Seventeen local businesses have formed the Downtown Business Alliance, a grassroots organization to promote and facilitate small, locally owned businesses in South Berwick.
Roxanne Poulin, representing Happy Valley Wine & Beer Garden, read a letter from members of the new organization during the public comments portion of the Aug. 8 Town Council meeting. They hope to work with the town on development projects and find ways to bring in grants and funding for such things as facade updates, the letter said.
The group, which will gather on Thursday, Aug. 24, at 5:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the M&T Bank, has invited interested members of the public to attend.
Also during public comments, a letter was read from Bittersweet Lane Road resident Ashley Norwood, who requested permission to close Bittersweet Lane on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 3-9 p.m. for a street party, the second annual neighborhood party. Councilor Melissa Costella said she wanted assurance that most of the Bittersweet Lane residents are in favor of the closure before voting on the request, and suggested reaching out to Norwood for more information.
Several councilors noted that Agamenticus Estates closes roads on Trick or Treat night and has done so for years without formal permission, but with assistance from the town. Council Chair Mallory Cook said the council is trying to do things by the book now, and questioned whether they should make a formal request in October for permission for the Halloween closure.
“Welcome to a small town…it just happens,” commented Councilor John James. However, he acknowledged Mallory was correct and that the situations were the same. The Council agreed to put both street closures on the agenda of future meetings.
