Are you a business owner in South Berwick or a surrounding town? Then you are invited to a South Berwick Networking meeting to meet and mingle with other business owners tonight, Wednesday, August 13th at 6pm at Dogsxo, LLC Dog Day Camp, 297 Route 236, S. Berwick, ME. Find out more at the South Berwick Networking web site or read about South Berwick Networking.
The Planning Board is considering rezoning Main Street between Dunkin Donuts and Sewall Road from its current designation as R1 (Residential) to B1 (Business). There will be a public hearing on the issue on September 16. In preparation for the hearing the 236diner is offering information about zoning so citizens can learn more about the issue.
This is the second installment in the series. The first installment covered the general purpose of zoning and and a list of South Berwick’s zoning districts.
South Berwick’s zoning ordinance outlines which land uses are permitted or excluded in each zoning districts. These land uses are spelled out in Table A - Land Use Index of the zoning ordinances.
For ease of understanding here, Table A is broken into two tables and only lists zones R1 and B1 and B2 since those are the zones currently under discussion. The first table shows only those land uses which are permitted in all three zones. (more…)
The Planning Board is currently considering rezoning Main Street between Dunkin Donuts and Sewall Road from its current designation as R1 (Residential) to B1 (Business). There will be a public hearing on the issue on September 16. In preparation for the hearing the 236diner will be offering some information about zoning so citizens can learn more about the issue.
Here are some links to get information about zoning ordinances in South Berwick:
South Berwick’s zoning ordinances can be viewed at Town Hall and can be found online at the Planning Department area of the Town’s web site.
South Berwick Planning Board meeting minutes from 2002 until the present can be found on the Town web site under Planning Board Minutes.
The following are some excerpts from SB’s zoning ordinances to answer some basic questions about zoning:
What is the purpose of our zoning ordinance?
Section 140-3. lists the purpose of South Berwick’s zoning ordinances:
What zones does South Berwick have and what is the purpose of each zone?
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South Berwick resident Gretchen Straub has been thinking about the impact of businesses on property taxes and submitted this editorial:
I was thinking about how getting new businesses in town might affect the tax base so I did some research. It shows that economic development should not be equated with tax relief at all.
The diagram shows why this is so. South Berwick’s taxable property base is roughly 640 Million dollars. That is over half a Billion dollars. Billions are difficult to visualize, so this graphic puts the magnitude in perspective. (more…)
South Berwick has begun a community conversation about economic development. (See earlier article about this initiative.) To stimulate thinking, knowledge, and ideas the 236 diner will be offering information and links to a variety of research, reports, and case studies about economic development. This is the first in that series.
Quality of Place and Job Growth: A New and Needed Maine Investment Strategy, a report by the Governor’s Council on Maine’s Quality of Place was released in May. The Council was appointed by Governor Baldacci in 2007 in response to the Brookings Institution study: Charting Maine’s Future: An Action Plan for Promoting Sustainable Prosperity and Quality Place that recommended a three-fold strategy for Maine’s sustainable prosperity: 1) investing in product and service innovation, 2) streamlining government at all levels, and 3) revitalizing our towns and cities while protecting our rural landscapes.
The Council’s report makes the case for protecting and promoting our quality of place as a way to build Maine’s economic prosperity for the future. The report’s recommendations arise from the changing Maine economy. In the past, Maine’s economy was tied to resource extraction and the use of natural resources as inputs for manufacturing. Now Maine’s economy focuses more on services, from fast food jobs to highly skilled service jobs like computer programming and design. Today’s manufacturing jobs in Maine, whether in lumber, paper, boats, or biomedicine, require much greater worker skills so it means that Maine is in worldwide competition for people who can create and sustain this 21st century economic development.
In this report, the Council asserts that Maine’s chief economic asset in this competition is (more…)
The Economic Development Committee is launching an initiative that will allow residents to weigh in on the future of economic development in South Berwick. A process to get citizen input will help shape recommendations for economic development proposals for the town to pursue. The process will be led by Planning Decisions, a southern Maine based planning consultancy, which has led similar dialogues in other Maine towns.
This effort is a breath of fresh air for South Berwick. Citizens will be involved from the earliest stages of planning, dialogue will allow multiple alternatives to be explored, and we will have the opportunity to come to consensus on economic development initiatives that will have broad support. Kudos to Interim Town Manager Roberta Orsini, the Economic Development Committee, and the Town Council for taking this forward thinking step toward moving South Berwick forward.
Town leaders are doing their part, now it’s time for us citizens to do our part. Too often in the past the dialogue between Town government and citizens and among citizens has been marked by unwillingness to listen, defending of positions at all cost, and divisive tactics. This kind of destructive politics has resulted in failed initiatives, bad feelings, and a lot of wasted time, effort and money that none of us have to spare. This time we can choose to do it differently so we have a chance to move ahead as a community. Will we be open minded and willing to hear all the alternatives? Will we be willing to imagine the best for South Berwick? Will we be open to new ideas? Will we be willing to work together to come to a consensus about how to move ahead? It’s our choice.
–Molly Colman
Read the Foster’s Daily Democrat article about the economic development discussions:
Planning firm to facilitate development discussions in South Berwick
The town’s Economic Development Committee on Monday signed a contract with a southern Maine-based planning firm to facilitate a grassroots economic development research initiative, marking a shift in the way the economic development process has been handled in recent…
South Berwick resident Tony Lemmo had an idea that it would be good for local entrepreneurs and business owners to have a way to meet each other. A year ago, as entrepreneurs are likely to do, he decided to just make it happen. So for the last year he has been hosting monthly networking meetings at various local businesses where entrepreneurs and business owners have come together to socialize, enjoy refreshments, and make the kind of connections that can be invaluable for growing a business.
On Tuesday, June 24 South Berwick Networking celebrated its one year anniversary with a gathering hosted by the Links at Outlook Golf Course. In the beautiful setting of the Red Barn a crowd enjoyed great food and drink, prize raffles, learning about local businesses, and getting to know other local business people.
Tony Lemmo says he had no idea what would happen when he hosted the first meeting a year ago in the Ocean National Bank parking lot. He has been pleased with the turnout for meetings with more people being added to the list each month. He encourages local business people who would like to be added to the South Berwick Networking email list to contact him at lemmo@verizon.net
Marie MacDonald, an editor, free lance writer, and book lover, has taken over the ownership of Sobo Book & Bean in downtown South Berwick. Marie’s passion for books and community is driving the transformation of this downtown place. She is increasing the selection of used books, adding new books, and will provide special orders so patrons can order any book they want right here in South Berwick. Sobo continues to offer an array of coffee and tea drinks and baked goods and will roll out a distinctive casual fare menu in a few weeks. Marie is putting together a calendar of events, including author talks, workshops, and art shows that will make Sobo a community center.
Marie is happy to be part of the vibrant downtown of South Berwick. She believes that the presence of an independent bookstore is an important asset to a community and plans to build on the tradition that Sobo has established of being a gathering place where residents can relax, find good books, and meet their neighbors.
Stop in soon and say hi to Marie MacDonald and Alice Baker, South Berwick’s newest baristas & booksellers.
Sobo Book & Bean is open from 9 am - 2 pm Monday through Saturday, and additional hours by chance and for special events.
Sobo Book & Bean, 241 Main Street, So. Berwick, ME 03908 (207) 384-8300
You are Invited: The Town of South Berwick Economic Development Committee is holding a ribbon cutting to celebrate the new ownership of Sobo Book & Bean at 9 AM on Thursday, June 19. Join them to celebrate and support this South Berwick business.
Deb Knowlton has been promoted to Lead Designer & Production Manager for The Little Hat Company.
Just shy of her first anniversary of working with The Little Hat Company, Deb Knowlton South Berwick resident of twenty years was named Lead Designer & Production Manager. Deb began stitching for The Little Hat Company during the spring of 2007. She had first contacted Jennifer Houghton in January about sewing for the new company. The Little Hat Company was just not big enough yet to support an in house production team. Since then, demand for the made in
If you were driving through downtown Friday afternoon, you may have noticed a lot of activity in front of Little Hat Company. They were doing a photo shoot for an article for Country Woman, a nationally distributed magazine. They are also set to be featured in Yankee Magazine’s Summer Travel issue. Congratulations to Little Hat entrepreneurs Jen Houghton and Susan Page for launching this local company and steering it toward national success.
The Little Hat Company is a fun place to go. It is full of colorful toys, books, fuzzy puppets, and the very sweet and unique hats that are the core of its business. But that’s only part of the story; the other part is that the Little Hat Company is a company on the move, adding daily to the economic vitality of South Berwick.
On the day I visited, Jennifer Houghton and her son were putting up new shelves to showcase the hats. A designer had just dropped off the prototype for a strawberry hat that Jen expects will be a big hit at the Strawberry Festival, and Jen shared the news that Little Hat Company will be featured in Yankee Magazine’s summer travel issue.
The growth of Little Hat Company has been an exciting journey for South Berwick resident Jen Houghton. It all started when she sewed a hat for her own child. Soon friends and then retailers were requesting hats and Jen was trying to figure out production processes and working late into the night to fulfill orders. Over the next two years the business grew quickly and reached several milestones: joining with business partner, Susan Page, incorporating as an LLC, opening the retail store in South Berwick, expanding retail sales to include toys and gifts, internet sales, the first catalog, a second location in Cape Neddick, and now the business is getting ready to launch a new website with a new more professional look.
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236diner reader Jack Kareckas reports that at a work session in Augusta on February 26, 2008, the Business, Research and Economic Development Authority Committee voted unanimously LD 2003 (An act to establish the Southern York County Regional Development Authority) “Ought not to Pass.” Read Jack’s account of the meeting
South Berwick resident Brad Christo submitted a letter to the Business, Research and Economic Development Authority Committee outlining his questions and concerns regarding the Regional Efficiency Workgroup. He submitted the letter to the 236diner to share with the community. Read Brad’s letter.
Read all stories and comments about the Regional Development Authority.
Fosters’ Daily Democrat is running a story on the South Berwick Town Council’s narrow vote to approve a grant request for the Regional Efficiency Group’s continued work.
South Berwick Town Council approves grant request for regional authority
Read background on the Regional Development Authority .
The Portsmouth Herald reports that although there was some dissatisfaction with the progress made by the Regional Efficiency Workgroup on their first grant, Kittery Town Council voted to support an application for a second grant. Town Manager Jonathan Carter believes the proposed legislation will be postponed to be reworked into legislation that doesn’t create a regional development authority.
Read the full article: Business park plan slow to start rolling
Also, a meeting between the REG workgroup and legislators on LD2003 is scheduled for February 22 at 2pm at South Berwick Town Hall. The agenda:
Read other entries about the Regional Development Authority
Southern York County Regional Development Authority Public Information Meeting that was originally scheduled for February 13, 2008 at Noble High School Auditorium has been postponed to Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at 6:30 pm at Noble High School Auditorium.
Here are some additional materials:
Frequently Asked Questions document that was handed out at the first information meeting
List of York County Town Valuations and Scenarios regarding potential membership by towns
Final Report on Regional Efficiency Workgroup Grant
Find out more about the Southern York County Regional Development Authority.
Southern York County Regional Development Authority Public Information Meeting: The meeting originally scheduled for ednesday February 13, 2008 6:30 pm at Noble High School Auditorium has been postponed to Wednesday February 20, 2008 at 6:30 pm at Noble High School Auditorium.
Find out more about the Southern York County Regional Development Authority.
Here’s the really skinny on what I heard at the public meeting this morning:
What did you hear?
In the last few weeks I’ve tried to find out everything I can about LD 2003, the bill that would allow the creation of the Southern York County Regional Development Authority. I’ve read the legislation, heard from proponents and opponents of the bill, and read the minutes of the Regional Efficiency Grant Working Group meetings. My initial reaction to the bill was negative, mostly because it seemed to come out of nowhere and I could find little information on it. I searched the Town of South Berwick website and only found allusions to it, but no clear statement about what it is and why it would be in the interest of the town to participate.
After reading all of the minutes of the Regional Efficiency Grant Working Group meetings, I am more positively disposed to the bill, but still have many questions. The minutes provided some insight into the vision behind the bill, the potential benefits, and the process for moving ahead. The positives that I saw: (more…)
The Southern Maine Regional Planning Commission (SMRPC) has posted more information about LD 2003, Southern York County Regional Development Authority on their web site, including upcoming meeting schedules. They have also have a link to the minutes of the Regional Efficiency Grant Working Group meetings. These minutes include meetings beginning in January 2007 through January 2008 and cover the genesis of LD 2003.
Two public information meetings have been scheduled to receive public input on LD 2003 “An Act to Create Southern York County Regional Development Authority.”
South Berwick: Saturday, February 9, 2008 at 9 am at Marshwood High School
North Berwick: Wednesday, February, 13, 2008 at 6:30 pm at Noble High School
Read all posts about the Regional Development Authority with links to text of legislation.
Portsmouth Herald reports this morning that the work group of seven towns that wrote the legislation to create the Southern York County Regional Development Authority met on Friday. The meeting was attended by Senator Peter Bowman and Representative Bonnie Gould, cosponsors of the bill. The group met to prepare for the work session scheduled for February 26 in Augusta.
According to the Herald’s report, both Bowman and Gould are still in support of the bill, contrary to what was reported earlier. Both indicate that they would like to see some changes to the bill before it is passed, however.
The most encouraging news is that the work group plans to provide more information about the bill to the public prior to the work session. They will hold two public hearings, yet to be scheduled, one at Noble High School and one at Marshwood High. Also Jeff Grossman will be working on a brochure of frequently asked questions and a website so people can get more information.
Here’s a link to the full article in the Portsmouth Herald: Regional authority bill still alive
For more than a year South Berwick, Berwick, Eliot, Kittery, North Berwick, and Wells have been discussing the creation of a regional development authority. As a result, LD 2003, “An Act To Create the Southern York County Regional Development Authority” was sponsored by Senator Bowman of York and cosponsored by Representative Gould of South Berwick and Representatives Wheeler of Kittery, Chase of Wells, Weaver of York, and Hill of York.
On January 17, the legislation went before the Business Research and Economic Development Committee (BRED) in Augusta for a public hearing and a vote. At the time of the hearing, Senator Bowman, the original sponsor, had withdrawn his support because he was concerned that the legislation was too strongly worded and that local citizens were not fully informed about it. Consequently BRED tabled their decision and set a work session for Feb. 26 so they can hear more input and review possible amendments to the legislation.
Citizens of the towns involved have an opportunity to learn more about the legislation, ask questions of its proponents and opponents, and let our legislators and the members of the BRED Committee know what we think of the legislation before the February 26 work session.
Here’s more information about the bill.