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Log inWalkway would bridge cities
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Walkway would bridge cities
by Outspoken on Wed Dec 05, 2007 6:33 am
Walkway would bridge cities
Saco and Biddeford officials and developers envision a pedestrian link to the historic mill districts.
By SETH HARKNESS
Staff Writer Portland Press Herald
The idea of a pedestrian bridge to connect the downtown mill districts of Saco and Biddeford has begun to gain attention on both sides of the river.
Though the concept is strictly in the discussion phase, city officials and several developers who are rehabilitating the cities' former textile mills express enthusiasm for the project.
It takes more than enthusiasm, of course, to build a bridge, and those involved are just beginning to consider logistical questions such as where the bridge would be built and how to pay for it. But the idea of linking the cities' mill districts, both of which are seeing an influx of development after decades of decay, appears to have broad support.
Last month, the Saco City Council endorsed a new downtown master plan that makes planning the bridge one of its goals. Biddeford recently commissioned a redevelopment study of its mill district that includes consideration of a walkway between the cities.
"I think everyone agrees, 'Yeah, that's a good idea,'" said Bob Martin, chief operating officer for the Island Point project, the $100 million redevelopment of Saco Island that began this fall. "It's more a logistical issue than a philosophical one."
The people who have given the most thought to the idea may be a Biddeford developer and designer, Chris Betjemann, and Saco's development director, Peter Morelli.
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=152943&ac=PHnws
Saco and Biddeford officials and developers envision a pedestrian link to the historic mill districts.
By SETH HARKNESS
Staff Writer Portland Press Herald
The idea of a pedestrian bridge to connect the downtown mill districts of Saco and Biddeford has begun to gain attention on both sides of the river.
Though the concept is strictly in the discussion phase, city officials and several developers who are rehabilitating the cities' former textile mills express enthusiasm for the project.
It takes more than enthusiasm, of course, to build a bridge, and those involved are just beginning to consider logistical questions such as where the bridge would be built and how to pay for it. But the idea of linking the cities' mill districts, both of which are seeing an influx of development after decades of decay, appears to have broad support.
Last month, the Saco City Council endorsed a new downtown master plan that makes planning the bridge one of its goals. Biddeford recently commissioned a redevelopment study of its mill district that includes consideration of a walkway between the cities.
"I think everyone agrees, 'Yeah, that's a good idea,'" said Bob Martin, chief operating officer for the Island Point project, the $100 million redevelopment of Saco Island that began this fall. "It's more a logistical issue than a philosophical one."
The people who have given the most thought to the idea may be a Biddeford developer and designer, Chris Betjemann, and Saco's development director, Peter Morelli.
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=152943&ac=PHnws
"Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything."
Plato (427-347 BC)
Plato (427-347 BC)
