The recent announcement that plans are formulating for the redevelopment of the Lincoln Mill is exciting news. The proposed project represents a significant piece to the Biddeford resurgence puzzle. This puzzle is made up of pieces such as HOB, MERC’s closure, the Biddeford Landlords Association, concerned and involved citizens, Engine, the DDC, historic preservation, public transportation, a progressive mayor and the development of the Pepperell Mill Campus.
The proposed Lincoln Mill project tells us at the Pepperell Mill that we are not crazy to have placed all of our labor, faith and livelihoods into the Biddeford Mill District. In 2004, Doug Sanford purchased the North Dam Mill. Many people described Sanford as crazy at that time. Then, in 2010, he purchased the rest of the of the WestPoint Stevens complex. Again, the notion of crazy was the word on the street.
Recent history and the proposed Lincoln Mill project validates that we are all on the right track. We are not crazy and the city is really on the move.
The proposed project also opens up a strong avenue for another developer to pitch in and speed up the process of mill district development. We are breathing a sigh of relief because of this. And we are more incentivized to move forward with our project.
Now comes the task of following through with mill district redevelopment: a Lincoln Mill hotel, a quality and responsible redevelopment of the MERC site, the Riverwalk system, parking and traffic management, and municipal political cooperation must come together in order to achieve this goal.
Congratulations to the new developer of Lincoln Mill. Now, let’s get it done!
Scott Joslin, Pepperell Mill Campus
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