Biddeford’s Economic Development Director Says Theoretical Jobs And Imaginary Tax Revenue Are Much Better Than Regular Old Jobs And Money

BIDDEFORD — The City of Biddeford is poised to purchase and close the Maine Energy Recovery Company waste-to-energy incinerator for $6.65 million over 20 years. A deal is in place and all that’s needed now is city council approval.  Although the immediate effects would be lost tax revenue for the city, which would impact property owners’ tax bills, and a loss of local jobs, in the long term, closing the incinerator would be a boon for the city, said Economic Development Director Daniel Stevenson. Over time, more redevelopment in the city would take place, he said. This would bring increased tax revenue, which could lighten the burden for some property owners. Increased development would also lead to more and diversified jobs, he said, as well as more people in the downtown, which would benefit existing businesses. Closing Maine Energy “would be a positive thing for the downtown,” said Greg Bennett, one of the principals who owns the Lincoln Mill. It would help redevelopment efforts in both the downtown and mill district, he said. Potential business owners who have looked to locate at his site have listed the nearby incinerator as a reason for going elsewhere, said Bennett. Doug Sanford, owner of the North Dam Mill and the Pepperell Mill Campus – the former WestPoint Homes – made similar comments about the proposed sale. On numerous occasions, he said, potential businesses have listed Maine Energy and lack of parking as the two main reasons they decide to locate elsewhere. He can’t guarantee new development will follow the closure of the incinerator, said Sanford. Then again, he said, “There’s no guarantee the banks will be open tomorrow.” (read more at JournalTribune)

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Posted by Aubuchon Connery on Jul 16 2012. Filed under featured, Mind Your Own, Polly Ticks. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.