YORK, Maine — An amendment on the Nov. 5 referendum ballot aims to draw more people to one of Maine's oldest communities.
The initiative would require new businesses in York's Village Center, including restaurants, shops, and services like salons and barber shops, to have their first-floor commercial space facing the street and office space to go in the back.
Supporters say the changes are needed to help the historic village survive and grow, especially after the tourist season winds down.
The lunch rush is on at the Fat Tomato Grill. Known for sandwiches, footlongs, and other specialties made to order. It's located in the heart of historic York Village, drawing loyal customers from the nearby York Hospital and visitors. The eatery is one of a few businesses open until 7 p.m., but the area is becoming a ghost town as more tourists leave for the season.
"Once 5 o'clock comes around, December forward, it gets dark under the kitchen table, as they say, as everybody's thinking about bed," quipped Charlie Caramihalis, who took over the eatery in 2011.
This 30-year resident worries about more businesses leaving York Village for Route 1, a busier corridor.
"I would like to see more people open up businesses here in York and make it more like a visible town center," Betty McPhee exclaimed.
Town officials believe a zoning change could bolster the historic district by making it more pedestrian-friendly.
"It's all about bringing people downtown, shopping, eating, and hanging out, and revitalizing that culture and scene, which is pretty traditional to all New England towns," Dylan Smith, the planning director for York, explained.
However, some business owners like Scott Berger, who owns a bike shop on the same block as Fat Tomato Grill, are pushing back.
He says the zoning change will increase the hurdles for developers the town is trying to lure to the village center.
Town officials say the zoning change will enhance the long-awaited York Village Revitalization Project if approved. The project, funded by local, state, and federal dollars, will break ground in 2026. It will relocate the Soldiers' Monument, add trees and benches, and replace and widen sidewalks to improve walkability and traffic—all to breathe some new life into the village.
"Something to make people say, hey, York Village, that's cool. You know we can visit and get something to eat," Caramihalis added.
On Nov. 5, York voters will also decide on a $4 million plan to buy a private section of Long Sands Beach. Town leaders in York want to buy 42 acres of privately-owned land to allow the public to continue to visit the area.