The Town of Kennebunk has several proposed projects that are likely to boost tourism and the local economy, with little to no cost to taxpayers.
The first is the second phase of the downtown revitalization project.
The first phase, completed in June 2011, really spruced up Main Street, with the brick sidewalks, granite curbs and more pedestrian-friendly spacing. In addition, the road was narrowed so that traffic would move more slowly, and crosswalks were highlighted to ensure drivers are aware of those strolling through the downtown.
Now, the second phase will extend the new look to the intersection of York and High streets, as well as nearby driveway entrances. This area is in dire need of the upgrade, because sidewalks are difficult to locate and the “walkable” feel of the downtown does not extend to the area. Adding sidewalks, street lighting and landscaping improvements will help the area connect to Main Street and allow visitors to the area to feel more comfortable crossing over the Mousam River bridge.
The project is set to go to a public hearing next Tuesday for consideration by residents. If it gets a favorable vote from selectmen, the proposal will be added to the Town Meeting warrant for a June vote.
The main reason this proposal should garner support ”“ besides those already stated ”“ is that it will not increase residents’ tax bills. The projected $1.07 million budget will be covered by the Route 1 tax increment financing district, which is exactly what the fund was set up to do.
TIFs are used by municipalities to leverage new property taxes generated to finance public or private projects, and in Kennebunk, the funds have been successfully used for several infrastructure improvements, including phase one of the downtown revitalization project.
We urge voters to support this proposal to continue Kennebunk on the path to economic success. Attracting more visitors and locals alike to spend their money in the area will go a long way in building up the community.
The second proposal is to create a public parking area in Lower Village, which will also be up for discussion at Tuesday’s selectmen’s meeting.
Last year, voters shot down a measure that would have established a larger parking area on the Tudisco-Smith properties. This time, however, the proposed lot is a bit smaller and only occupies the Tudisco lot.
The parking area would have between 45-48 spaces, which could be sold at a per-hour rate or a daily rate. Conservative projections put revenues at about $40,000 per year initially, but that number could increase depending on how the town chooses to charge for the spaces and what hours the lot will be open.
This proposal could be helpful to Kennebunk’s bottom line in the future, as parking in Lower Village and nearby Dock Square in Kennebunkport are often an issue. Many coastal towns use parking fees to support general funds, or, like in Wells, the beach parking revenues fund upgrades at those parking areas and other improvements at the town’s beaches.
Like the TIFs in Kennebunk, parking revenues could be used to fund upgrades and other improvement projects in the future.
Both proposals are positive for Kennebunk and should lead to more prosperity for the town in the years to come.
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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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