Good guidelines
It seems all you hear about these days is how the Maine economy is on the brink of collapse. Given the base closings and International Paper’s future in question, Vacationland may become just that: a place to vacation and not a place to make a living.
So, it is in that context that Windham town leaders are considering putting design guidelines on new construction in commercial zones as well as significant renovations over 2,000 square feet. These guidelines would request developers apply beautifying techniques to create a New England atmosphere in the commercial district. Better-quality siding, subdued color schemes and non-“big box” rooflines have been suggested as a few desirable techniques.
As most local politics watchers know, these guidelines have been on the table for more than four years now. Their length was the butt of jokes; their scope has been the topic of lengthy and focused discussion; and at one time the whole idea of imposing restrictions on development was feared by some business owners wary of government intrusion and oversight. But, if Tuesday’s Town Council workshop is any indication, the council seems to be on the road to watering down these design guidelines. And for Maine business, that’s a good thing.
Some can argue – successfully – that design standards such as those employed in Falmouth and Freeport have indeed been an economic boon for those shopping destinations. People, including myself, love walking around the fairy tale streets of Freeport popping in and out of stores (even though the only store I can really afford is the L.L. Bean seconds shop).
But Freeport is unique. Falmouth, although it likens itself to Freeport, can’t compare to Freeport’s cozy atmosphere. And North Windham, with its wide, dangerous highways running like an arrow through the heart of Windham, is even less Freeport-esque. North Windham is a place to do business. Big, sometimes-gaudy signs compete for consumers’ attention. Route 302 is the classic strip; a strip that is getting longer and longer by the year, as the market dictates.
By not imposing these design principles as strict standards, Windham leaders are essentially trusting market forces. If a store is ugly and not maintained on the outside, most shoppers will stay away out of fear for the quality of the product on the inside. It’s human nature. We don’t need government telling us what our buildings should look like. Business owners are smart enough to know they need to keep up with the times if they want their business to succeed. Packaging is important and quality is what we all want.
So, a sort of congratulations are in order for the people leading Windham into what is shaping up to be a prosperous future. It was a wise move to steer away from imposing must-meet standards, instead choosing to trust the brains and know-how of individual business owners who understand their business better than any government overseer could.
Witnessing community
Anyone who drives Route 302 on a regular basis knows the Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall near the intersection of Varney Mill Road is a busy place. No more so than this past weekend when hundreds gathered to improve the Hall inside and out.
Year-round, it seems the parking lot is full every night. Well-dressed folks linger in small groups near their cars or by the front door. And that’s only what we outsiders can see from the street at 45 mph! Truly, this constant activity shows how the Jehovah’s Witness community is meshed together and supports each other through thick and thin. What a blessing in a time when America seems to be losing these community ties that bind.
Their togetherness, especially during this renovation effort, is a testimony to the power of community. En masse, they worked this weekend like Amish farmers raising a life-giving and life-protecting barn that is essential to a farming family’s survival. Churches, in the business of harvesting as well, need buildings, and the Kingdom Hall is no different.
Their demonstration of effective community shows how people working together can achieve anything. What would take one man years to do, takes a cohesive group of like-minded individuals mere days. Two, as the Bible says, are indeed better than one in times of need.
Their example should be a guiding light on a tall hill for the rest of us. While you may disagree with their theology, you can’t argue that cohesiveness is an essential ingredient for success. This lesson can be applied everywhere in this life. From a country’s resolve during war to a Boy Scout troop’s ability to instill pride and achievement, people working together can always get the job done.
John Balentine
editor
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