Staff Writer 

 With the economy still declining this holiday season, some national politicians are discussing a second economic stimulus initiative. Rather than a one-time check for taxpayers, this second economic stimulus package could be focused on beginning state and local projects to create jobs and help revitalize the economy. This holiday season the Scarborough Leader editorial staff thought it might be interesting to see how Scarborough town officials would react if they received a $50 million “no strings attached” Christmas present from the federal government. 

Scarborough Economic Development Corporation President Harvey Rosenfeld said his first priority would be a new type of development on the Haigis Parkway, while Town Planner Dan Bacon said he would concentrate on improving transportation within the town (see below).

Leader: “What is the first project you would use a $50 million Christmas present for and why?”

Bacon: “If Scarborough received $50 million for Christmas, my recommendation would be to make strides in accomplishing many of the roadway, pedestrian and bicycle improvements identified in the Town-Wide Transportation Study.  Scarborough has a number of roadways and intersections in need of improvement; areas where sidewalks would be a major enhancement in residents and businesses; and  a few remaining sections of the Eastern Trail that need to be accomplished.  These kinds of improvements can help manage existing traffic; attract new businesses; make Scarborough more walk-able and safer for pedestrians; and could connect our section of the Eastern Trail to South Portland and beyond, which is already a popular recreational amenity.  

In addition to the above, $50 million could also lead to some alternative transportation as well.  Bus stops or train stations could be on the table.”

Rosenfeld: “Plan and build a high tech and bio tech incubator facility, probably on the Haigis Parkway to supply low cost, high grade professional and technical space for start up businesses.”

Leader: “Given total authority over the project, how long would it take to get underway / to complete?”

Bacon: “Many of these projects and improvements are already well researched and designed, and therefore could begin with 90 days or so.”

Rosenfeld: “Planning and acquisition of property would start immediately along with design and engineering which would be complete in three to six months. Permitting within six months and construction starting within a year. Completion of the project in two years from award of funds, January 2011.”

Leader: “Would this be an ongoing project or a new initiative?”

Bacon: “The town has been consistently making transportation improvements on a yearly, ongoing basis and we have plans to continue to gradually improve our system of roads, sidewalks and trails in a fiscally responsible way.  A stimulus initiative could enable us to accomplish a lot more of these projects in a much shorter period of time.”

Rosenfeld: “This would be a new initiative.”

Leader: “Approximately how many jobs do you think the project could create?”

Bacon: “If a range of projects are funded, I think it could create work for 500 or more employees.”

Rosenfeld: “This could create around 100 short term construction jobs and hopefully 100 to 200 permanent jobs.”

Leader: “What would the short term benefits of the project?”

Bacon: “Short term benefits would include work for contractors in the construction trade, engineers, etc.; need improvements to our roadways and intersections; and new sidewalks and trails for our residents and visitors.”

Rosenfeld: “Creation of short term construction jobs, purchasing of building materials.”

Leader: “Long term benefits?

Bacon: “In the mid to long term, better transportation infrastructure can certainly promote economic development and attract more businesses.  Improved roads, sidewalks and trails also improve the quality of life of town residents, making Scarborough a safer and more convenient and livable community.  And if we think about bus stops/routes and train stations, we may be able to offer transportation alternatives in the long-term as well.”

Rosenfeld: “Space for the creation of start up high and bio tech jobs as well as high paying technical positions. These startups would graduate to more permanent facilities leading to more and better paying positions.”

Leader: “Would this project require more or less than the $50 million?”

Bacon: “This would be a collection of projects, some may cost 6$ million (like improving Dunstan Corner) others could be less than $1 million.”

Rosenfeld: “This project would be less that $50 million.”

Leader: “Do you think voters / other town officials would support the project?”

Bacon: “Town officials have been working on some of these initiatives for quite some time and would be supportive and I think voters would be as well.  We often here requests for more sidewalks, crosswalks and trails as well as concerns about traffic congestion and the condition of some of our roads.”

Rosenfeld: “I think it is very important to involve the voters and town officials in the planning process so that they understand the need and benefits of this type of facility. If they believe in the value and the long term benefits of the project I feel support would be there.”

Leader: “What would be the largest challenge of completing the project?”

Bacon: “Actually receiving $50 million.”

Rosenfeld: “As long as the money is there I do not see any challenges in completing the project.”

Leader: “Would any neighboring communities benefit from the project?”

Bacon: “Neighboring communities would certainly benefit from road, intersection and other transportation improvements, as many residents in surrounding towns work, shop or travel through Scarborough.  Likewise, with a completed Eastern Trail residents of Saco and OOB could use the trail to get to South Portland and beyond, and visa versa.”

Rosenfeld: “Neighboring communities would benefit because of job creation and the potential to locate incubated businesses once they reach maturity. Creating new businesses in Scarborough would also benefit the entire state of Maine.”