Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 37 J U N E 1 1 , 2 0 1 8 F O C U S S M A L L B U S I N E S S doesn't have to be a giant success. Everyone's thinking about it, and that's what's important." Fahy and her business neigh- bor across the street, Irish of Whippersnappers, agree that the antici- pation was worse than the reality. Despite the fact that Water Street is a construction zone, there's parking on the side of the street still open to traffi c, and spaces are always available. "I asked businesses how they're doing," Irish says. "What they're fi ght- ing now is the perception. People think it's horrible down here, and it's not." She says that lunch business is down at Water Street restaurants, though the nighttime bar scene is as lively as ever. Both Harlow Gallery and Whippersnappers moved to bigger space on Water Street as the project was beginning. Business is way up at Irish's new location on the corner of Water and Winthrop streets. Irish says business owners have told her that some customers are making a point of doing business on Water Street to show their support. 'A prime opportunity' e city plans to put a parking lot behind buildings on the 100 block of the street after reaching an agreement with Linda Bean to move the historic Dummer House, which was behind the buildings. e two-story building, believed to be the oldest timber-framed structure in the city, was recently moved by Berwick-based Preservation Timber Framing by half a block, from Dummer Street to Second Street. Bean, a board member of L.L. Bean and owner of other businesses, will continue to own the house, which is being renovated. Irish says the completed project will off er businesses a "prime opportunity." "It'll be a perfect time to open a business here," she says. Irish, an at-large city council mem- ber, and other city and business leaders plan to generate more ideas with visits to Belfast, Brunswick, Rockland and others that have surging downtowns. "We're doing the long-term approach to see how we can entice more people to our downtown," she says. " is is the perfect opportunity." In Belgrade, there's optimism about the future as well. Residents and business owners were dreading workers cutting down the vil- lage's giant maples. But once they did last month, many were pleased with the result, including improved views. "I can see the mountains now," Oliver says. Lori Yotides, who owns Spiro & Co., a Main Street food truck at the south end of the project, says business is up from last year since she opened in late May. "People tell me they can see me now," Yotides says. "For me so far it's been great." e state plans to replant some of the trees, though farther back from the road. ere's also a private eff ort to turn a triangle of land at the south end of the project into a park. Fontaine says that most are embrac- ing the change. "We're trying to work together and promote it, just to work together to educate people as to what's happening," she says. She recently renovated a Main Street building, which houses Lakehome Real Estate Group, one of several new busi- nesses along the street. She looks forward to the completed project, when the classic village will have even more of a "village look." "It's going to be a great ending," she says. "I envision that this is going to be a wonderful walking village. It's going to be beautiful." And until it's done, she says, there'll be lemonade. M M, Mainebiz sta writer, can be reached at @ . Maine lawyers working for Maine businesses. Por tland / Kennebunk • 207-775-7271 • 1-800-756-1166 • jbgh.com At Jensen Baird, our commitment is to you. Launching a new business in Maine calls for innovative legal strategies. At Jensen Baird we help emerging small businesses achieve their goals cost effectively. Let us help you find the right strategies for your business. AT MMG INSURANCE, WE PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR ALL THE BIG AND LIT TLE THINGS THAT COMPRISE YOUR PIECE OF THE WORLD. 1-800-343-0533 www.mmgins.com Business owners take risks. Your insurance coverage shouldn't be one of them. Let us work for you. Lynn Irish, owner of Whippersnappers in downtown Hallowell, says the perception of Water Street construction is worse than the reality. P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY

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