City energy and vision

Rep. John Baldacci and Sally Jacobs (BDN, Sept. 5) recognize that economic development demands vision and the creation of something new. The city’s determination to develop the sensitive area along the Penjajawoc marsh and stream does not reflect either vision or creativity. Rather, it ignores the mounting evidence against this development.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MIF&W) recently proclaimed the Penjajawoc as the number one marsh in Maine with statewide significance. With other sites near the mall available for development, why does the city ignore MIF&W and insist on developing this inappropriate site? Much of the land is zoned “rural/residential/agricultural” and historical records show the marsh/stream area has been treasured as a special place. Buildings built along the stream are already in violation of State Environmental Laws. Why continue down this path? Why ignore the potential for creating something new with such a jewel, the Penjajawoc Marsh, and settle for more of the same?

In May, the president of the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce, Thomas Johnston wrote, “…businesses feel the pinch of a shrinking population. The retail markets are not growing, and as a result, heated competition by increased retail square footage in the Bangor area makes it difficult for retail business. Medical costs keep rising and if current trends persist there will be too few wage earners to support a retiring population.”

Attracting big boxes is not “expanding opportunity for families and business through a bold agenda and a comprehensive long-term strategy.” (Baldacci) It is dangerously shortsighted. Wal-Mart has been in their current location for about eight years. After being in Presque Isle for about as long, Widewater left the banks to foreclose and sell their shopping center at public auction. Neither Wal-Mart nor Widewaters has a stake in the economy in the long run. They provide low-wage jobs without benefits and without a future. They hurt our local businesses, which do provide benefits and incomes that can support families. They will not help us keep our young people in Maine. They will not bring new people with their money and energy to our city.

The city needs the energy and vision of all its residents. To paint BACORD as people who are against the mall or development and willing to shift the tax burden to homeowners is completely unwarranted and inaccurate. BACORD has been working for development that will spark more growth, support families and keep our young here.

Ruining an irreplaceable natural resource for short-term money is bad business. Bold visions come from incorporating different points of view and finding new solutions. Bangor has all the ingredients to be more than just a service center. It has the people, resources and beauty to be a vibrant and inviting city for residents and visitors for years to come.

BACORD is sponsoring a candidates forum on Bangor Mall area development 7 p.m. tonight at the Bangor Public Library. Come hear the candidates’ thoughts on development in this area.

Joyce K. Schelling, of Bangor, is a sales representative for Recycled Office Products Co. Inc.