With yet another potential, significant project on Wiscasset's horizon, in the form of Peregrine Turbine Technologies, LLC's would-be research and development campus, the prospects for economic growth for the town continue. And yet an undercurrent is also reason for encouragement.

That is the bevy of small businesses that keep opening here. The town has long attracted commerce that wants the exposure of Route One and/or taps the region's reputation for shops from antiques to art to eateries and fashion. But Wiscasset at the moment appears bursting with a gamut of enterprises; enough so for Town Manager Dennis Simmons to note in his manager's report for selectmen's Oct. 7 meeting, he cannot recall so many business license applications in one meeting.

I thought the same thing when I saw the agenda and all those applications. From boat kits, to astrology, automotive work and a fish 'n chips mobile food trailer, Wiscasset has a lot of new commerce, including web-based like the astrology one. See details at wiscasset.gov

For a while, business license requests have flowed pretty steadily. And to have so many at once, underscores that people with plans and the means to make them happen are seeing Wiscasset as a place to go for it.

Even when Peregrine was working out of leased space at Wiscasset Municipal Airport years ago, the company's ideas were big. As with any potential project, the R & D campus is no sure thing; but the company's progress and all the other local business happening and potentially happening show Wiscasset is trying, business is interested, and movement is good because it creates possibilities.

Week's positive parting thought: Cautious optimism on the Patriots. May they keep the momentum going.