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Seeking Community Input on the Redevelopment of the Marble Block Building in downtown Biddeford
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This Tuesday, the Biddeford City Council is considering a proposal for the redevelopment of the Marble Block building at 129 Main Street.
This project, in partnership with Marble Block Development, LLC, aims to breathe new life into this iconic downtown building, transforming it into a vibrant space for commercial and potentially residential purposes.
Key highlights of the project include:
• Redevelopment Goals: Transform the first floor into a space for a restaurant and bowling alley by June 2025, with the upper levels potentially becoming either arts & cultural commercial space or residential rental units.
• Developer Commitments: Includes a $25,000 contribution to the City’s Affordable
Housing Trust Fund, with additional contributions based on the development of residential units and adherence to Biddeford’s inclusionary zoning ordinance.
• City Commitments: The city intends to support the project via a Tax Increment
Financing (TIF) District, and a 30-year Credit Enhancement Agreement that provides
the developer with an average reimbursement of 72% of the new property taxes generated by the project. This approach is designed to ensure the project's financial feasibility without requiring additional city funds, other than the agreed upon new property tax sharing terms. Reimbursements will conclude either at the end of the 30-year term or when the total reimbursement reaches $919,769, whichever occurs first.
Project Overview and Financial Support Plan:
Breaking it down, the developer intends to renovate a building, introducing a restaurantand bowling alley, with the potential addition of apartments. They are committing $25,000 to the city's housing fund. In return, the city will help finance the project through a TIF and Credit Enhancement Agreement. This means that a portion of the taxes generated by the new development will be returned to the developer for a set
period. This financial tool gives the project a boost by reinvesting some of its own future tax contributions back into making it successful, without additional costs to our current city budget.
Considering the Pros and Cons:
Renovating a historic building has undeniable appeal, but we need to balance this with the critical need for affordable housing in Biddeford, especially as more than half of Maine residents cannot afford rent. My reservations about this joint development agreement stem from its potential focus on a narrow demographic, which does not meaningfully address the wider demand for accessible housing. Acknowledging that a single developer cannot address all community challenges, the $25,000 contribution to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund does not meet the scale of investment required to create even a single new affordable unit.As we navigate this decision, I am reminded of Biddeford’s finite development space and the importance of supporting projects that offer long-term benefits to our city. Evaluating this proposal's financial and communal worth goes beyond mere number crunching; we are contemplating Biddeford's future and the precedents we set for development. This is the crux of our dilemma: determining whether this proposal, with its immediate allure, aligns closely enough with our community's enduring needs and merits the financial commitment we are poised to make.
Your Voice Matters:
As we consider this Joint Development Agreement, your input is invaluable to me. I want to ensure this project aligns with our City’s vision and interests. Here are some questions I would appreciate your feedback on:
• Support for the Project: Do you support the redevelopment of the Marble Block building under the proposed terms? Why or why not?
• Community Benefits: What benefits do you believe this project will bring to Biddeford? Are there any concerns you have about the project's impact on Biddeford?
How to Provide Feedback:
• Public Forum: Join us at City Hall, on Tuesday, February 20th at 6pm to share your thoughts as the City Council considers this project.• Email: You can also email me at: liam.lafountain@biddefordmaine.org or your City Councilor at their email found here.
Your feedback is a crucial component in my decision-making process, ensuring we consider all perspectives and make choices that reflect our community's best interests. Together, we can shape a future that reflects our collective vision and values.
Liam LaFountain is serving his second term on the Biddeford City Council and works as a healthcare analyst at the non-profit Healthcare Purchaser Alliance. He welcomes questions, comments, and ideas and can be contacted directly at
liam.lafountain@biddefordmaine.org.
The views and opinions herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints and opinions of Saco Bay News, its employees, publisher, or advertisers.
The views and opinions herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints and opinions of Saco Bay News, its employees, publisher, or advertisers.