Business Profiles
Good old York Beach has a new look
The York Beach Renaissance Committee has been working for two years to improve the look and feel of the small downtown area and the banners mark the latest addition to the town's historic beach shopping district.
The banners were donated by the following businesses: Woods Family Inc., Saxony Imports, Inn on the Blues, Shelton's Gifts and Clothing, Sweet Josie's Candy Shoppe, York Hospital, Para's Pizza, The Purple Palace, York Trolley, River's by the Sea, Seaside Vacation Rentals, York Beach Camper Park and The Goldenrod.
Rivers by the Sea Sales and Rentals donated the time of two staff members, Marvin and Ivo, as well as the equipment, to install the banners.
"It is particularly rewarding to see these banners decorating the beach after the discouragement the flood brought in May," said Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce President Cathy Goodwin. "Our business community was so grateful for everyone's help during that time. They are proud to be open and back to serving our residents and visitors. The banners are a way to display that pride."
The donation of park benches has also improved the amenities of the beach shopping area.
Dianne Goodwin, longtime chamber member and former owner of the Cape Neddick House Bed and Breakfast, which greeted guests along Route 1 for decades, donated the benches.
"It's great to see so many people enjoying these new benches," said Dawn Fernald, chairwoman of the Renaissance Committee. "Each of these small improvements helps us move the renaissance project forward."
Meanwhile, families and visitors who want to assist with the beach improvement project have purchased more than 1,000 bricks to be included in new walkways in the area. Sidewalk replacement work in the beach has been postponed, however, until a full streetscape plan can be developed that includes proper drainage, new streetlights and new brick walkways.
The committee is working with town representatives to finalize the streetscape plan, with the intent of replacing the sidewalks and installing the bricks by the fall of 2007.
For more information about the York Beach Renaissance Project, please contact the Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce at 363-4422.
