Though it’s not the best timing due to the Fourth of July holiday, the public hearing Tuesday about the proposal to purchase and close the Maine Energy Recovery Company’s waste-to-energy incinerator is an important meeting ”“ and one we hope many residents make time to attend, despite their holiday plans.

With this proposal, Biddeford is on the verge of a new era, a future in which the entire downtown no longer smells like trash. It’s also poised to lose a major employer and property tax contributor ”“ at the city’s expense ”“ so residents would do well to stay informed and make their opinions heard before it’s all said and done.

According to Casella Waste Management, which owns the plant, they’re now willing to sell it, at what they consider fair market value, because it no longer fits with their business model. The city council is preparing to vote on a $6.6 million buyout of the waste incinerator July 31, and it’s a big decision to make, one that will impact the future of Biddeford and Saco, as well as all municipalities that send waste to the incinerator, for the foreseeable future.

Whatever one thinks about the trash incinerator, there’s no arguing that it doesn’t belong in the heart of the downtown ”“ particularly not now. When it was approved in the 1980s, it was undoubtedly seen as an economic savior. The city was reeling from job losses, with a steady procession of textile mill jobs heading south in the 1950s through the ’70s, and incinerating waste sure seemed like a better option than more landfills.

But there’s no doubt today that the stench of our burning waste is inhibiting the renaissance that so many are working so hard to bring about. It’s difficult enough, with the current economic climate, to rebuild a downtown into a viable business and entertainment district, but when you add the smell, air pollution and the booming trash trucks rumbling by, it’s no surprise that many investors will simply keep on looking.

For years now, the city has realized its mistake and has been working to get rid of the plant. A buyout plan with taxpayer funding from both Biddeford and Saco failed a few years back, but the option on the table today would use other revenue sources such as the cellular phone leases on the MERC tower ”“ which would remain ”“ and TIF funding. It’s still going to cost taxpayers more if Biddeford loses its host city deal on tipping fees, however, with an increase from the current $47 per ton of waste to $55 per ton ”“ with annual adjustments.

A curbside recycling program, long overdue in this city, is also part of the plan and it will come with a cost, too, but the city could recoup some of the revenue after a certain threshold is met.

Overall, this proposal seems solid. For Casella, it’s a good deal to lock in the city for another 10 years and have the city host its curbside recycling. For Biddeford, it’s a chance to finally enter the 21st century with a real recycling program while also removing the biggest hindrance to the rebirth of the twin cities’ downtown.

But before the council prepares to cast that all important vote at the end of the month, they need to hear from residents about any concerns or encouragement they have about the plan. From there, it either passes or it fails, and we all get to see what happens next.

The public hearing is tonight at 7 p.m. in city council chambers at Biddeford City Hall.

Ӣ Ӣ Ӣ

Today’s editorial was written by Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski, representing the majority opinion of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Kristen by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.