Editor,

Imagine if there hadn’t been the foresight in the 1800s to design and build the Pepperell Mill Complex.

Imagine if there hadn’t been the ingenuity to process textiles and leather which created thousands of jobs in the mills.

Imagine if there weren’t individuals with the vision and passion to bring the mill buildings back to life.

Imagine if there weren’t individuals elected by the people to make the decision to purchase the Maine Energy land and see the potential for significant economic development that will benefit both our cities.

Imagine if you can what the Mill District will look like five, 10 and 15 years from now.

Imagine if you can a bustling Mill District with jobs, housing, retail and services all connected by an intra-modal public transportation center.

Imagine that it all starts with a parking structure that interconnects Main Street with the Mill District or stimulates more efficiency with our downtown growth or on a piece of empty land that we so wisely purchased with the vision that economic vibrancy sometimes begins with a single step forward.

I can imagine that day happening soon. Well over a year ago, the Chamber of Commerce publicly stated its support for a parking structure. The where, when and how, are to be determined by elected officials and city staff using their best minds and information gathered. If a parking structure on 3 Lincoln Street becomes that first step forward that leads to our existing mills being occupied at capacity and we fill the 8.5 acres that was wasted on a trash incinerator for many years-won’t our children, grandchildren and new Mainers be happy that we had the vision and the courage to take that first step forward.

I urge you to speak or write to the hard-working Biddeford City Council and tell them you support the first great step in moving Biddeford+Saco forward by building a parking structure and encouraging future economic growth.

Craig A. Pendleton

Executive Director

Biddeford+Saco+Chamber of Commerce+Industry