Business View Civil and Municipal | March 2021

154 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL MARCH 2021 higher wages”, says Bryant. Rock Row owners, Waterstone Properties, are “in it for the long game” and anticipate more than five million visitors per year, and creation of 3,000 to 5,000 jobs. Given the immense boost the development will bring to the community, the city has partnered with Waterstone Properties securing tax incentives, a contract zone, and other initiatives. Westbrook has launched Maine’s first Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) program. As Stevenson explains, “The purpose of BRE is to focus on our existing businesses by industry sector to address their needs, help solve problems, and develop collaborative relationships and partnerships which include workforce training and talent recruitment.” In other good news, Mayor Foley shares, “We’re really excited about our Vertical Harvest downtown project, which I feel is critical to continue as the Rock Row development comes Mayor Michael T. Foley Courtesy of Scott Linscott Photography