Five Landmark Square, Suite 110Stamford, CT 06901Phone: 203-348-5285 Fax: 203-348-6857

Editor: Annette EinhornPhotography: Happyhaha.comDesign: Thinkersdesign

Documents

STAMFORD DOWNTOWNstamford-downtown.com/wp-content/uploads/Reports/2011-12...factor sublease availability, the latter rate goes up to 18.2 percent, still better than the city’s overall