The Imperative for Fryeburg

What not to do to encourage quality
businesses to settle in Fryeburg.

 Mike Corthell

EDITORIAL: First in a Six Part Series Regarding Economic Development in Greater Fryeburg.

Poland Spring(Nestlé Waters North America) will build a bottling plant in Fryeburg and other clean industries will follow, it's just a matter of time but in the mean time it is imperative that Fryeburg welcome other businesses. Many people would prefer that the village not be developed any further(and this editor agrees). That leaves Rt 302 east (right where the Rite Aide strip mall is located, which is opposite the site of the proposed Dollar General store) The area, continuing past Fryeburg Glass/Country Butcher/ Osgood's is slated for development within the next 5 years. And it can't be stopped. Why would Fryeburg, as a community, not want to broaden it's tax base? Many people can't afford to stay in their homes. Some homes have been purchase by the Fryeburg Academy, others have been bought by one of town's prolific slum lords, who has allowed his properties to decay - driving down property values. The only way to lower residential taxes is to welcome new businesses to town. Dollar General is

Bringing new jobs and paying taxes

a good fit for the Rt 302 east corridor. It will pay it's fair share of taxes, be a good neighbor and provide jobs to local people. Fryeburg is not in danger of becoming another North Conway but it is lagging far behind the foresight and determination of Bridgton and it is not a Lovell, Denmark or Sweden - they are 60% more rural. Fryeburg is in a perfect location to be responsibly developed. It only takes a consensus and the will to do what's right for ALL the citizens of Fryeburg.

Next: ''Why Poland Spring/Nestlé Will Take Greater Fryeburg to the Next Level.''