Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1497068
V O L . X X I X N O. V I I I A P R I L 1 7 , 2 0 2 3 28 R E A L E S TAT E / C O N S T R U C T I O N / E N G I N E E R I N G F O C U S unused piece of property next to the Saco Scoop and the weekly summer music series "Music in the Parking Lot," held at the Dyer Library parking lot. Since Biggs' departure in 2022, Saco Main Street is on its third execu- tive director. "ere may be a loss of energy just because of those actions that happened, which is a shame," says Biggs. "But I don't think it's just because Rob Biggs isn't there. I would love to think that, but it's just that more things have happened that are creating a little bit of anxiety. Saco is still strong. We have some great young businesses, both young in ownership as well as businesses that came to Saco because of what they saw and I don't think that has suddenly gone away." Stefa Normantas is on the board of Saco Main Street and a managing partner at Green Tree Events, located at 35 Storer St. in Saco. She has lived in the town for 25 years and has had her busi- ness in the area for over 10 years. "e downtown is lacking restau- rants and shops," says Normantas. "For college-aged students or high school students, there isn't enough to get them to come downtown. "We work on the board to support current businesses and drive people downtown," she adds. "Part of the challenge is that there need to be more spaces to welcome new businesses. ere isn't a lot of real estate either." She says she would like to see a brewery or a barbecue restaurant brought downtown, but there are few vacancies. "We need to have more opportuni- ties for businesses," says Normantas. Normantas said the town needs affordable housing to help attract and retain younger residents. Tracey Desjardins, the economic development director for Saco, recently hosted the Biddeford Saco Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Business After Hours at Saco City Hall. Her goal was to spotlight Saco's small businesses. » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F G R E E N T R E E E V E N T S Stefa Normantas, board member of Saco Main Street and a managing partner at Green Tree Events in Saco. We need to have more opportunities for businesses. — Stefa Normantas Green Tree Events www.cportcu.org Joe Fourré 4A Property LLC ITS GREEN LLC See Joe Fourré's Voyage www.cportcu.org/voyages Portland • Scarborough • Augusta • www.cportcu.org 1-800-464-0253 • Federally Insured by NCUA A Vision for Years to Come. Preserving Biddeford's Vibrant Energy.