MAINE TOWN & CITY • October 2020
Two Penobscot County towns that suffered major losses when their paper mills closed are looking for innovative ways to redevelop the sprawling sites that once served as the economic heart of their communities. In Millinocket, a non-profit is working closely with town officials to repair infrastructure, get grant money to clean up the site and attract new business. In East Millinocket, the town itself voted to purchase the mill, laying the groundwork for what town officials hope will be an opportunity for new commercial growth. After months of negotiations, the town closed on the purchase in late July, giving townspeople the opportunity to now ponder not only the future of the town but of the Katahdin region.