The developer of Saco Island has said he’s not sure a proposed pedestrian bridge over the Saco River is a good idea for his tenants.
After hearing concerns about safety and traffic through the island late at night, Saco Island developer Kevin Mattson of Dirigo Capital Advisors said recently he’s not so sure the project will work for his properties.
The pedestrian bridge would connecting the twin cities’ ”“ Saco and Biddeford ”“ mill districts by crossing over the Saco River. It was scheduled to be constructed in the spring.
Most of the estimated $426,000 cost of construction, about 80 percent, was to come from the Maine Department of Transportation. The remaining 20 percent is supposed to come from the cities, approximately $44,000 from each.
Now the project hangs in the balance.
Without Mattson’s permission, the proposed pedestrian bridge will not be possible, since on the Saco end, it would need to be located on his property on Saco Island. On the Biddeford side, developer of the Pepperell Mill Campus Doug Sanford said he had agreed to an easement on his property, but noted that Mattson brought up some valid concerns.
Sanford said he hopes and believes the issues can be resolved and the project can move forward. We hope he’s right, and we wish everyone had a similar attitude.
Saco Economic Development Director Peter Morelli said the pedestrian bridge would connect two great real estate projects ”“ the redeveloped mills ”“ and enhance property values, but he was quoted as saying, “If the developer doesn’t think it’s an asset, they don’t have to do it.”
That kind of attitude is not helpful in this situation, particularly coming from someone whose job it is to promote development. It is in both cities’ ”“ as well as the developers ”“ best interest to make this proposal work.
One of the great things about living or working in a city center is the access to stores, restaurants and services, and the ability to leave one’s car in its parking space. Some may even be able to forgo owning a car if they can walk to all the places they need to go.
Opening up access for people to cross over the Saco River on a car-free bridge would allow them to enjoy what each downtown has to offer while getting some exercise and cutting down on pollution.
This bridge, like the many other amenities in the areas ”“ including parks, trails and the river walks ”“ would likely increase property values and could be a great addition to the twin cities.
Concerns about people using the pedestrian bridge at night or for illegal activities could be curbed by putting a plan in place with the cities’ police departments to add patrols. That has had to happen in certain areas of each city ”“ as it does in every city ”“ and an increased police presence would have a positive impact should any issues arise once the bridge is constructed.
The residents, tenants and developers who would be impacted by this project need to look at the bigger picture, and all the stakeholders here would be well served to make this project become a reality.
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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham Rousseau 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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