After reading the March 6 Press Herald article “Freeport partners with MaineDOT to rework Route 1,” I applaud Freeport’s priorities of housing and transportation while seeking creative resources to offset costs and taxes.

I have been disturbed to learn that Freeport has downtown parking that it may convert into a permanent skatepark, a project nearing mid-review. I oppose this departure from town priorities for housing. Housing is highlighted in Freeport’s 2020 Downtown Plan, 2025 Dogbone District report and early drafts of the 2025 Comprehensive Plan.

Converting town parking lots into housing would produce town revenues first with land sale, and second with taxes collected in perpetuity. Other advantages of preserving downtown for housing include efficiency of utility infrastructure and decreased rural sprawl.

There is no revenue if the town gives a downtown parking lot away —  in fact, there are maintenance costs that can be avoided if a skatepark was placed around the schools or one of its field complexes, which are designed for sport and provide skateboarders with maintenance, bathrooms and safety. This model is used in Lewiston, Kennebunk, Rockland, South Portland, Standish and Windham.

Freeport taxpayers should contact the Town Council or town management to request that underutilized parking lots be converted into housing, which will mitigate both rising taxes and the housing crisis. If community members can quickly course correct town leadership gone rogue, the result will be a downtown where more residents (including youth) live and walk to work, dine and play.

Stefanie Millette
Freeport