IN THE CITY
by Tom Stevens
Over the past year or so the Downtown Revitalization Committee and the city of Presque Isle have been developing and outlining a vision for the downtown area. The Downtown Revitalization Committee has done a great job of developing and conveying the vision for the downtown area in making it a place of destination through enhanced shopping, businesses and cultural opportunities. I’d like to provide an updated vision of an expanded downtown area now that the site for a potential new community center has been announced.
The preferred site for a new community center expands the vision of the downtown in a southerly direction. The preferred site is located on the southerly side of Chapman Street across the street from the courthouse. It includes several parcels of land totaling about 8 acres. It is located between the rail road tracks and Chapman Road. It includes the large vacant potato house and the former Beaulieu’s Hardware Store, which many people may be familiar with.
The location of the community center avoids urban sprawl, which is consistent with the City’s new comprehensive plan. Thus, the vision of the comprehensive plan is met. The James W. Sewall Company, developers of the newly released downtown master plan, knew of the plans for the community center so they developed the downtown master plan accordingly. So, that vision is incorporated into the process. And, each of these plans included significant input and work from various citizen committees like the City Council, Planning Board, Community Center Committee, Downtown Revitalization Committee, Presque Isle Industrial Council, Downtown Master Planning Committee and general public. Much of this effort was coordinated through the City’s Planning and Development Department. As you can see many visions have been combined into a central vision.
So, what’s left? It’s certainly not the end, for the vision and work is just beginning. The location of the community center provides an opportunity for the city to plan for additional improvements along Chapman Road in the areas of housing, roadways, sidewalks, Riverside Park recreational facilities and bike path, to name just a few. There is a renewed opportunity to utilize the value, beauty and assets that the Presque Isle Stream offers. This should result in additional private and public investments and partnerships in this section of the community. It also provides the opportunity for continued citizen involvement.
If you are not familiar with some of the plans that I’ve highlighted, please take the opportunity to contact the planning and development department at city hall. Municipal staff will be glad to share their excitement with you in the hope that it will be contagious.
Thomas Stevens, Presque Isle city manager, can be contacted at 764-4485 or online at tstevens@presqueisleme.us
