New Gloucester’s new town planner, Will Johnston, attended his first meeting with the Economic Development Committee (EDC) at its annual dinner out at Rosanna’s Restaurant on Monday. Although a few of the committee members had met him during the interview process, Johnston took the opportunity to introduce himself and share his credentials.
Married with two teenaged children,
Johnston lives in Pownal and brings a diverse resume of nearly 30 years experience
to New Gloucester. He served as senior planner for the Maine State Planning Office from 2000-2003 and
in the middle 80s for the Greater Portland Council of Governments. Johnston has
experience from both sides of the grant writing table. Not only has he had
several successful grant awards; he has also developed and reviewed various
grant applications.
Johnston commented, “While I love my
town, I am so impressed with New Gloucester and how active its volunteer
committees are. Volunteers are the heart and soul of a community and New
Gloucester is lucky to have such a dedicated group. I’m really looking forward
to working with you folks!”
After getting acquainted, Johnston asked
the group to bring him up to speed on current initiatives. The primary item on
the EDC agenda was an upcoming Business Summit with the Town of Gray and the
Gray New Gloucester Development Corporation (GNGDC).
All Gray and New Gloucester businesses
are invited to the Summit dubbed “Build, Grow, Succeed”. The Spring Meadows Banquet
Facility will host the Summit on November 12 at 5 p.m. Key note speakers at the
event are Maine Economist Charles Lawton and Governor LePage’s lead economic
advisor, John Butera who will discuss the significance of regional branding and
some of the resources to municipalities and business to foster economic growth.
In addition to providing staff support
to the EDC, Johnston will work with the Planning Board and Land Management
Planning Committee (LMPC) toward the town’s vision for the upper village.
Just a week after his official first day
with New Gloucester, Johnston explained, “I will be looking very carefully at
what work has been done regarding the Upper Village in order to get up to
speed. I already see opportunities for the LMPC and EDC to work together toward
the overall vision.” He also emphasized a focus to relocate the public works
building to allow for improved vehicle and pedestrian access and to create
mixed-use investment opportunities in the area. Johnston also shared that his
experience with grant funding was an important aspect of his resume when he was
hired. He views grants, public funding and creative financing techniques as
essential components of any strategy – facilitating needed investments without overly
burdening taxpayers.
“I will be working to find such funding
opportunities as we further develop the Upper Village vision and look to
implement some of the initiatives,” he said.
Johnston can be reached at New
Gloucester Town Hall, or via email at wjohnston@newgloucester.com.
Photo caption
Will Johnston getting briefed by the New
Gloucester Economic Development Committee about future projects and goals.
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