Sec. 1. 30-A MRSA c. 206 is enacted to read:

CHAPTER 206

DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS

SUBCHAPTER I

MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS

§5221.__Findings and declaration of necessity

1.__Legislative finding.__The Legislature finds that there is a need for new development in areas of municipalities to:

A.__Provide new employment opportunities;

B.__Improve and broaden the tax base; and

C.__Improve the general economy of the State.

2.__Authorization.__For the reasons set out in subsection 1, municipalities may develop a program for improving a district of the municipality:

A.__To provide impetus for industrial or commercial development, or both;

B.__To increase employment; and

C.__To provide the facilities outlined in the development program adopted by the legislative body of the municipality.

3.__Declaration of public purpose.__It is declared that the actions required to assist the implementation of development programs are a public purpose and that the execution and financing of these programs are a public purpose.

§5222.__Definitions

As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

1.__Amenities.__"Amenities" means items of street furniture, signs and landscaping, including, but not limited to, plantings, benches, trash receptacles, street signs, sidewalks and pedestrian malls.