Last June, it was suggested the Lewiston Planning Board devise an “entertainment district” in downtown, stemming from the board’s review of Park Street and its nightlife.

It was a wise idea; smart municipal planning means saying where certain businesses should locate, not just where they should not. But nothing happened.

The board demurred after citing eight standing or proposed committees already tasked with developing downtown proposals. Without knowing what these groups were doing, the board decided against taking action.

This begs two questions: Why so many groups developing downtown plans? And, are their efforts being coordinated in any meaningful way?

The presence of these groups indicates strong political will for changing downtown. Yet their various missions and differing goals could prove a hindrance. The old motto about “too many cooks” is rooted in fact – how many advocates for downtown are necessary?

And whose ideas should hold sway?

On Wednesday, city councilors heard from one of the eight, the Downtown Neighborhood Task Force. The committee has done good work, but its influence is unclear after the council’s recent turnover.

Given this fresh start, the task force should use its mission to unify downtown’s advocates into a single, comprehensive effort, instead of being one voice among the many.

These groups can accomplish more together, than working apart.