Staff Writer
HOULTON — Market Square in Houlton is about to see some changes and for the better according to members of the Houlton Town Council. In a unanimous vote, councilors agreed to transfer ownership of 1 Market Square to the Savings Bank of Maine, formerly Gardiner Savings. The business has purchased the yellow wooden property adjacent to the empty lot, which has been deemed unsightly, and also the former JC Penney’s building next door. The bank has not made it clear as to what will become of the property, but they have committed to making the entry point of the downtown area a more welcoming sight than what exists there today.
“Our intention at this time is to destroy the yellow building and the Penney’s building,” explained Savings Bank of Maine local representative Al Butler. “If the property on North Street was to sell, they would relocate downtown.”
However, Butler did say that before that could happen, the bank may move forward and install an ATM in the downtown location first. Councilors discussed the plan and some expressed a desire to see the bank completely relocate, while others said any development of that area is better than nothing at all.
“I’ve been working with Al for the past few weeks,” explained Town Manager Doug Hazlett. “And investing a quarter of a million dollars in our downtown is really a jumpstart on the renovation process. It’s good for the Market Square area.”
Councilor Jerry Adams said he was “thrilled to death” at the prospect of seeing a major development taking place to revitalize the downtown area, however, Councilor Paul Romanelli wanted to see more than just an unmanned drive-thru.
“I don’t think an ATM machine would foster economic development,” he said. “I’m not jumping for joy over an ATM machine. I would jump for joy for a bank.”
Councilor Romanelli was still in support of the purchase, despite wanting some reassurance as to what is going to happen downtown in the future.
Councilor Sue Tortello said regardless of what happens, it will still make the downtown more attractive than its current façade and any change is for the best.
“This is generating tax dollars for the town,” she explained. “I think it’s a very suitable use. It definitely is going to stimulate revitalization of the downtown and one of the advantages is diverting some of the traffic from North Street.
“I think this is a really good situation and I’m really in favor of it,” she added. “This is clearly a business that wants to do business here.”
