Thumbs up to the Biddeford City Council for its approval of a contract zone for the Emery School housing project. Developers needed the city’s swift action to allow them to meet an Oct. 28 application deadline for federal low income housing tax credits.

By giving quick approval and allowing an extra four apartment units above what is normally allowed, the council will have brought redevelopment of the school closer to reality, creating more affordable housing for the elderly and keeping one less building from prolonged vacancy and deterioration.

Thumbs up to the City of Saco for installing a memorial marker on the former site of the Olympia Fruit Store at the corner of Main and Storer streets. It is markers such as these ”“ and the informational billboards in both Biddeford and Saco ”“ that pique the interest of passers-by and lead them to learn more about the identity of our communities. It is fortunate that John Anagnostis, the son of one of the store owners, was able to be present at the memorial’s dedication and share his memories of the store.

Thumbs up to the Old Orchard Beach High School marching band for being so welcoming to musicians from the now-defunct Biddeford High School marching band. These BHS students, who hold their participation in band as a very important part of their high school careers, are lucky to have the opportunity to continue to experience this unique activity. It will be a way for all the participants ”“ whether their colors run orange or blue ”“ to learn what it really means to be a team.

Thumbs up to the Sanford Regional Economic Growth Council for seeking out candidates for governor and inviting them to spend time in Sanford and Springvale. So often, candidates visit communities and stay long enough to shake hands with potential voters. And while there’s nothing wrong with that approach, spending a few hours talking to growth council members, municipal and school leaders and business leaders gives those folks an insight into a candidate’s policies. In turn, it gives Sanford officials the chance to expound on what they expect from the state’s next governor. Independents Eliot Cutler and Shawn Moody have each spent several hours in town, and Republican Paul LePage and Democrat Libby Mitchell are expected to do the same.

Thumbs down to a proposal from several Route 1 businesses in Saco to install a left turning lane for access to KFC, the York County Federal Credit Union and a proposed CVS. Saco planners have worked hard to keep that section of Route 1 safe by limiting curb cuts and encouraging use of traffic lights and rear access roads. No exception should be made for these businesses when others have been denied such turning lanes. The area is particularly congested and dangerous during the summer tourist season and should not be made more complex.

Thumbs up to Congregation Etz Chaim in Biddeford for its attempts to make the Jewish high holidays more accessible for Jews who may not be familiar with more Orthodox traditions. Use of music, English language prayers and more participation should help many people to feel more connected to their faith or heritage.

— Thumbnails is a Monday feature of the Journal Tribune’s opinion pages. If you would like to respond, please write the Reader’s Forum via e-mail at jtcommunity@journaltribune.com or by dropping your letter off at our Biddeford or Sanford offices.