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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 21 O C T O B E R 1 9 , 2 0 2 0 F O C U S M I D C O A S T / D OW N E A S T a selectman and chairman of the town's year-old economic develop- ment committee. e town has been losing population in recent years and, like many Maine towns, its residents are aging. "We only have so many resources." An Oct. 7 public hearing made it clear that figuring out the next step isn't going to be easy. Residents are torn on how to handle the site. Some want to keep it totally green while others want to see development on the spots originally designated for retail and residential. Hahn has been part of the town's omaston Green efforts since the prison came down in 2002. e day after the public hearing, when he's asked what's next, he gazes toward that spectacular view of the St. George River and laughs. "I don't know," he says. "I have no idea." A mixed-use plan e town petitioned the state to buy the property in 2002, with develop- ment the point. In a 2003 town survey, residents predicted that by 2010 there would be public space, residential and light retail there. For a while, it looked like the pre- diction would come true. An RFP brought several responses, and Portland-based Berman Associates (now known as Developers Collabora- tive), partnered with the town beginning in 2006 on a village-style plan. "Not many communities have that type of open space in their core," says Kevin Bunker of Developers Collaborative. He joined the group in 2007, after founder Richard Berman was already working with omaston, and quickly became involved. e developers in 2008 secured a $221,000 grant that largely developed the public space in the center of the property, infrastructure and an access road. Working hard for success. Lobster fisherman, Eric Beal, has been working with Bar Harbor Bank & Trust since he purchased Marsh Cove Lobster Co. in 1992. As his business has grown and evolved, we've always been there for him. Eric has peace of mind knowing his banker is knowledgeable, local, and able to find a solution. To see this and other success stories, go to www.barharbor.bank/success-stories. Call 207-669-6811 today to connect with our Commercial Banking team. We help businesses write their own success stories. Member FDIC Personal Banking · Business Banking · Wealth Management Over 50 locations in Maine, New Hampshire & Vermont " My banker, Krystal, has helped me be a better businessman." —Eric Beal Stay connected! Receive news, information, and analysis about Maine's business community through e-newsletters that provide a quick update on the most important statewide business news. Sign up for Mainebiz email newsletters Stay informed on statewide real estate and development news with the Real Estate Insider. Catch up on the most talked about Maine business news with our Weekly Report! Don't miss the top business news in Maine with the Daily Report! MAINEBIZ.BIZ/ENEWSLETTERS C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » We're a town of 2,700, we've got to do something. We only have so many resources. — Bill Hahn Thomaston selectman and economic development committee chair

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