Thomaston Community Development Corporation
Welcome to Tommytown.org, the online home for Thomaston, Maine Community Development Corporation. We are dedicated to assisting and partnering with individuals and organizations that wish to support our beautiful town. We aim to enhance the quality of life for Thomaston residents while preserving our historic small-town atmosphere. As an independent non-profit corporation 501(c)3 (pending), we operate separately from Thomaston's municipal government. Our intention is to collaborate closely with local government without adding to the tax burden for residents. The board members of Tommytown.org, representing the Thomaston Community Development Corp., are all volunteers who do not receive any remuneration or financial gain.
Our Community
We are an economically diverse population of nearly three thousand people in beautiful midcoast Maine. We are made up of folks who still represent our seafaring history, alongside those at the cutting edge of modern manufacturing, retail, communications, arts, crafts, and hospitality industries.
Who are you?
- Perhaps you represent a corporation seeking to support a local cause?
Maybe you're an investor who recognizes the potential of Thomaston, or an individual wanting to honor your family legacy with a gift to the town. - You can donate to one of our existing initiatives, like the Thomaston Grocery Store effort below, or ask us about how you can contribute to our Community Development Fund.
- We also welcome your own ideas for beneficial growth in our town.
- Please note that our 501(c)(3) non-profit status is pending, and eligible donations may be tax-deductible.
Why do we need a Community Development Corporation?
Local Community Development Corporations have proven to be a vital resource for small towns like Thomaston, enabling them to attract State, Federal, and private funding despite limited resources. Many towns in our region have benefited from establishing organizations such as ours to fund essential projects without raising property taxes.
At Tommytown.org, we are an independent non-profit organization, separate from Thomaston town government. Our mission is to collaborate closely with Thomaston’s leaders and work alongside our dedicated town employees as we strive to foster necessary, measured growth that enhances Thomaston’s prosperity and the wellbeing of our residents.
Why is our grocery store so important to us?
Keeping Thomaston Grocery is crucial to ensuring the food security of many of our townsfolk. It's the only full-service grocery store within a walkable distance for the majority of our residents; many of whom are older and have physical challenges. They can't afford for Thomaston to become a food desert.
Is Thomaston's Grocery Store important to our town's economy
Yes! Just ask many of the other businesses on Main Street in Thomaston and you're likely to hear that the Thomaston grocery store's steady stream of customers each day results in increased sales for them too. Looking at our region, it’s clear that big challenges exist for these businesses. Let's help them succeed.
What's the plan?
Phase One
Tommytown.org. non-profit Community Development Corp., wishes to purchase the Thomaston grocery store and the historic building that houses it. Apartment rents will help offset our debt repayments. Yes, it's a big job.
After careful research and interviews, we'll appoint an operator/manager for the new grocery business; with your help, it will serve all our townsfolk and local neighbors of Thomaston, Maine, for generations to come.
The Future
Tommytown.org has exciting plans for the Thomaston Grocery Store as it evolves, but for now, we prefer to concentrate on Phase 1. We envision that this community development corporation will spearhead beneficial growth in our wonderful town, facilitating partnerships with like-minded developers who are eager to invest in projects that enhance our economic wellbeing while preserving and enhancing our cherished architecture and small-town atmosphere.
Join Us
Donate to Preserve Thomaston Grocery
Your donation will go solely to helping Thomaston Community Development Corporation purchase and improve Thomaston Grocery Store and its historic building. This is an opportunity to make a real difference for Thomaston. Donations are fully refundable if the purchase does not complete.
Tommytown.org People
Our Team
- Tommytown.org is an independent non-profit organization founded by three Thomaston residents: Jon Eaton, Chair of Economic and Community Development; Alan Blake, a member of the Thomaston Select Board; and Seth Silverton, an accomplished business coach and ECDC member.
- We are seeking to expand and diversify our board and invite anyone who
- Tommytown.org is an independent non-profit organization founded by three Thomaston residents: Jon Eaton, Chair of Economic and Community Development; Alan Blake, a member of the Thomaston Select Board; and Seth Silverton, an accomplished business coach and ECDC member.
- We are seeking to expand and diversify our board and invite anyone who feels they can contribute to contact us. Board members are volunteers and receive no remuneration.