Last January in this space, we noted there had been some encouraging signs in recent years and months in local economic development. I ended with, "See what other good things and smart people Wiscasset can attract in '25."

How did that go? In large part, it went well, most notably, many new business licenses were sought, to the point where town officials were remarking on it. Some selectmen's meetings have had several license requests on the agenda, including ones with no parking or traffic impacts, such as online-only businesses.

It all helps.

Also of note was Peregrine Turbine Technologies' interest in expanding its Birch Point footprint by seeking the remaining town-owned parcels there and, if it gets them, creating a research and development campus Chief Executive Officer and co-founder David Stapp envisions to have a college-like aesthetic and some public access to "enjoy some of the beautiful features down there," as he told selectmen Oct. 7.

The selectboard has since put a formal pause on review of any proposals that involve tax-acquired properties. That decision folowed a pretty huge wave, or wave after wave, of concern about an unidentified party's inquiry into possibly putting a data center on the town's Old Ferry Road acreage opposite the former Maine Yankee nuclear power plant.

Economic Development Director Aaron Chrostowsky said at the time, he did not know how long it will take for the town to create a process for considering proposals.

Selectmen were right to try to ensure the best outcomes via a well thought out process.

We hope in 2026 the new businesses keep coming, they and the old ones fare well, and the evaluation process the town makes for proposals on tax-acquired parcels is a success on all fronts.