I’d like to thank everyone who spent six plus hours packed into the Westbrook City Council meeting last Monday night. I was one who was sitting in the hall. I admit to leaving at 9:15 and watching at home on TV till my eyelids simply couldn’t stay open. I was delighted to learn council members voted to support site restrictions in the Gateway zoning district including the important 160,000 square feet in size.

It is apparent our community has strong opinions about not allowing a large box store onto the site. I’m in agreement with that. I’m curious about ideas community members have as to what business or combinations of businesses and services would be welcome and do well on the site.

Saunder Brothers stated they are feeling the pressure to sell since they are in the process of completely moving out and time is money. I believe I heard the cost to tear down the existing Saunders buildings is in the million dollar range.

What business or grouping of businesses would be a good fit for the neighborhood? I challenge Westbrook citizens to pool our passion for something other than a Big Box Store and find a creative alternative that solves the cost for clean up in the process.

I don’t recall who said it last Monday night – the idea that Sandy Hill Corp. might be a potential good fit on the Saunders property – I found myself nodding my head and a bit excited about what will come together for our Westbrook community.

Jan Born

Westbrook

I’d like to thank everyone who spent six plus hours packed into the Westbrook City Council meeting last Monday night. I was one who was sitting in the hall. I admit to leaving at 9:15 and watching at home on TV till my eyelids simply couldn’t stay open. I was delighted to learn council members voted to support site restrictions in the Gateway zoning district including the important 160,000 square feet in size.

It is apparent our community has strong opinions about not allowing a large box store onto the site. I’m in agreement with that. I’m curious about ideas community members have as to what business or combinations of businesses and services would be welcome and do well on the site.

Saunder Brothers stated they are feeling the pressure to sell since they are in the process of completely moving out and time is money. I believe I heard the cost to tear down the existing Saunders buildings is in the million dollar range.

What business or grouping of businesses would be a good fit for the neighborhood? I challenge Westbrook citizens to pool our passion for something other than a Big Box Store and find a creative alternative that solves the cost for clean up in the process.

I don’t recall who said it last Monday night – the idea that Sandy Hill Corp. might be a potential good fit on the Saunders property – I found myself nodding my head and a bit excited about what will come together for our Westbrook community.

Jan Born

Westbrook