Just north of Winterport, east of Hermon, west of Orrington and South of Bangor is one of the best-kept secrets in Maine. As a matter of fact, it is such a well kept secret that even many of the people who live here do not realize all the positive things that are happening in the community. The secret is the town of Hampden.

So – why is this secret important to anyone outside of Hampden?

It is important because Hampden is looking to attract a wider audience in the business world. The community, which historically has had more than 85 percent of its property taxes paid by residential property owners and the remaining 15 percent picked up by a stalwart group of loyal local business people, has been quietly planning for a future that reduces the tax burden on the residential property owner and expands the business base of the community. The town has begun the permitting of a state of the art business/commerce park of more than 130 acres that should see its first tenants by spring 2002. This park will offer amenities and the little extras that in conjunction with its proximity to almost all major transportation routes – air, rail, and road – will make it a highly sought-after location. Check it out on our web site at hampdenmaine.com!

It is important because Hampden is creating a more defined place for itself in the region in terms of business and economic opportunity. Pepsi is in the process of locating its distribution facility in Hampden with a late summer start-up predicted. A grocery store is completely permitted by the town with summer/fall construction anticipated. We are consolidating municipal services under one roof with the addition of fire and emergency services to the municipal building complex in a construction project that will start this summer for a spring 2002 completion. Proposed economic development activities are geared to minimize environmental impacts and to help the community to maintain its character by locating in appropriate development zones.

It is important because the town of Hampden is an example of what good planning and community investment can do to stabilize the tax base and invest in the future without sacrificing the things that make the community special. Things such as the excellent educational system provided through SAD 22 and the myriad of community sponsored recreation programs.

Things such as the Public Safety department that maintains not only a DARE officer in the schools but also a Public Safety Resource person in the high school and a Juvenile Resolution Team that is a successful effort to help young people on the edge with more productive solutions than fines or jail time.

It is important because the economic success of each of the individual communities in the region helps every other community through increased business opportunity, property value increases and real estate sales.

This region has not grown at the same rate as the southern Maine area, and we are looking to help change that. We are looking to help in the creation of jobs and opportunities in this part of the state that will keep our children closer to home.

Susan Lessard is the town manager of Hampden.