Wiscasset's economic development advisory committee Oct. 23 talked possible goals, including supporting small businesses and, as part of that, "expanding business opportunities on (Route) 27 heading north."

Selectmen's liaison to the committee, Alissa Eason, suggested the Route 27 item, "based on our last year and a half's discussions ... We've talked about expanding sewage out that way, making (that area) more of a commercial area ..."

Economic Development Director Aaron Chrostowsky drafted the list of goals, calling them "just a very rough, preliminary (draft) for discussion purposes."

He said the goals will be mainly for that committee, but that there could be some overlap. "For example, airport and waterfront, I see us developing a partnership with those committees to work together on helping achieve those goals."

Chrostowsky said when the committee has agreed on them, the goals can go to the selectboard to consider. "That's really important 'cause I want their buy-in on this. And I want them to see the work that we're doing, but also support it, and actually proceed forward with progress ... I want to report back to them regularly," Chrostowsky told the committee.

On a committee question, he said if the selectboard did not approve the goals, the committee would work on them further, to address the board's comments and concerns. "So it might be a little bit of a process."

Participants voiced initial support and will email Chrostowsky any proposed changes and take up the draft again at the panel's next meeting.

Draft goals included optimizing the energy infrastructure; addressing the affordable housing shortage; managing seasonal traffic congestion; leveraging tourism assets; supporting small businesses; capitalizing on rail access; strengthening the airport's role; enhancing waterfront and port assets; and preserving the village's historic nature.

Also Oct. 23, the committee heard about Northeast University's Roux Institute's Venture Forward program Chrostowsky said would charge Wiscasset a total of $30,000 to train 10 local businesses in marketing and other tools and refining their business models. Committee members showed interest and wanted to learn more, including what if any similar programs exist that might not cost $30,000.

And Wiscasset's climate action team sought support for the Pleasant Street Extension proposal when the would-be project goes back before the selectboard; according to the discussion and documents at wiscasset.gov, the aim is to use outside funding to decrease erosion and flooding and make that piece of the waterfront more attractive with grading, native plants and a park with a kayak launch, parking and submersible gardens. Committee members voiced support.