Having moved from Lewiston to the Portland area 30 years ago, I remain interested in the current events and welfare of my hometown and it’s citizens.

All too often, I’ve read, with great concern, the plans that have been made regarding the utilization of of local assets, that will, in theory, become the golden, egg-laying goose that Lewiston has so desperately chased for many years.

Whether it’s the Bates Mill, the civic center or some other location, nothing will ever change until a focused effort is made to fully utilize the potential of these facilities.

Bates Mill could have been marketed throughout the Northeast as an incubator for the arts. Inexpensive studio space would have drawn numerous artists who would have spawned other related businesses.

That can still happen.

Take a look at the Dana Warp Mill in Westbrook to see how it’s done.

As for the civic center, now that Lewiston has made the financial commitment, it’s time to involve everyone in the process. Encourage all citizens of the greater Lewiston-Auburn to contribute ideas about how to fully utilize that facility.

It took 44 years to see the parking lot paved. That same inability to plan for the future, cannot be allowed to continue.

The civic center could be made usable for a variety of sports, including soccer, baseball and indoor track.

There’s nothing wrong with hockey, but other opportunities also exist.

I agree with the city’s decision. Now it’s time to get to work

Dennis Gervais, Portland