Biddeford breaks ground on Pearl Street reconstruction project
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Pictured from left, at a ground-breaking ceremony on the Pearl Street Reconstruction Project in Biddeford on Thursday are Matthew Dietrich of Sewall Infrastructure, City Councilor Marty Grohman, Program/Management Analyst, Economic Development Administration Katherine Trapani, Representative from Senator Angus King’s office Bonita Pothier, Brian Eng of Fathom Companies, Mayor Alan Casavant, City Council President Norm Belanger, City Manager James Bennett, Chief Operating Officer Brian Phinney, and Public Works Director Jeff Demers. SBN STAFF/Liz Gotthelf
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BIDDEFORD — A road reconstruction project on Pearl Street has begun as economic development in the area gains momentum.
A ground-breaking ceremony was held Thursday afternoon to kick off the Pearl Street Reconstruction project, which was made possible with the help of a nearly $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration under its Public Works program.
“These projects are designed to stimulate private sector investment and job creation, and we believe that that’s what we are celebrating today, and it’s going to do exactly that,” said Mayor Alan Casavant.
The grant covers half the total project cost. TIF funding as well as paving and combined sewer overflow funds will be used to cover the other half, through a plan approved by the City Council.
The project to reconstruct approximately 900 linear feet of Pearl Street, from its intersection with Lincoln Street to the Saco River and Biddeford Riverwalk is being conducted by Shaw Brothers Construction. It will include traffic calming bump outs, parallel parking spaces, a pedestrian-friendly sidewalk, storm drainage, underground conduit for electric, telecommunications and internet lines, and upgrading of approximately 465 linear feet of sewer lines, according to a press release from the city. The completed design will allow for the street to be closed to create an open gathering space.
“Ten years ago, who would have imagined that we would be standing here surrounded by incredible development projects and economic activity,” said Casavant. A decade ago, Pearl Street was a road that led to a waste to energy plant. The waste to energy plant created significant environmental issues and its presence psychologically deflated the community, he said.
“Pearl Street was symbolically, a road to nowhere,” he said.
While there were many naysayers, there were members of the community who continued to believe there was the possibility for an exciting future for the city, said Casavant. He praised the city staff for its creativity and expertise in economic development and the city councilors for their support and efforts that have helped bring pride back into the community.
The need to improve the roadway and utilities was sparked by a recent increase of development in the Pearl Street area.
The City’s new 640-space parking garage, located on Pearl Street, opened for operation in July 2021 through a joint development agreement with the City of Biddeford, Treadwell Franklin Infrastructure Capital and James W. Sewall Company. The agreement also includes the future development of a new section of the Riverwalk walking trail.
The City of Biddeford has also entered into a Master Plan Agreement with Fathom Companies for the development of the city-owned property on both sides of the parking garage. The mixed-use development of five new buildings, along with the parking structure and RiverWalk, will create an economically vibrant, urban-style destination set to be known as the Pearl Point Riverfront District, according to a press release from the City of Biddeford. Once complete, this project will create as many as 645 new jobs in downtown Biddeford, adding a 5% increase to the Biddeford’s job base, according to city officials.
“We are thrilled and honored that the EDA has elected to support the vision for the Pearl Street Riverfront District,” said Jim Brady and Brian Eng, the development team behind Fathom Companies, in a written statement. “These funds will catalyze our collective effort to create Maine's most walkable, transit-oriented 24-hour complete neighborhood. Residents and visitors to Downtown Biddeford will be able to live, work and play in the vibrant, thoughtfully designed Pearl Street Riverfront District thanks to the EDA's support.”
Casavant said he looked forward to Pearl Street’s continuing transformation into a gateway to a vibrant part of the city’s downtown and mill district – a place to shop, dine, and live.
“The redevelopment of Pearl Street is a symbol of Biddeford’s success and modernization. It’s a symbol of all that we can be,” said Casavant. “It is truly a pearl of the renaissance that is shaping our mill district and our downtown.”
Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.