DERRY — George Kassas knows just what downtown Derry needs to make Broadway boom.
Kassas, the town's economic development advisor and founder of the former Cedar Point Communications firm, presented his plan for making the town grow during a workshop with the Town Council last week.
The downtown's success may lie in better enticing companies to come here to do their business, Kassas said, encouraging start-up companies to incubate and grow.
"(We want) to go after the entrepreneurial venture," he said.
Kassas said the downtown's available real estate was reviewed to see if there is a viable location to create an "incubator campus."
Add in successful marketing of the venture and a "Why Derry" approach, and the plan could help move the town forward.
Kassas suggested the town set up an investment fund to help support businesses in an incubator atmosphere.
Town Administrator John Anderson said Kassas' plan was still in concept form and there was a long road ahead.
Not everyone was convinced, especially when it came to starting an investment fund that could mean millions of dollars.
"Derry has not had a very good track record with this," Councilor Janet Fairbanks said. "I am shocked that we're even thinking of going in that direction. How much would you expect Derry taxpayers to fund for economic development in this economy?"
She said the town should not go "full bore" while the economy still struggles.
Council Chairman Brad Benson said the only way to make the downtown work is to invest in the community.
He credited the development success on Manchester Road, including the new Wal-Mart and the other retail growth, with helping Derry move ahead.
"Derry is doing things," he said. "Derry has some really good things going on."
A lot of moving parts are still on the table, Benson said.
Councilor Joel Olbricht said the town was on the right track, but it would require getting out of everyone's comfort zone.
"I think if you invest in your community, you can really be successful," he said. "We can be more innovative this time and look at the downtown in a whole new way."
Kassas said there is always risk with any venture.
"Let's attract our share of high-tech companies; these are the people we want to attract," he said. "It's very important for business entrepreneurs to know that this town is very caring about them and wants to help them."
Anderson said more discussion would take place, and councilors were urged to send him any concerns.
More discussion also lies ahead on the downtown's parking situation and where an incubator campus might be located.
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