Lincoln County’s Pretty Town of Progress

Infrastructure, a Thriving Airport, and Economic Expansion Drive Growth in Midcoast Maine

Known for its historic architecture and scenic beauty, Wiscasset, a charming town in Lincoln County, Maine, is at a pivotal moment in its development. With a forward-thinking vision for economic expansion and infrastructure improvements, the town is laying the foundation for long-term prosperity for residents and businesses alike.

Strategic Development and Business Growth

Wiscasset is undergoing large-scale redevelopment efforts, partnering with developers and investors to unlock its full economic potential. These initiatives will create new jobs, housing, and business opportunities, strengthening the local economy.

Key Development Projects:

• Islebrook Village – A new senior living community with a planned opening in April 2025.
• Ames Hardware & Supply – Expanding outdoor storage to accommodate increased demand for building materials and rental equipment.
• Shaw’s Supermarket – Completed renovation of supermarket.
• Wiscasset Ford – Completed expansion of its showroom, office, and service areas to enhance customer experience.
• Tucker Chevrolet – Undergoing review to build a new dealership, further strengthening the automotive sector.

Gearing Up for Economic Expansion

As Wiscasset grows, town leaders are carefully balancing economic expansion with preserving the town’s historic charm. A major challenge is addressing the growing demand for affordable housing.

A recent housing study revealed a significant shortage of affordable options, prompting the town to streamline permitting processes and revise ordinances to make development more accessible.

Small Businesses Thriving

Wiscasset’s local economy is evolving, with a surge in small businesses opening in the past year:

– Aekeir Brewing Tasting Room – Crafting artisanal ales, lagers, and sours.

– Cope & Co. Collection – Handmade artisan leather goods.

– Bicylette Furniture – Custom American hardwood furniture.

– Charm Thai – Authentic Thai cuisine.

– Liberty Pizza – New York-style pizza in Midcoast Maine.

– Panacea – Ocean-inspired soups and comfort foods.

– Grounded – A cozy coffee shop serving locally roasted blends.

Infrastructure: The Backbone of Growth

Attracting new residents and businesses is only part of the equation—ensuring Wiscasset’s infrastructure can support growth is just as critical.

Another major initiative is the relocation and modernization of Wiscasset’s wastewater treatment facility. The existing plant, located on an island in the harbor, is at risk due to climate change-related sea-level rise and storm surges.  Moving the facility to a more secure location is essential for maintaining long-term wastewater management capacity, particularly as the community grows.

Transportation and connectivity remain a focus for Wiscasset.  The town is participating with regional partners, such as the Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission and Midcoast Council of Governments, to study and find ways to improve the regional transportation network (airports, ports, rail, roads, and pedestrian facilities). Also, the Town is working with MaineDOT to conduct traffic safety audits on Routes 1 and 144 to help ensure residents and businesses have safe access to markets.

Upgrades are planned for the Wiscasset Municipal Airport, and a master plan guides improvement. “We’re looking at paving the apron, making adjustments to the taxiway, as well as making some improvements to our terminal exterior,” Chrostowsky confirms, explaining that the exterior upgrades will include a complete refurbishment with new windows, siding, and roofing.  While the airport does not support commercial flights at this time, it would welcome commercial flights and cargo operations, it remains a crucial hub for general aviation in the Midcoast region.

The Town received a grant from the State’s Governors’ Office of Policy Innovation and the Future to conduct a vulnerability assessment on several town-owned piers located on the waterfront – protecting the town’s access to the Sheepscot River and Wiscasset Harbor which is a deep-water port. These piers are hubs of business activity and critical to the town’s economy.

Expanding High-Speed Internet

Wiscasset and Lincoln County are on track to become the first all-fiber county in Maine, thanks to Fidium Fiber, a subsidiary of Consolidated Communications. This initiative will provide affordable, high-speed internet access, benefiting businesses, remote workers, students, and telehealth users.

Transforming the Mason Station & Old Ferry Road Properties

The Town of Wiscasset was one of six communities chosen by the Governor’s Energy Office and the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development to participate in the state’s Maine Community Energy Redevelopment Program (MECERP), funded through the Governor’s Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan. The program will provide technical assistance to help revitalize former mill sites, power stations, and other facilities with available or excess electrical capacity to unlock new economic activity, create family-sustaining jobs, and reduce carbon emissions.

The Town has focused their work on two primary sites – Birch Point “Mason Station” and “Old Ferry Road Property.”

One of Wiscasset’s most ambitious projects is the redevelopment of Mason Station, a waterfront property that once housed a coal-fired power plant.

Developers are discussing plans for:

• A marina, enhancing tourism and recreation.
• Battery storage facilities, supporting renewable energy initiatives.
• A hotel, attracting visitors and strengthening the local economy.
• New housing, addressing the town’s residential needs.

The Town is exploring the potential for a mixed-use development with housing, light-industry, energy, commercial uses on a town-owned 300-acre parcel near the airport called the Old Ferry Road Property.

• Currently undergoing a Brownfield Phase I Site Assessment, this land has the potential to accommodate housing developments and an expansion of the existing business park.
• The town received County ARPA funds for a regulatory assessment and master plan on the Old Ferry Road property.

Preserving Wiscasset’s Historic Charm

Wiscasset’s economic transformation is about more than just growth—it’s about maintaining the town’s identity.

By fostering small business growth, supporting infrastructure improvements, and embracing sustainable energy solutions, Wiscasset is positioning itself as a resilient and dynamic town.

At a Glance

Who: Town of Wiscasset, Maine
What: A historic town undergoing economic expansion and infrastructure modernization
Where: Lincoln County, Maine
Website: www.wiscasset.org