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Updated: 35 min ago From the Editor

Editor's note: Striking a balance in Maine’s downtowns

By Peter Van Allen

It’s a divisive and popular issue today to talk about whether Amazon has put Main Street retailers out of business.

But I would argue that the heart of a strong downtown is about more than the lowest prices or best selection.

If you’re talking about a strong downtown, you need independent retailers, naturally, but also a coffee shop, a bookstore, some lively bars and restaurants, nightlife (maybe a live-music venue), a town hall and a library, not to mention parking and walkability.

Most of all, a good downtown provides human connection, which is one thing you won’t get at Amazon. If you’re running into friends or acquaintances, if you’re sharing the weather report, if you’re getting a business lead — you’ve got a healthy downtown.

This issue looks at two areas where the life of the downtown is a barometer of the vitality of a city or town.

Staff Writer Tina Fischer and photographer Tim Greenway spent some time in Bath, which has gone through significant changes downtown. With a major ownership shift, many of the downtown properties were sold to retailers that had previously been tenants. The result has been investment, upgrades to buildings and, as a side benefit, an increase in downtown housing development.  

In Bar Harbor, the debate around the downtown has focused on controlling the number of passengers coming in from cruise ships and pausing development of lodging establishments. The retail and restaurants have always had plenty of customers, but regulations limiting the number of people coming into town has created tension between retailers and elected officials. Senior Writer Laurie Schreiber has the story.

And be sure to check out Senior Writer Renee Cordes’ recap of some of the best “On the Record” interviews of the year.

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