Imagine, if you will, the Bates Mill Complex in Lewiston, encompassing over 1 million square feet, left undeveloped: an anchor for crime, vandalism and a public safety hazard. Instead, it is an economic powerhouse, widely regarded as one of the most successful mill redevelopments in Maine. Ten businesses employ up to 1,400 people, generating nearly $1 million in property taxes annually. It took time, commitment and both private and public investment to make it a reality.

We now have the opportunity to build upon that success with the redevelopment of Bates Mill #5.

Tom Platz, the developer for Bates mills #3, #6, and #7, has the vision, experience, dedication and capacity to redevelop Bates Mill #5, just as he has done with the rest of the Bates Mill Complex through the past 20-plus years. He knows the building intimately, having crafted many architectural plans, concepts and models for re-purposing it. In addition, he has a proven track record of success and an outstanding reputation in the marketplace.

Tenants with the need, desire and resources to occupy Bates Mill #5 have been identified and lease negotiations are underway. The YMCA and Central Maine Health Care have each issued letters of intent for space in the building and are scheduled to go to their boards for approvals in the near future.

The relationship between the YMCA and CMHC will be synergistic, maximizing utilization of the facilities that the YMCA is looking to develop. Where implemented, such a collaborative model of co-locating medical facilities with YMCA fitness facilities has increased participation and improved revenues and overall financial performance for both entities.

A bakery and office user have also committed to space in the mill and others have expressed potential interest.

Agreements being negotiated could include the use of new tax revenues generated from Bates Mill #5 and new parking revenues generated by tenants in the mill to pay city debt service associated with the public investments in public infrastructure to support the project, such as additional surface parking and construction of Phase II of the Lincoln Street Parking Garage; a bridge connecting Phase II of the garage to Bates Mill #5; and curbing, drainage improvements and the repaving of Mill Street, the public street adjacent to the mill.

Redevelopment at the mill also presents the city an opportunity to revisit and improve upon the 2003 Bates Mill parking agreement to better reflect the current parking needs in relation to the complex.

Redevelopment of Bates Mill #5 will result in the expansion of Lewiston’s tax base; an increase in health care, fitness, day care, recreation, food and other services in downtown/riverfront Lewiston; an increase in jobs within the community; a positive improvement to the amenities and attractiveness of our community; and the productive re-utilization of an iconic historic structure in one of the primary gateways to the city.

In a 2012 TedXDirigo talk, “Envisioning the Future of a Mill City,” Gabrielle Russell, founder of Grow L+A, painted a picture of innovation and possibility for a historic mill on the chopping block — a picture so compelling that it continues to fuel imagination and action.

It is time to make Bates Mill #5 a contributing part of downtown Lewiston’s revitalization. It will be an economic driver and center of activity that initiates other investments in the area. The redevelopment of Bates Mill #5 will harness the city’s past to create the future.

We must have the vision, commitment and fortitude to support this redevelopment, which will help lead the Twin Cities back down the path to prosperity.

Kristen Cloutier is president of the Lewiston City Council. She represents Ward 5.

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