City’s character changing

To the editor:    
    One cannot go without noticing the changes that have occurred and are occurring, in and around Caribou these past few years. Some of the changes have been good, and others not so good.  The world events are very troubling and the long winter doesn’t seem to want to loosen its grip on us. The rising price of oil and gas has contributed to everything else increasing in cost. For example, have you noticed that for the same amount of money you are spending for groceries, you are now carrying out fewer shopping bags? In spite of all these events, I hear some grumbling; but mostly I hear positive comments, polite salutations, and an exchange of words of encouragement. It makes me very proud to claim Caribou as my home town.
    The closure of Loring AFB in 1994 dramatically changed the complexion of the Aroostook County landscape and Caribou’s personality. The Loring community not only served our country, it also provided a large military and civilian payroll, which Caribou and neighboring communities benefited from. I believe it safe to say that we all miss the Loring presence in our community, as neighbors, friends, citizens, and contributors to our local economy.
    Caribou also experienced the relocation of the JC Penney store to the Presque Isle mall. The Penney’s store had a large presence in our community and served to attract shoppers from surrounding communities and New Brunswick. Penney’s contributed to Caribou as being recognized as “The Hub.” Now, Presque Isle is claiming their city as being “The Hub.”
    Not so fast, Presque Isle. I beg to differ! Caribou is “The Hub” and we continue to be recognized as such. Logistically, Caribou is centrally located and all roads lead to us.
    Everything being considered, the recent purchase of Penney’s building by the federal government on behalf of the local post office is a good thing. It got Caribou off the hook so to speak. As I understand, the building will be taken down this year. The plans are to create accessibility and safety for the daily delivery of mail by the large mail trucks, and also to provide a friendlier parking scheme for Post Office patrons and employees.
    Since the base closure and relocation of the JC Penney store, it has been suggested that Caribou is becoming a bedroom community. That may be a valid observation, if it is, then Caribou should promote itself as such and provide the appropriate support for this type community.
    Some have accepted the changes and have moved on. Others suggest that nothing comes to Caribou, and search for someone to blame. Through these changes, some citizens of Caribou have been busy through individual initiatives and committees-one of which is the Downtown Revitalization Advisory Committee. A goal that the committee has set is to promote and establish the city of Caribou as a Government Service Center. Why not? It’s already a work in progress.
    There, I believe, lies our niche. Caribou has been evolving into a Government Service Center, and we are privileged to have several Government Service entities in place serving the needs of many. Economically, it makes sense to adopt and develop this strategy.
    Caribou should continue to ensure that the infrastructure, services and amenities necessary to support this kind of community are in place. While Government Service Agencies provide employment opportunities for folks who live in Caribou and neighboring communities, they also provide accompanying payrolls, plus the rented spaces or buildings that these agencies occupy and also generate taxes which makes life easier for all of us.
    Additionally, the Government Services draw traffic to Caribou, which represents potential purchases to be made in our places of business. Some employees living in other communities may in time consider relocating to Caribou. At the same time, it provides Caribou an opportunity to showcase our community, which is highlighted by the Wellness and Recreation center, the Caribou Performing Arts Center, and also the Children’s Museum that is on the horizon.
    These are exactly the kinds of facilities that support the services and amenities required to support growth in our community, whether we are recognized as a “Bedroom Community” or a “Government Service Center” or both. And as previously stated, one only needs to visit the Wellness and Recreation Center to witness the ongoing participation by young and not-so-young alike.
    The Wellness and Recreation Center project was designed as a three-phase project. To date, Phase 1 has been completed and is being fully utilized. The total amount of funding approved by the voters on July 18, 2006, was $3.37 million. It is significant to note that as of the Grand Opening on March 16, 2008, total expenses were at $2,916,478 for a total of $435,522 under the original budgeted figure.
    Although the City of Caribou continues to have a debt service for this project, it is anticipated that it will be debt-free within three  years. It would be prudent to continue the planning and development stages of Phases 2 and 3 now in preparation for further development of the Wellness and Recreation Center, and also consideration for combining the two phases as one. It should be noted that the cost per square foot would be less, as Phase 1 was designed to include the electrical and plumbing to accommodate expansion. Phases 2 and 3 of the Wellness and Recreation Center represent the locker rooms and showers for adults, the weight room, climbing wall and aquatics.
    Now, it’s up to the citizens of Caribou, at this point, a citizens initiative would be appropriate to move the project forward and to completion.
Robert L. Albert
Caribou city councilor