Over the years, this blog has encouraged Dorchester leaders -- primarily those serving on the Village Board, but also those who oversee local organizations, businesses, and school -- to develop a formal, collaborative long-term plan to grow our community.
This blog has encouraged housing plans; main street plans; business development plans; industry expansion plans; and street improvement plans.
Five years ago, we developed our own plan for Dorchester -- a "to do" list to address the community's most pressing priorities.
And now in February 2023, we are republishing the list to let residents of Dorchester evaluate the community's progress. What on this list has been accomplished? What still needs work? You be the judge.
Dorchester's 2018 'To Do' List
Housing
- Fill vacant homes. We count at least 20 homes that are currently empty, but currently aren't for sale or rent.
- Rehabilitate run-down houses.
- Develop plan to bring new housing.
Main Street and Business
- Fill all vacant main street and other commercial buildings by 2020.
- Recruit a convenience store to town.
- Work with existing businesses to grow their business and services, while encouraging Dorchester students (like those in FBLA) to develop their own plans to establish a business in town.
Education
- Boost school enrollment by 2020. Promote the quality education that a first-class school like Dorchester provides.
- Increase Dorchester youth and student involvement in activities. Start with the youngest of students by making it part of the culture to participate.
- Increase number of students on the DPS honor roll.
Infrastructure
- Make plans for targeted street paving where it makes sense. Like finishing 10th Street, for example.
- Resurface existing paved streets.
- Fix rough and uneven intersections along main street (Washington Ave.).
Community
- Work with current Dorchester students, K-12, to get their input on
improving Dorchester.
- Encourage Dorchester's youth (regardless of grade) to consider making Dorchester their
home someday after graduation.
- Encourage young families residing
elsewhere to consider moving to Dorchester to be part of this exciting time of renewal and involvement.
Reader comments from our original post in 2018 have been preserved in the comments section.
You'll be glad to know some in town are looking at ways to bring in developers for new housing!
ReplyDeletestill not getting tough enough on those with neglected homes but do want to thank the lady hired by the town for her efforts to enforce the ordinances
ReplyDeleteuse the new law passed by the legislature to impose occupancy taxes on vacant buildings or consider the village offering to buy the building and fix up to rent out to aspiring business owners
DeleteI, for one, agree with resurfacing the currently paved streets. It has been 40-plus years since the school street was paved and it's worse for wear.
ReplyDeleteMust be a lot of money out there somewhere.
ReplyDeleteHow 'bout a 1% sales tax in Dorchester??? Sure would help do things like updating the community hall or streets. You know, things that are pretty basic in community life. How 'bout it town board members????
DeleteMore taxes; just what we need!
ReplyDeletePut it to a vote of the People with a specific project attached and let them decide.
Deletedo something on north depot street
ReplyDelete