Comments for Future Freeport http://futurefreeport.com thinking about the place, community and economy of Freeport, Maine Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:09:20 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 hourly 1 Comment on The New L.L. Bean Fall Men’s Catalog–This is a Stodgy Company? by Craig Warner http://futurefreeport.com/2008/09/02/the-new-ll-bean-fall-mens-catalog-this-is-a-stodgy-company/comment-page-1/#comment-156 Craig Warner Thu, 12 Aug 2010 20:22:10 +0000 http://futurefreeport.com/?p=78#comment-156 Could you please send me a man's catalogue, keep getting womens' and I am a 6'5' man. thank you craig Warner 121 State Street #308 Hamilton Montana 59840 Thank you! Craig Could you please send me a man’s catalogue, keep getting womens’ and I am a 6′5′ man. thank you

craig Warner
121 State Street #308
Hamilton Montana 59840

Thank you!
Craig

]]> Comment on The Freeport Movie Theater Subsidy–The Case FOR and AGAINST by Ben Lund http://futurefreeport.com/2010/07/25/freeport-movie-theater-case-for-and-against/comment-page-1/#comment-155 Ben Lund Mon, 09 Aug 2010 19:00:46 +0000 http://futurefreeport.com/?p=159#comment-155 Peter, just FYI: http://timesrecord.com/articles/2010/08/09/news/doc4c6032528a597232340715.prt Peter, just FYI:

http://timesrecord.com/articles/2010/08/09/news/doc4c6032528a597232340715.prt

]]> Comment on The Freeport Movie Theater Subsidy–The Case FOR and AGAINST by Jake http://futurefreeport.com/2010/07/25/freeport-movie-theater-case-for-and-against/comment-page-1/#comment-154 Jake Sun, 08 Aug 2010 16:03:06 +0000 http://futurefreeport.com/?p=159#comment-154 I side with No TIF. Freeport Station is suffering from bad timing, and some bad planning. These private developers need to get themselves out of this mess, without town tax breaks. We need those tax dollars to pay for other community needs, roads, schools, playgrounds, ball fields, bike lanes...and so on. I'm glad to see the Downeaster coming to town and Freeport Station is in a great location to capitalize on that. I have watched with concern what businesses have moved into our little mall so far. I would like to see more Venue's and Mexicali Blues, less Johnny Rockets....Applebees would be a total disaster. Local Maine business with local character is what we need to see more of. Imagine you travel to Maine... step off the train and run face to face with another Applebees. The slippery slope to another cheesy American strip mall is not far away. I side with No TIF. Freeport Station is suffering from bad timing, and some bad planning. These private developers need to get themselves out of this mess, without town tax breaks. We need those tax dollars to pay for other community needs, roads, schools, playgrounds, ball fields, bike lanes…and so on. I’m glad to see the Downeaster coming to town and Freeport Station is in a great location to capitalize on that. I have watched with concern what businesses have moved into our little mall so far. I would like to see more Venue’s and Mexicali Blues, less Johnny Rockets….Applebees would be a total disaster. Local Maine business with local character is what we need to see more of. Imagine you travel to Maine… step off the train and run face to face with another Applebees. The slippery slope to another cheesy American strip mall is not far away.

]]> Comment on The Freeport Movie Theater Subsidy–The Case FOR and AGAINST by Drew Wing http://futurefreeport.com/2010/07/25/freeport-movie-theater-case-for-and-against/comment-page-1/#comment-152 Drew Wing Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:28:02 +0000 http://futurefreeport.com/?p=159#comment-152 Jim/Peter I am specifically speaking about the trade jobs associated with construction. I guess I should have been more specific. You are correct that Bereson did hire an out of state firm (Martini Northern) as the construction manager. Which is why I advised that the FEDC pay special attention to the Berenson's committment to creating local jobs. Big hint here, I'm talking about the Construction Manager! Jim/Peter

I am specifically speaking about the trade jobs associated with construction. I guess I should have been more specific. You are correct that Bereson did hire an out of state firm (Martini Northern) as the construction manager. Which is why I advised that the FEDC pay special attention to the Berenson’s committment to creating local jobs. Big hint here, I’m talking about the Construction Manager!

]]> Comment on The Freeport Movie Theater Subsidy–The Case FOR and AGAINST by steph http://futurefreeport.com/2010/07/25/freeport-movie-theater-case-for-and-against/comment-page-1/#comment-151 steph Wed, 28 Jul 2010 02:08:56 +0000 http://futurefreeport.com/?p=159#comment-151 Alan, this "bird in the hand" wants a lot more than chicken feed from the taxpayers: they want us to help build their nest. Berenson fledged out a few years ago, with the help of a very generous Town Council and planning staff. They, and any of their tenants, should fly on their own, without asking for further subsidy from a small Maine town. Alan, this “bird in the hand” wants a lot more than chicken feed from the taxpayers: they want us to help build their nest. Berenson fledged out a few years ago, with the help of a very generous Town Council and planning staff. They, and any of their tenants, should fly on their own, without asking for further subsidy from a small Maine town.

]]> Comment on The Freeport Movie Theater Subsidy–The Case FOR and AGAINST by Peter Troast http://futurefreeport.com/2010/07/25/freeport-movie-theater-case-for-and-against/comment-page-1/#comment-150 Peter Troast Tue, 27 Jul 2010 22:31:53 +0000 http://futurefreeport.com/?p=159#comment-150 Thanks to all of you for the thoughtful conversation. Monica--as you know, you and I share the worry about the continued "chaining" of the restaurants in town. If this TIF has to go through, perhaps a condition of it would be a prohibition on "formula" restaurants? And on the traffic projection, I hope to get another crack at asking about that data. It's really about how much of that is incremental. Carey/Julie--my sense is the final "deal" has a ways to go before it's done. Overall, though, cramming it through during the height of summer in a very compressed time period doesn't seem right. (Even if Harry Potter is the justification!) Drew/Jim--In principal, I agree that jobs are a consideration, especially in these times, but as Jim points out--the management contract goes to an out of state firm so the real job opportunities are construction and staffing. I believe Berenson used an out of state construction firm for the mall the first time, though I don't know how much of the labor fell on Maine shoulders. We shouldn't sneeze at any jobs these days, but keep in mind that selling popcorn is generally minimum wage and part time. Alan--I, too, find it hard to imagine there's much future vibrancy in destination retail, but I can be a pessimistic sort. If you believe in that as a big risk for Freeport, then a big push for diversification seems justified, and it makes it easier to weigh the cost of the subsidy. Libby--fair point. I haven't heard much discussion about the "other" impacts--police, snow removal, etc--except for the fact that we've already granted a gift to the developer of exempting them from parking requirements. But I'm with you on the perspective of what's right for the overall community. Thanks to all of you for the thoughtful conversation.

Monica–as you know, you and I share the worry about the continued “chaining” of the restaurants in town. If this TIF has to go through, perhaps a condition of it would be a prohibition on “formula” restaurants? And on the traffic projection, I hope to get another crack at asking about that data. It’s really about how much of that is incremental.

Carey/Julie–my sense is the final “deal” has a ways to go before it’s done. Overall, though, cramming it through during the height of summer in a very compressed time period doesn’t seem right. (Even if Harry Potter is the justification!)

Drew/Jim–In principal, I agree that jobs are a consideration, especially in these times, but as Jim points out–the management contract goes to an out of state firm so the real job opportunities are construction and staffing. I believe Berenson used an out of state construction firm for the mall the first time, though I don’t know how much of the labor fell on Maine shoulders. We shouldn’t sneeze at any jobs these days, but keep in mind that selling popcorn is generally minimum wage and part time.

Alan–I, too, find it hard to imagine there’s much future vibrancy in destination retail, but I can be a pessimistic sort. If you believe in that as a big risk for Freeport, then a big push for diversification seems justified, and it makes it easier to weigh the cost of the subsidy.

Libby–fair point. I haven’t heard much discussion about the “other” impacts–police, snow removal, etc–except for the fact that we’ve already granted a gift to the developer of exempting them from parking requirements. But I’m with you on the perspective of what’s right for the overall community.

]]> Comment on The Freeport Movie Theater Subsidy–The Case FOR and AGAINST by Libby Heselton http://futurefreeport.com/2010/07/25/freeport-movie-theater-case-for-and-against/comment-page-1/#comment-149 Libby Heselton Tue, 27 Jul 2010 21:30:36 +0000 http://futurefreeport.com/?p=159#comment-149 My concern is ever for the community. I understand that the Freeport brand would be more well-rounded and it would be nice to have some evening entertainment closer to home, but without a real benefit in employment, tax rates, or funding for schools, open-space or town services, why are we even considering it (except that the developers have asked us to). I'm not convinced that a drawing people to our town in the evening/nighttime is in the best interest of our community either. As it is now, the town is quiet most nights by 8. Could we consider bike lanes, sidewalks and access to the ocean as ways to increase the flow of tourist dollars and help round-out our brand? My concern is ever for the community. I understand that the Freeport brand would be more well-rounded and it would be nice to have some evening entertainment closer to home, but without a real benefit in employment, tax rates, or funding for schools, open-space or town services, why are we even considering it (except that the developers have asked us to). I’m not convinced that a drawing people to our town in the evening/nighttime is in the best interest of our community either. As it is now, the town is quiet most nights by 8. Could we consider bike lanes, sidewalks and access to the ocean as ways to increase the flow of tourist dollars and help round-out our brand?

]]> Comment on The Freeport Movie Theater Subsidy–The Case FOR and AGAINST by Alan Caron http://futurefreeport.com/2010/07/25/freeport-movie-theater-case-for-and-against/comment-page-1/#comment-148 Alan Caron Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:33:59 +0000 http://futurefreeport.com/?p=159#comment-148 I appreciate this conversation, as I've been trying to weed through this issue. I suppose that where we land on these issues has something to do with the following: 1. We go to the movies a lot. 2. We have kids who go to the movies a lot. 3. We like or dislike TIFS in general (i.e. we see TIFS as a way to stimulate development that wouldn't otherwise occur, thereby increasing tax revenues to the town that it wouldn't otherwise have, or, alternatively, we see TIFs as a 'give-back' of taxes that we would have otherwise had). 4. We have property or a business in the village that will benefit from increased evening activity. Putting aside the benefits of not having to drive to Falmouth, Brunswick, Westbrook or Saco for movies (which some will not be able to do), if you believe this won't happen without a TIF, then that takes you down a certain path. If you think it will, its another. I tend to think it might happen in the future, but not before the economy has fully recovered (whether you think it will ever 'recover' is a larger discussion). So that's a bird in the bush, at best. On the other hand, what has been presented is a live bird in hand. When I look at public benefits, I don't think its in either short-term construction jobs or longer-term jobs within the theater. Where the benefit might occur is in allowing the village to evolve toward more evening activity, which would help restaurants in particular, and perhaps retail to a lesser degree. A 10-20 percent increase in evening activity would not only help improve current business, it might also encourage others. That seems to me to be the main benefit. The counterweight is that its tough to provide TIF's for structures that are already in place as the 'remodel' for new uses. I suppose I lean in favor at the moment, but look forward to more discussion. I appreciate this conversation, as I’ve been trying to weed through this issue. I suppose that where we land on these issues has something to do with the following: 1. We go to the movies a lot. 2. We have kids who go to the movies a lot. 3. We like or dislike TIFS in general (i.e. we see TIFS as a way to stimulate development that wouldn’t otherwise occur, thereby increasing tax revenues to the town that it wouldn’t otherwise have, or, alternatively, we see TIFs as a ‘give-back’ of taxes that we would have otherwise had). 4. We have property or a business in the village that will benefit from increased evening activity.

Putting aside the benefits of not having to drive to Falmouth, Brunswick, Westbrook or Saco for movies (which some will not be able to do), if you believe this won’t happen without a TIF, then that takes you down a certain path. If you think it will, its another.

I tend to think it might happen in the future, but not before the economy has fully recovered (whether you think it will ever ‘recover’ is a larger discussion). So that’s a bird in the bush, at best. On the other hand, what has been presented is a live bird in hand.

When I look at public benefits, I don’t think its in either short-term construction jobs or longer-term jobs within the theater. Where the benefit might occur is in allowing the village to evolve toward more evening activity, which would help restaurants in particular, and perhaps retail to a lesser degree. A 10-20 percent increase in evening activity would not only help improve current business, it might also encourage others.

That seems to me to be the main benefit. The counterweight is that its tough to provide TIF’s for structures that are already in place as the ‘remodel’ for new uses.

I suppose I lean in favor at the moment, but look forward to more discussion.

]]> Comment on The Freeport Movie Theater Subsidy–The Case FOR and AGAINST by Jim http://futurefreeport.com/2010/07/25/freeport-movie-theater-case-for-and-against/comment-page-1/#comment-147 Jim Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:45:02 +0000 http://futurefreeport.com/?p=159#comment-147 Mr. Wing, evidently does not understand what these "local job's" are. The management contract pays a Massachusetts cinema owner $100,000 per year to book films, and sell candy, (by the way, the operator also owns the candy distribution.) There will be one full time "manager" who will schedule the people selling candy and tickets. But if Mr. Wing thinks that these are full time, or substantial jobs, he's only fooling himself. Mr. Wing, evidently does not understand what these “local job’s” are.
The management contract pays a Massachusetts cinema owner $100,000
per year to book films, and sell candy, (by the way, the operator also
owns the candy distribution.) There will be one full time “manager” who
will schedule the people selling candy and tickets. But if Mr. Wing
thinks that these are full time, or substantial jobs, he’s only fooling
himself.

]]> Comment on The Freeport Movie Theater Subsidy–The Case FOR and AGAINST by Drew Wing http://futurefreeport.com/2010/07/25/freeport-movie-theater-case-for-and-against/comment-page-1/#comment-146 Drew Wing Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:49:27 +0000 http://futurefreeport.com/?p=159#comment-146 Hi Peter: I find the conversation intersting- Ultimately a TIF is an economic development tool that can be legally used to support a variety of projects. Public benefit can be defined in a lot of ways and quite frankly having a job is a benefit that many of our local people would welcome. A 2.5 million dollar project is a good project that will keep a number of our local trades people at work. This is a segment of the population that has been hit very hard by the recession. Smart Growth-Yes this fits and I love the idea of walking to the movies. Precedent-Freeport has a history of providing TIF's or more specifically Credit Enhancement Agreements to a variety of projects, this would not be a new precedent. I do not believe there is likely another suitor for this space. Berensen has every incentive to get this space occupied they have undoubtably been trying for years. The town of Freeport has invested/committed 17.5 million dollars in this public/private partnership. I suspect that the movie theatre will only improve our downtown vacancy rates and long term tax base, thereby supporting our initial investment. I would encourage the FEDC to carefully consider the Berenson proposal for recommendation to the Town Council. To that end I would pay special attention to Berenson's committment to the creation of local jobs. I would also highlight what I believe to be a long time TIF precedent? - The town does not pay Credit Enhancement Dollars until the incremental value has been created. Hi Peter:

I find the conversation intersting- Ultimately a TIF is an economic development tool that can be legally used to support a variety of projects. Public benefit can be defined in a lot of ways and quite frankly having a job is a benefit that many of our local people would welcome. A 2.5 million dollar project is a good project that will keep a number of our local trades people at work. This is a segment of the population that has been hit very hard by the recession. Smart Growth-Yes this fits and I love the idea of walking to the movies. Precedent-Freeport has a history of providing TIF’s or more specifically Credit Enhancement Agreements to a variety of projects, this would not be a new precedent. I do not believe there is likely another suitor for this space. Berensen has every incentive to get this space occupied they have undoubtably been trying for years. The town of Freeport has invested/committed 17.5 million dollars in this public/private partnership. I suspect that the movie theatre will only improve our downtown vacancy rates and long term tax base, thereby supporting our initial investment. I would encourage the FEDC to carefully consider the Berenson proposal for recommendation to the Town Council. To that end I would pay special attention to Berenson’s committment to the creation of local jobs. I would also highlight what I believe to be a long time TIF precedent? - The town does not pay Credit Enhancement Dollars until the incremental value has been created.

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