SKOWHEGAN -- MainStreet Maine officials who toured the downtown Thursday said they were impressed by the architecture, the energy of the people -- and the traffic woes.
Many specifically praised John Moore for his efforts to renovate and expand the Strand Cinema, and Steve and Lyn Govoni's restoration of the former Variety Drug Store on Water Street.
"Do you know how lucky you are?" Peter Moreilli of Saco said of the cinema expansion. He said it was "beyond belief" that Moore was willing to invest that kind of money and work in the downtown.
Moreilli was one of a half-dozen advisory board members from the Maine Downtown Center (MDO) who made Thursday's visit, which signals the launch of a MainStreet Maine project in Skowhegan for the next three years. The Maine Development Foundation in June was awarded a $100,000 federal grant that will be funneled through the nonprofit MDO to provide technical support to Skowhegan and the town of VanBuren.
MainStreet Maine communities are selected through a statewide competitive process based on their willingness and ability to revitalize their downtowns.
To make the project work, the town also must become involved, according to the advisory board members.
Jeffrey Hewett, Skowhegan's director of economic and community development said that by Oct. 1, the town will have a MainStreet Maine group, four sub groups in place and a full-time manager to lead the restoration project.
"The town already has dedicated $20,000 to begin the process," Hewett said. "The Skowhegan Economic Development Corp. will hold a special meeting next Tuesday morning to work on the marching orders the state's MainStreet Maine gave us."
The advisory board members, meanwhile, appeared confident that Skowhegan is ready to begin the revitalization of its down. Lori Allen, program director of the Maine Development Foundation, asked MDO advisers their reactions from the tour.
"You have lovely downtown architecture; it's sad to see so many empty stores," said Bill King, board member from Bath. He also made note of the second and third floors that are not being used -- and to the traffic.
"I was struck by what this town would look like with a bypass; it would do so much in improving the downtown," King said. "I recommend you all support (a bypass.)"
Adviser Noreen Norton from Eaton Peabody Consulting called Skowhegan "one of America's treasures." She said the river, ravine, architecture and the energy of the people provides a great start for the project.
Board member Jon Edgerton, vice president of Wright-Pierce, praised "the pockets of energy like the theater renovation," but said the traffic and lack of occupancy problems offer challenges.
John Melrose, the state's former commissioner of transportation, recognized the town's assets, but pointed out what he described as "tension and opposition," such as an owner he said doesn't want to even talk with town officials about improving his structure.
Ken Young said in his four years as executive director of Kennebec Valley Council of Governments he has watched Skowhegan prepare to grow. Now it is ready, he said.
"There has been a gradual building of energy and the pulling together of key players," Young said. "It's right on the cusp."
Darla L. Pickett -- 474-9534, Ext. 341
dpickett@centralmaine.com | 
