Rockland residents are encouraged to lend thoughts about what makes their city unique, and what they value about it, as a group attempts to develop a community vision for a strip of Route 1 that runs along the northern edge of the harbor toward the Rockport town line.

The Rockland Economic Development Advisory Committee (REDAC), in partnership with Friends of Midcoast Maine, is hosting a public workshop Thursday, Sept. 27, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Breakwater Marketplace, 91 Camden Street. The meeting is part of the ongoing effort by Rockland to develop what REDAC calls the “heart and soul” of the area and find ways to implement a community vision.

Part of that process includes holding meetings to help develop a planning vision for the stretch of Route 1 that extends from the Rockport town line to Maverick Street, at the intersection of Route 17 (where McDonald and Burger King are located).

"In June, we heard that you were interested in creating a sense of identity for the area that is not anywhere USA," said a flyer announcing the meeting.

The strip of highway there was once farmland that has, over the last 40 years, become predominantly commercial. In the summer, it can be slow going through the area, as tourists make their way to Rockland, and shoppers turn in and out of Home Depot, Walmart, and a shopping plaza home to Shaw's and T.J. Maxx.

REDAC held its first community workshop on June 21 to discuss the future of the Route 1 stretch, with more than 30 attending, according to meeting notes. From that meeting, REDAC gleaned that citizens appreciate what exists now, such as sidewalks; that residential areas are close by; that traffic flow is enabled by turning lanes; there is retail diversity and that there are street trees and water views.

But they also want to improve the visual streetscape and access to ocean views; traffic flow — with coordinated traffic lights; increase the greenscape and decrease asphalt; increase pedestrian safety; and reuse vacant buildings, such as the empty Bonanza Restaurant.

Joanne Billington, chairman of the REDAC, said in a press release: “At our June public meeting we heard from numerous residents that people were interested in creating an identity for this area. That will be the purpose of this meeting in September.”

Audrey Lovering, Rockland Community Development director, said: “If you live, work, shop in Rockland, REDAC wants to hear your opinions. We need your help. Be a part of the planning for this section of our community.”

This series of workshops and technical assistance is provided in partnership with Friends of Midcoast Maine, a nonprofit organization that assists communities in planning their future. Executive Director Jane Lafleur said in the release: “These workshops will focus on the issues Rockland people care about and will bring in assistance to address economic issues, walkability, safety, traffic and commercial and residential diversity. The goal is to engage citizens in planning the future for this area of town, incorporate the things they care and provide opportunities to create a place that fits in with the rest of Rockland.”

All are invited. Refreshments will be served.

For more information, and to receive REDAC's e-newsletter, contact the Rockland Community Development Department, 207- 594-0306, or email alovering@ci.rockland.me.us

Reach Lynda Clancy, PenBayPilot editorial director, at lyndaclancy@PenBayPilot.com, or call 207-706-6657