NEW GLOUCESTER – Traffic, limited parking and lack of safety for pedestrians constrain the town, according to several dozen New Gloucester residents gathered Thursday.
The group brainstormed the potential for economic and business development growth in four targeted areas.
The public session is one of several sessions to garner input to a business and economic development study of New Gloucester that is expected to be completed by spring.
The study aims to provide tools and strategies to aid the orderly economic growth of the town, said Project Manager Darren Mochrie of RKG Associates Inc. Three groups were tasked with coming up with a vision for Upper Gloucester Village, Lower Gloucester Village, Route 100, Routes 202 and 4 corridor and the Route 26 corridor.
Upper Gloucester has more potential for service-type business establishments located off the roadway. These businesses could include service-type establishments such as banks, dental and medical services, dry cleaners and grocery stores, for example.
Sidewalk connections for park and walk opportunities in Upper Gloucester were suggested. Also, a sidewalk connector between Upper and Lower Gloucester was mentioned.
Lower Gloucester’s historic designation needs protection with low impact home businesses, bed and breakfast establishments, for example.
The Route 100, 202 and 4 corridor should include destination businesses only. The area is currently zoned for commercial and residential use.
However, residential growth rather than commercial growth has prospered in recent years.
Group consensus favored the Maine Turnpike eliminating the barrier toll in New Gloucester as a way to get truckers back on the turnpike instead of using the Route 100 corridor.
A recommendation that a stop light be placed at Route 231, Route 100 and Bald Hill Road intersection might also put truck traffic back on the turnpike and give Upper Gloucester a village feel, said Steve Chandler.
Small- to medium-light industry was recommended along the Route 26 corridor, with one road cut in the new bypass for an Industrial Park.
Redevelopment of existing lots may improve land use in the future.
Pineland has brought worldwide interest to the area along with the historic Shaker Village. Discussion focused on the Royal River and the active railroad lines that pass through New Gloucester. Passenger rail was suggested.
Deb Smith said a 100 percent renewable energy solution is needed in the future.
New Gloucester has seen a rapid population and household growth over the past decade. Young families are relocating to the town and are willing to commute to Portland and Lewiston Auburn to work.
And the town has a relatively high household income or relatively young educated population. The town’s modern housing stock has been attributed to escalating prices in Portland and York County pushing buyers north, said David E. Versel, of Economic, Housing, Tourism and Land Use Planning of Biddeford. More than 20 percent of New Gloucester’s stock is in mobile homes.
The next vision public input session will be held at 7 p.m. on Feb. 16 at Pineland.
The themes will include the town’s rural character, transportation, recreation, artist and agrotourism.
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