Ele’s Corner, formerly Paden’s Place, is currently for sale.

After about a year, economic and family obligations prompted the decision to place the established business on the market.

We have mixed feelings about this news. First, we want to give a nod to Ele Stambaugh for taking a chance on Ellsworth and purchasing a longstanding business. It takes courage, optimism and faith to jump in with both feet.

When life intervenes, as in this instance, it also takes courage to acknowledge right now isn’t the time for that dream. We also applaud the decision to list the restaurant/bar for sale, rather than closing a long-open eatery.

It’s once again time for us to step up. Now is the time Ele and her staff need us to continue to support the business, be it dine-in or carryout meals.

Finding a new owner will take time, and in the meantime, we need to continue to keep the business viable for the next owner.

We have witnessed several business transitions downtown in the last year, and know this is an opportunity to bring new people and ideas to the table. Maybe that person, or people, live locally. Perhaps they have community ties, but don’t live in Ellsworth County — yet.

Which brings us to the next natural part of our discussion: housing.

At their Aug. 26 meeting, the Ellsworth City Council affirmed R2 zoning for the former kids’ soccer fields at Eighth and State streets. We appreciate that the council is open to duplex housing at that location, as indicated by that vote.

We love and appreciate parks, but is it wise to leave a completely undeveloped lot open? Yes, the city could opt to retain a portion of it for green space or a park, but must the entire block remain empty?

During the same Aug. 26 meeting, Planning and Zoning Committee Member Marion Whorton made it abundantly clear that employers need housing to attract employees. Likewise, if we wish to have the option for new business owners (perhaps for Ele’s Corner) to move into Ellsworth, they will need someplace to live.

If we want to retain businesses and help our current employers grow, the city needs to look seriously at that parcel of land. By all means, retain some of it as a park or open space, but it’s time to move forward with additional housing.

We need it for the workforce. It will help expand the tax base.

Simply “because it’s always been that way” is no longer a good enough reason to let a lot sit empty. We need to continue to look forward. Yes, remember what nostalgic memories we have, but we need to grow.

It takes courage and leadership to grow, and we encourage not only the Ellsworth City Council, but all residents to open their minds and hearts to the possibility of expansion. It is essential if we wish to keep our community vibrant.

Karen Bonar Publisher