Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1546328
33 E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 33 T he city of Westbrook knows that its growth hasn't happened by accident. e city has long believed that communities thrive when they intentionally create the conditions that allow people and businesses to succeed. Simply put, people invest in communities that invest in themselves and Westbrook fully understands its role is to create the conditions that allow that investment to flourish. Westbrook continues to be one of Maine's fastest-growing cities, but its focus is about more than growth for growth's sake. e city is investing in public infrastructure, preserving green space, improving access to the Presumpscot River, creating invit- ing public spaces, and supporting smart growth in areas already served by infrastructure and transportation. Rock Row's Health Campus Take Rock Row's $140 million Health Campus for example. e medical anchor of Rock Row's 110-acre, $600 million mixed-use development features two new buildings – a 200,000 square-foot medical building and a 20,000 square-foot health service building – the development allows clinical research and a comprehensive approach to health care to merge. Open since 2025, the Health Campus has brought together multiple health care providers in one location, including the Dempsey Center, New England Cancer Specialists, Saco Bay Orthopaedic & Sports Physical erapy, RAYUS Radiology & Vascular Care, Plastic & Hand Surgical Associates, and the LB. Mini-Mart. Josh Levy, co-founding principal of Waterstone Properties Group, the second largest retail developer in New England, described the Rock Row Health Campus as providing "clinical excellence and a sense of well-being in one place." Green Space Redevelopment e Saccarappa Park Redevelopment Project highlights the city's efforts to preserve green space as it restores a 1.06-acre parcel located at 885 Main St. and reconnect residents and visitors with the Presumpscot River. e vision of the project, partially funded by a grant and loan from the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development's Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund, will be to transform the area from a temporary parking lot into a vibrant, four-season, multifunctional community space with direct connections to the Riverwalk, trails, and Saccarappa Island. Housing also plays a role in Westbrook's economic develop- ment vision. A proposed project at 4 and 7 Dana St. on the banks of the Presumpscot River is designed for 110 residential units with views of Saccarappa Island and the Dana Warp Mill. e redevelopment project is designed to contribute to Westbrook's comprehensive and downtown revitalization goals. Business Friendly Community e city of Westbrook has long been recognized as a business- friendly community. More importantly "business friendly" is a philosophy that guides its daily interaction with local businesses and with people seeking to do business in the city. e goal is to demystify some of those complexities and give existing and future business owners an opportunity to flourish. e city also recognizes that thriving communities need to be economically successful. Its Business Retention & Expansion Program engages the business community in developing com- prehensive business retention and expansion planning, which in turn helps businesses stay, grow and become more committed to the community. Engagement with the community involves education, training and providing research for each community, thus building upon a business owner's ability to assess opportu- nities, understand local/regional/state resources and issues that impact their economies. Westbrook's continued momentum is the product of intentional leadership, strategic partnerships, and a long-term commitment to investing in the community's future. By creating conditions where businesses can invest with confidence, infrastructure can support growth, and residents can enjoy an exceptional qual- ity of life, Westbrook is strengthening its position as one of Maine's most dynamic and forward-looking economic centers. For Westbrook, economic development is not simply about attracting the next investment. It is about building a com- munity where opportunity can continue to grow for decades to come. l Above: Aerial image of Downtown Westbrook and the Presumpscot River Left: Westbrook Mayor David Morse at the Ribbon Cutting for the Health Campus. P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F R O C K R O W P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F G P C O G , R I C K H A R B I S O N Unlocking the Doors of Opportunity Westbrook City of Westbrook 2 York St., Westbrook, ME 04092 Monique Cornett, Director of Economic & Community Development 207-591-8101 Ext. 1211 / mcornett@westbrook.me.us www.westbrookmaine.com