In an interesting juxtaposition, the town of Scarborough, finds itself looking both backward and forward at the same time. Having just completed a successful celebration of the town's 350 years of history, from 1658-2008, the community is looking forward to a future marked by continued economic and community growth. Even in these tenuous economic times, Scarborough continues to attract new commercial ventures that help provide the necessary economic support to continue to build its ability to deliver services to our continuing residential development.
Among projects that are continuing, construction of the 230,000 s/f Super Wal-Mart is underway in the Scarborough Gallery, currently home of a new Lowe's and the Texas Road House. These ventures will soon be joined by Staples, KFC and Taco Bell, with other retail sites available.
The Gateway Shoppes, home to New England's second Cabela's store is now the magnet for hunting, fishing and outdoor enthusiasts throughout New England and Canada. Several retailers have joined this 130,000 s/f sporting goods giant right off Exit 42 of the Maine Turnpike. At Gateway Sq. just across from the Shoppes and part of the larger Gateway at Scarborough development, planning is nearing completion on two exciting projects. Fairchild Semiconductor, a leading global provider of semiconductor technology will locate its major east coast office facility in a 90,000 s/f LEED certified building. Joining Fairchild will be an 8,700 s/f facility for KinderCare Learning Centers. With these projects, Scarborough's Professional Gateway is returning to the Town's ultimate goal of developing an aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly mixed-use area for high tech and office development, supported by a myriad of retail and hospitality providers. Opportunities for development are still available in these developments.
Hotel development continues unabated with the opening of two new hotels. First, a Hilton Homewood Suites on Payne Rd. with great access to Portland International Jetport, the Maine Mall, and the city of Portland and second, the first new large hotel on Rte. One south of Freeport in many years, a Comfort Inn and Suites, are exciting new additions to Scarborough.
High tech, life sciences, precision manufacturing, retail and office development are continuing to grow throughout Scarborough in both existing space and new construction. Scarborough continues its forward look by aggressively implementing an economic development strategy as recommended by its Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee. This process will open new areas for all types of business development while making strides toward higher quality and environmentally sound development. Scarborough is continuing to work with the communities of Greater Portland, Portland, Westbrook, South Portland, and recently Falmouth on the promotion of Maine's Biotech Hub (www.greaterportland.org). Greater Portland is home to one of northern New England's largest and fastest-growing biotechnology clusters and with its proximity and access to Boston, it is ideal for biotech companies looking to expand and/or relocate.
This is an exciting time both for Scarborough and our business community, both new and expanding. If it appears to you that Scarborough is wearing out its ribbon-cutting scissors and ground-breaking shovels, you're right. This is a great time for the readers of the New England Real Estate Journal to seriously consider Scarborough and Greater Portland Maine for their clients. The staff of the Scarborough Economic Development Corp. stands ready to assist you and your clients. visit our website at: www.sedco.scarborough.me.us.
Harvey Rosenfeld is the president of the Scarborough Economic Development Corp.