By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

The Greater Bridgton Chamber of Commerce hit a home run in the eyes of local officials by making a major financial contribution to complete construction of a snack shack at the Ham Complex.

Chamber Executive Director Angie Cook presented the town a check for $20,000 to help push the project toward completion.

“That is amazing,” Bridgton Select Board chairperson Carmen Lone said. “It is important to get that project finished. We graciously accept this donation.”

The town took over the recreation complex from the Bridgton Recreation Advancement Group last July. Rec Director Gary Colello conducted a survey asking residents what types of events and what future site developments should the town pursue as part of his planning for the complex.

A check presentation photo (above) was taken, including Cook along with some Chamber members, Select Board members and town officials.

In other business:

Harvest Moon Fest to return. Following a very successful debut, the Harvest Moon Fest will return in September 2023 with a few tweaks, according to organizer Pam Ward.

This year, Ward will team up with Chamber Executive Director Angie Cook. Ward said the Fest will retain the same mission — family oriented with hands-on activities and local talent featured — with a few changes.

Ward said the group will look to expand to possibly include old-fashioned car display and other activities to target teens and older generations.

“Something for everyone,” Ward said.

The group plans to reach out to more businesses to possibly become involved. The town-sponsored event is slated for Saturday, Sept. 16 with a rain date of Sept. 17.

Ward is debating a possible change in the evening hours, but no decision has been made. Kids’ activities are featured in the morning and early afternoon, with the focus shifting to adult activities and performers in the evening.

The Select Board asked how the date relates to the Chamber’s Brew Fest, which is moving from Casco to Bridgton this year. Cook said the Brew Fest is slated for Sept. 30.

Budget Work nears.

Budget review schedule

Department heads two days

Mon March 6, 9 a.m.

Tues March 7, Continuation along with outside agencies

Tworog 8:30-9 with overview of totals (town manager) looking at; view of how it is going to all add up; if all comes together as proposed; get individual items, concept whether thinking as a board reduce, min increases with an opportunity to do more

CL thinking along similar lines; the bigger picture, keep concise time frame

BM computer not clear, it’s only ice water

See how it goes. Justin O’Connor prides himself on being a “good neighbor” when it comes to running his business and co-existing with nearby residents.

The owner of King’s Head Pub in Portland for the past eight years, O’Connor said he has developed a “wonderful reputation” and done “charity work” to be an integral part of the community.

He wants to carry that approach forward at Bridgton’s newest business located in Pondicherry Square, Queen’s Head Pub, tentatively set to open next month.

O’Connor told Select Board members during the special amusement permit public hearing that he is “community oriented,” and one of the big reasons he and his wife moved to Bridgton this past August.

A native of upstate New York, O’Connor liked the “sense of community” he found here in Bridgton. He intends to donate profits from opening night at Queen’s Head to the Bridgton Food Pantry. He will run other fundraisers throughout the year.

O’Connor tipped his hat to developer Justin McIver and his MEH crew regarding the new commercial facility, The Gateway.

“It’s a stunning space,” he said. “MEH has done an amazing job. It’s good to be part of Bridgton. I love it here.”

O’Connor was seeking a special amusement permit for live music from 9 p.m. to midnight. Select Board member Ken Murphy noted that the area does have some residential units nearby, but is sitting in the town’s commercial district.

Select Board member Bob McHatton, however, had a “problem” with music being allowed until midnight. He thought an earlier start time, like 8 p.m. to 11 might be a better arrangement. Board chairperson Carmen Lone admitted she is “sadly more conservative” than McHatton, thinking it might be better if music ceased by 10 p.m.

O’Connor said the 9 p.m. start time would give restaurant personnel time to complete the dinner rush and then turn their focus to the crowd seeking a later meal and entertainment. He noted that if problems arise, he would reconsider the plan.

Select Board member Paul Tworog speculated that renters of apartment/Airbnb units at The Gateway would know up front that entertainment would be taking place at Queen’s Head Pub.

“That’s the nature in living in this development,” Tworog said.

The Select Board voted 4-0 to approve the special amusement permit (these permits are renewed on a yearly basis).

Lone gave a “slow yes,” and noted she would see what happens next year.

More debate on amusement permit. Lynn Williams says she and her husband have spent their first year as the new owners of Noble House Inn sprucing up the property inside and out, and seeking out ways to build their clientele.

As in the past, the inn has been the site of weddings and special occasions. So, Williams expected renewal of a special amusement permit to go without a hitch.

On the SAP, the hours of entertainment planned, “12-9, always ending early...times of start different.”

“I have no interest in making enemies with neighbors,” Williams told the Select Board. “We have to get up early for breakfast.”

Charlie Simpson, who lives across the street from the Noble House for the past 12 years, noted that Highland Road is a “generally quiet residential neighborhood.” He has concerns about alcohol service and parking.

“I have no ax to grind with the Noble House. It’s an attraction and a landmark for Bridgton...They have always been good neighbors,” he said.

However, the change in ownership has resulted in some changes that worry Simpson. He posed three questions:

• Are there rules in place governing music, dancing and entertainment, if so where can I find them, if not, can they be implemented?

Williams said Noble House has always had special amusement permit. “I’ve told people there is no music after 9 p.m. The airbnb across the street creates more noise,” she noted. “We’ve been working feverishly on the place.”

She noted that a “beer garden” has been developed — yet is more of a place where families can eat outdoors or guests can enjoy a comfortable drink from the inn’s bar.

• Simpson brought attention to a sign that was posted on Highland Road that the “bar was open.” Is the house bar open to anyone passing by; don’t remember former owners advertising? Simpson said/

Williams said it was simply an opportunity on a Saturday-Sunday, for two hours, for Highland Road residents to stop by, sit on the porch and enjoy a drink and tour the facility.

“We did it twice, didn’t advertise it. A number of people drive by Noble House but had never been in. It was an opportunity to see it; I don’t know we’ll do it again this summer,” Williams said.

• Simpson noted that the inn’s website includes various wedding and private party packages, “up to 150 guests.” He wondered if that is too large a crowd for a residential neighborhood. “It creates the possibility for problems including loud raucous noise, behavioral problems, potential disturbing the peace, and a public health safety issue,” he said.

Williams said “everything has been under 100. We were asked about 200 and said no.” In most case, event planners arrange transportation for guests to be dropped off at the inn.

“They always had weddings at Noble House,” she added. “It was sold to us that way. I worry about the neighbors.”

If people want an after-party, Williams will suggest they go to the new brew pub. “It can’t be at the Noble House,” she said.

One person noted that other wedding venues exist on Highland Road.

The Select Board questioned whether a 100-person limit could be included in writing, but Town Manager Robert Peabody said the special amusement permit does not address such limitations — occupancy is determined by state permit.

Lone noted that she lives across the street from a motel turned to a venue. There were concerns about traffic, noise, peace and harmony in the neighborhood. Every event last two years were “well thought out and planned, not intrusive,” she said.

The board voted 4-0 to approve the permit.

Some short takes from Deputy Town Manager Georgiann Fleck’s report:

No Parking: If going to Pleasant Mountain for the pleasure of skiing please park in the parking lot(s). Do not park on the sides of the road.  There are signs for the parking lots and signs restricting parking on the sides of the road. Vehicles were towed last week for illegal parking on Mountain Road.

Give Your Thoughts: Bridgton is in the process of developing an Open Space Plan which will guide the future of public access to the town’s natural resources and recreation areas. Your input is important! There is one week remaining to take the public survey.  Please visit the Community Development webpage to learn more.

Wreath Work: A letter of recognition has been received from Wreaths Across America (“WAA”) recognizing Bridgton Police Officer Michael Chaine’s contributions and commitment to planning and executing WAA’s 2022 escort for the Arlington convoy. 

“With logistical operations this size, planning occurs twelve months out of the year and for the past three years, Officer Chaine has volunteered countless hours in completing his roles of route mapping, fire department liaison, and parking coordinator within the WAA Law Enforcement Planning Team. His contributions to the planning and executing of the escort have been instrumental in further developing our logistics and operations each year.” 

Next Meetings: The Bridgton Select Board meets Feb. 14 and Feb. 28 at 5 p.m.