Thumbs up to the Sanford Regional Economic Growth Council for organizing meetings with the 2010 gubernatorial candidates to share with them a vision for the community’s future. Candidates need to know what people feel are the most important issues and learn about their needs. These forums, which the candidates should be applauded for attending, are a great opportunity for both parties to get to know one another and especially to get Sanford’s concerns on the radar for whoever will be our next governor.
Thumbs up to the City of Biddeford and other municipalities that have put forward a PACE ordinance. Through the PACE program, qualifying property owners will be able to access low-interest loans for up to $15,000 per property for energy saving home improvements, thanks to a federal grant that allows long-term payback. By passing ordinances, these towns are giving residents the option to access these loans, which will lead to lower energy costs for them in the long run.
Thumbs down to the failed plans for the Stenton Trust mill in Sanford. Michael DeVos and Bart Bussink, doing business as Boston Common LLC, had big plans to make commercial and artisan space as well as market-rate dwelling units in the 1922 structure, but it needs far too much work to renovate to the point of reuse ”“ at least in this economy. All of the copper is gone from the building, including the roof flashing, and federal funds would be needed for environmental cleanup on the site. Perhaps it would be best to simply raze this structure and start with something new.
Thumbs up the Community Bicycle Center of Biddeford, which is celebrating five years of helping young people learn life skills along with bike repair skills. The center has added a much-needed community center for the city’s youth and its volunteers have made lasting connections with them that will undoubtedly change the children’s lives.
Thumbs up to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for finally deciding to rescind the newly proposed flood zone maps that would have unfairly burdened some property owners. FEMA has finally conceded that they would do better to work with representatives of each municipality in drafting the plans, which will create less contention than their top-down approach. It’s unfortunate that some towns already spent significant sums of money to conduct their own studies in an effort to refute those of FEMA, but the decision is better late than never.
Thumbs up to the Sanford Town Council for its consideration of exercising its option for a government television station. Students or other volunteers would probably help with the filming, while one person could be hired to oversee the collection of tapes and work with Metrocast. This would be a small price to pay to have community meetings and events broadcast and rebroadcast for people to see. It’s a great way to get more people involved in the government process and in community projects, as they are more likely to see what is actually going on in town.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
