Sanford Election Hinges on Heritage Crossing Safety and Homelessness Solutions

Sanford voters will choose a new mayor and fill two City Council seats on Tuesday.

The race has centered on how to handle public safety and chronic homelessness, issues amplified by the recent closure of Heritage Crossing.

The city declared the area near the old Woolen Mill an attractive nuisance and an extraordinary public safety hazard. The Council voted this month to keep the road closed until officials confirm it is safe.

Candidates also face a backdrop of uncertainty regarding a potential data center and a biosolid processing plant.

Deputy Mayor Maura Herlihy, running for mayor, said the police and fire departments do exceptional work. She plans to strengthen ties with county and state officials to secure immediate winter sheltering options and push for judicial reforms. Herlihy also wants to invest in security cameras at Heritage Crossing to deter illegal activity.

Pete Tranchemontagne, a current City Council member, cited preventing major fires at the mill as his primary safety concern. He aims to work with state and local officials to acquire funding so the cost does not fall on Sanford taxpayers. Tranchemontagne said public safety is the number one job of local government, followed by reducing the tax burden through economic development.

Daniel White proposed a strategy to address environmental hazards at Heritage Crossing if the city acquires the property. He said in an email that he would initiate a feasibility study and seek federal, state, and historic preservation grants to turn the site into a textile heritage museum.

Matthew Dupuis did not respond to a request for comment. At the city’s Meet the Candidates night, he noted that the city’s legal options for those who do not want assistance are limited.

Among the seven council candidates, Alex Clary, Michael Perry, and Meagan Crawford all agreed that transparency and education are priorities. Crawford said she would work to establish a warming center. Shawn Goodwin said he would have concerns about funding and maintenance for a warming shelter. He stated that the best thing for the people of Sanford is to keep the mill building closed.

Jonathan Martell, a council member running for reelection, said the city’s decision to pause its syringe service program late last year was a step in the right direction. He added that police need enough support and resources to keep the city safe.

Victoria Pariyar linked chronic homelessness to mental health and emphasized the importance of respect in municipal solutions. She said people are nervous and that more businesses would help.

Bryce Lambert said the city needs to help the police department with enforcement without violating laws. He noted that it will take creative measures to get there.