News

Public Economic Visioning Session II
Prevailing themes emerge
by Patti Mikkelsen

New Gloucester - Do you want a Wal-Mart to be constructed in the Upper Village? New Gloucester residents who attended the second of three business and economic visioning sessions on February 2nd would exclaim a resounding, "No" to that question. Big box stores and strip malls are not for them.

Comments made by the three break-out groups assigned to distinguish their 'wants' from their 'don't wants' bore a striking resemblance. The geographical areas of study were the Upper Village, the Lower Village, the Route 26 corridor and the Route 100 corridor. Attendees were charged with the task of developing visions and concepts for these specific locations. After about an hour of discussion, designated spokespersons Cliff Andrews, Steve Libby and Steve Chandler presented the conclusions determined by the roundtable groups.

Proposed suggestions for the Upper Village included improved traffic control at the blinking light; a park-and-walk area in behind Route 100 consisting of service-related and retail businesses such as a hair salon, bakery, bank, grocery store and drug store; sidewalks, possibly even extending to the fairgrounds. Above, Upper Village, with retail, eating, and service establishments. The Monument: Prata photo

'Wants' for the Lower Village were described as being the inverse of those for the Upper Village. Protecting this district by preserving historic homes (for example, establishing more B&B's and creating galleries) was emphasized. Limited low-impact businesses such as a coffee shop would be welcome, as long as such an establishment wouldn't require a large parking area. There is a dire need to slow traffic down, attendees said. Constructing sidewalks to aid pedestrians in safely crossing the main intersection (near town hall) would be a desired amenity. Right, the recently opened Chandler B&B in the Lower VIllage.

Consolidating businesses along the new Route 26 into a limited access "bubble area" office or industrial park was expressed as a want. Protecting the aquifer and Sabbathday Lake was of primary concern, thus development should be confined to south of the lake. "Leave the Shakers alone" was a comment that summed up the consensus.

Because of already high traffic density along Route 100, businesses requiring a limited number of curb cuts should be encouraged. Professional offices such as for dentists, doctors and consultants would be acceptable if set back from the road, drive-in/drive-out type establishments such as gas stations would not be satisfactory. All business development should support the relatively new Transfer of Development (TDR) ordinance.
Left, Elizabeth Rogers listens to Steve Chandler, one of three presenters at the visioning session. Patti Mikkelsen photo

Darren Mochrie of RKG Associates, the firm conducting the economic development analysis, and David Versel, who is assisting with the study, distributed a survey to 209 area businesses from mid-December to mid-January. They felt that the 21% response rate provided a good sampling.

The results showed a clear desire for more non-residential development within specific locations to diversify the town's tax base. The respondents desired clear and understandable land use regulations, a "business-friendly" and flexible municipal government atmosphere, and low taxes. Their criteria for selecting a site included considerations such as close proximity to home, transportation access, affordable land/building space, and quality of life.

The video taken of this meeting will be aired on local access TV channel 3 every day at 10 a.m., and Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7 p.m.
The third and final public visioning session will take place on Thursday, February 16 at the Pineland Conference Center, 7 p.m.