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New Economic Director Sees Bright Future in Bridgton

October 29, 2008 - BRIDGTON -- Bridgton's traditional New England town feeling, progressive business practices and natural resources were some of what drew Alan S. Manoian to the town.

His appreciation for the town and optimism for Bridgton's future is shared by a few business owners, especially after a year of several big investments.

Manoian, certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners, started this week as Bridgton's new Economic and Community Development Director. Manoian replaces Micah Niemy, who resigned from the position in March.

Manoian worked in Nashua, N.H., for nine years as the downtown development director and assistant director of economic development. He also worked on the redevelopment of what was once South Weymouth Naval Air Station in Massachusetts and started a consulting firm in May 2005 named Manoian Traditional Town Planning and Design LLC. Two years ago he chartered a new bank.

He decided he wanted to work in a smaller New England town, one that hasn’t been compromised by sprawl. Bridgton, Manoian said, retains its traditional New England form, including a pedestrian-oriented downtown and surrounding open space.

“It’s still thankfully all intact,” Manoian said. “It’s a small town that thinks progressively.”

Owner of the Magic Lantern Theater Frank Howell said he sees big potential for Bridgton to become a regional destination and overcome its seasonal nature.

Especially in the Depot Street area, the last year has seen quite a bit of investment in business expansion and infrastructure. The Magic Lantern Theater opened in January, followed by a new parking lot between the Bridgton Community Center and the theater, a doubling of Renys retail space and the recent completion of the Depot Street bridge. Paris Farmer’s Union also moved to a new and larger space on Route 302.

“Success breeds success,” said John Reny, one of the owners of Renys, which has 14 stores in Maine.

Town officials also set up a Tax Increment Financing district on Route 302, which was approved in June 2007 by residents. When businesses move to the district or expand their facilities, property valuations rise. Instead of putting these additional taxes in the general fund, they are instead put into a fund to finance infrastructure improvements such as sidewalks and lights for the district.

The Bridgton Route 302 TIF district borders Route 302 starting east of the Magic Lantern to just past Sandy Creek Road. Since 2007, the TIF district has raised $36,000. A Family Dollar store recently approved by the Planning Board will fall within the district.

“That’s a good investment for the town to make,” Manoian said.

Howell built the Magic Lantern Theater after the town approved another TIF district in 2005 to reimburse Howell for infrastructure improvements through capturing the increase in property taxes.

“To get such a vote of confidence from the town was certainly important,” Howell said, adding that the theater and restaurant have been busy since it opened. “This is how progressive community development can happen.”

“The summer exceeded expectations,” said Sarah Sims, manager of the Tannery Pub.

Jason Sampson, the manager of Paris Farmers Union, also said business has been very good since moving in January from a 5,000 square foot space beside Rite Aid to a 18,000 square feet space farther south on Route 302.

With the economy tight, Sampson said he sees more people growing their own food and investing in new heat sources, which means more business for a hardware and gardening store.

Since the grand opening of the expansion in the spring, Reny said business in Bridgton has been tremendous.

“Life is going on here,” Reny said. “People are still buying things they need.”

After the ease of dealing with regulations to expand the store, Reny said the parking lot the town built behind the store is the icing on the cake and the Depot Street bridge is the candle on the icing on the cake.

“Bridgton put their money where their mouth was,” Reny said.

Howell said it is important to integrate commerce into the village while not destroying the charm of the town.

“This area is really beginning to thrive,” Howell said. “The key to Bridgton’s future is to become a destination.”

Manoian said businesses are looking for a town with a skilled work force, the right real estate, infrastructure and incentives such as the TIF district or the state’s Pine Tree Zones, which provide tax breaks for certain businesses, including Hancock Lumber and Howell Laboratories in Bridgton.

Historic preservation is integral to sustainable economic development, Manoian said, also advocating for mixed use spaces. Maintaining the New England character involves integrating uses to cut down on the amount of driving people have to do between residential and commercial areas.

Typically zoning regulations have worked to separate uses and disperse the population in New England towns, Manoian said, adding that not having zoning regulations puts Bridgton at an advantage.

Manoian acknowledged that the next couple of years would be difficult for economic development, stressing that everyone in the town will have to work together to attract businesses and jobs.

“Anyone involved in economic development, we all know the next two years are going to be exceedingly difficult,” Manoian said. “We have to fight hard to attract jobs.”

By Julia Davis
Reporter - Lakes Region Weekly
October 24, 2008


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