MISSION STATEMENT
To promote the community and economic development of the Main Street, Hyannis district as a desirable place to live, work, invest, and visit.
About Hyannis Main Street Business Improvement District
BACKGROUND
The Hyannis Main Street Business Improvement District (HMSBID) is a private nonprofit organization that was established in 1999 in response to the need to carry out the revitalization of downtown Hyannis. Business Improvement Districts (BID) across the country have been successful in revitalizing downtowns because they are funded by the property owners within the district who provide a dependable revenue stream. The HMSBID is a special assessment district, enabled by Mass. General Laws Chapter 40 (0) and sanctioned by the local legislative body; fees are binding.
While there are more than a thousand BIDs throughout the United States, the Hyannis Main Street BID is one of only three in Massachusetts. BIDs speak with a unified voice for their districts and are solely focused on the implementation of the Improvement Plan voted on by the members. The 12-member Board of Directors is composed of property owners and tenants who are geographically distributed and represent the 100 property owners and all business aspects of the district. Yearly revenue from assessments is approximately $190,000.
IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Business Development:
The HMSBID assists property owners and interested parties in development, relocation, redevelopment, and technical assistance, and serves as an advocate throughout the regulatory and permitting process.
Capital Improvements:
By working with the Town of Barnstable, the HMSBID ensures that improvements to the district are made on a continual basis.
Streetscape Project:
Together the HMSBID and the Town of Barnstable leveraged a $2 million Public Works Economic Development grant from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for a comprehensive reconstruction of Main Street. A pedestrian-friendly, attractive streetscape, including new sidewalks and crosswalks, improved drainage, new street furniture and trees, and restroom upgrades has been completed.
Street Lights:
Through the efforts of Congressman Delahunt, the HMSBID secured a $380,000 grant for 56 new street lights.
Walkway to the Sea:
The long awaited Walkway to the Sea, connecting Main Street to Hyannis Harbor, became a reality in Spring 2004: A $1 million Community Development Action Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development.
East End Alley: This important link to Main Street from the North Street parking lot was given a major face-lift with brick pavers, paint, and flowers. Work was done in partnership with the Highway Department and the Sheriff’s Community Service Program and was funded by the HMSBID.
The West End Walkway: Major renovations were made to the alley at 592 Main Street connecting Main Street to the public parking lot and restrooms. The project was funded with a grant from the Cape Cod Economic Development Council, the Town's Community Development Block Grant Program, in-kind labor from Sheriff’s Community Service Program, and the HMSBID.
Street and Directional Signs and Information Kiosks: The HMSBID has installed attractive directional signs at every street corner, accompanied by colorful informational kiosks strategically placed along Main Street and the harbor, beginning at the Regional Transportation Center.
Government Relations The HMSBID advocates for its members on issues such as zoning, housing, security, cultural facilities, maintenance, and parking issues – all of which enhance the economic well-being of the local merchants and the entire downtown Hyannis area.
Maintenance and Street Decor The HMSBID ensures that the physical appearance of the street is attractive by keeping it free of litter and weeds through a contract with the Baybridge Clean Team. The HMSBID also provides graffiti removal, flower displays, and decorations appropriate to the season.
Marketing and Programming The HMSBID promotes the district through brochures, directories, news fliers, advertising, and public relations to both consumers and potential investors. Programs and events include Hyannis Artscape Thursdays, the Mid-Cape Farmers’ Market, TD Banknorth Summer Music Stroll, and the annual Christmas Stroll Citizens Bank Movies on the Green.
Security The HMSBID works closely with the Police Department regarding parking, traffic, pedestrian and other safety issues in and surrounding the Main Street area. The HMSBID works with Street Outreach Coordinator (employed by the Cape Council of Churches) addresses human service issues in the area.




