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Chamber warns of tour-bus parking shortage; EDC reviews TIF budget and zoning ideas
Summary
The Kennebunk Chamber told the Economic Development Committee Jan. 6 that a shortage of tour-bus parking in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport may harm Lower Village businesses; the committee reviewed a TIF budget handout and discussed possible zoning changes and budget items. The committee also approved Dec. 4 minutes.
The Kennebunk Economic Development Committee heard a warning Jan. 6 from the KK&A Chamber of Commerce that a shortage of tour-bus parking in Kennebunk and neighboring Kennebunkport is creating business concerns for Lower Village merchants.
Laura Dolce, representing the KK&A Chamber of Commerce, told the committee the lack of designated tour-bus parking could reduce visitor access to downtown businesses, urging the committee and town partners to consider solutions that accommodate tourism-related buses without disrupting other traffic or parking needs.
Separately, Chair Steve Sawyer reviewed a TIF (tax increment financing) budget handout and discussed potential budget items the committee might add. Committee members also raised questions about possible zoning changes intended to improve the local business climate; no specific zoning amendments were proposed or adopted at the meeting.
At the start of the session, the committee voted to approve the Dec. 4, 2025 meeting minutes. Maureen Flaherty made the motion, Maureen Harris seconded it, and the minutes were approved "as presented," according to the minutes. The meeting adjourned at 6:38 p.m.; minutes were noted as "respectfully submitted" by Gary Dugas.
Laura Dolce also provided a brief Chamber membership update, saying the organization currently lists 644 members and is the seventh-largest chamber in the state by membership.
