IN THE CITY
by Kenneth C. Arndt
Much is happening in Presque Isle that may not be clearly noticeable to the residents, so we’re offering this brief “update” on local planning and economic development efforts and initiatives which we believe will make Presque Isle even more attractive to visitors, investors and taxpayers.For example, our department staff has been working diligently with several small business owners to encourage their expansion. We’ve assisted those business owners in getting the appropriate permits, complying with existing land use regulations while at the same time protecting our community’s natural resources … a “win-win” situation for all involved.
Through our Presque Isle Development Fund, a locally administered revolving loan program, the city has partnered with at least six, local entrepreneurs in expanding their investments in the city, creating more jobs and helping them to grow during these somewhat difficult economic times. Helping business owners stay in business, called “business retention,” is also an important function of the Development Fund.
Working in consort with the University of Maine at Presque Isle, the city has been fortunate to have our property maps digitized and other, specialized environmentally sensitive resources have been electronically plotted, so that developers and property buyers know what they are purchasing in terms of its land use capabilities and complicating “factors.” These digitized maps, overlayed on current satellite imagery, will become even handier for grant applications and project design and development discussions, as time goes on. As we write this article, supporting technical and informational data is being added to the system database, making the files even more valuable for planning and development purposes.
Focus on economic development in the city’s traditional downtown remains paramount within our department, as we are seeking major grant funding assistance at all turns and opportunities. We are very hopeful that a significant grant will be awarded for ongoing downtown public infrastructure improvements in early September! If awarded, the construction of those improvements will begin in the spring of 2012.
The community is also seeing several new businesses moving into the city and others business investors are “kicking the tires” around town and hopefully those tentative developers will announce their intentions to locate in our city sometime in 2012. Economic growth in Presque Isle will benefit not only our community but everyone in the northern Maine region. Excitement and investment of outside monies usually encourages others to do the same by creating an atmosphere of change and growth.
Presque Isle’s economic development foundation remains very solid and is getting better by the day. The city’s Planning and Development Department is looking to be a helpful partner with those businesses, both large and small, interested in opening or expanding. We want to see what the city can do to help stimulate and encourage sound, sustainable growth and development, while at the same time maintaining our community’s cultural heritage and special quality of life.
We encourage broad-based resident involvement at all public forums and discussions. If you have any thoughts to share with us or want the advice and assistance of city staff on a potential project within our community, please feel free to contact our offices at City Hall.
Kenneth C. Arndt is Presque Isle’s director of planning and development. He can be reached at 760-2727 or e-mail him at karndt@presqueisleme.us.
