Sites ideal for affordable housing? Like many communities, Bridgton is tweaking its Land Use code to comply with the recent passage of state legislation to grow more affordable housing.

One piece of the affordable housing puzzle is where could it be developed?

The Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) awarded the Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG) a Housing Opportunity Program Service Provider Grant to conduct site analysis for potential affordable housing developments.

Bridgton has been invited by GPCOG to submit possible town-owned properties to be analyzed as suitable affordable housing sites — at no cost.

Town Manager Robert Peabody told the Select Board at their Nov. 14 meeting that three possible sites had initially be identified, but one has since been removed from consideration:

• 13 acres on Main Street. It is currently located behind the laundromat, serving as a leach field. With the soon-to-be operational new wastewater system, this field will no longer be needed and could be re-purposed.

• 20.4 acres on Wayside Avenue, another leach field (utilizing 2 acres while the remaining 18 acres are wooded) used by the old sewer system, which will no longer be needed.

• The third site, that was removed, was a tax-acquired, 3.2-acre property. Officials say that the tax-foreclosure process was found to be “flawed,” and the town had to “start all over again.” So technically, the town does not own this property located on Lower Main Street, across from Jr. Harmon Field.

• A 16-acre wooded site behind Bridgton Hospital (the former fairgrounds).

“We have these large parcels that could support affordable housing. We’re interested to see if they’re feasible to work with,” Community Development Director Tori Hill said. “GPCOG is going to provide that information.”

GPCOG will analyze the available parcels for opportunities/constraints.

Board Chair Carmen Lone called the study a “very preliminary step” to determine “viability” of some town-owned properties.

“This does not mean that it’s going to happen. It’s just a study so that we know the viability of these three pieces of land,” Lone said. “These were chosen because they’re close to the downtown. They’re on the water and sewer wastewater route. And, they’re the larger lots that we own.”

Lone added, “There is no commitment to do anything.”

Selectman Paul Tworog recommended that public awareness and public input be included as part of the process.

Hill noted that no specific timeline has been given as to when GPCOG will issue its findings.

Tworog felt “later” is better, giving the town more time to finishing its Comprehensive Plan update and determine how affordable housing fits with the Open Space Plan.

Selectman Bob McHatton concurred with Tworog that people currently residing in the areas of the properties being considered “should know what the town is looking to do within their area” such as those living on Maple Street, which would abut a possible housing development.

Peabody felt the study is a “good opportunity” to delve into affordable housing options, and GPCOG’s findings regarding viability will provide the Select Board “fact-based” discussion points down the road.

“As the governor recently announced, there is a statewide shortage of housing, it’s not just here in Bridgton. That was the genesis for LD 2003, was recognizing that there’s a statewide problem,” Peabody said. “We need to know about the parcels, like Wayside. How long is it going to take us to reclaim it, to make it suitable for building? We need to know whether it’s a desirable priority for the town and whether the town can actually support.”

Lone added, “We have that population living in our community holding jobs in our community benefiting everybody in our community, and they need to have a place to live. As apartments or buildings are being taken and turned into Airbnbs or seasonal rentals or higher income housing, this is certainly something we need to look at.”

SHORT TAKES

Quaint ride through town. Tiffany Payton of Carousel Horse Farm in Casco offered carriage rides in the summer at Old Orchard Beach for six years and at Christmas time in Freeport for five seasons.

When Covid hit, the rides stopped and Payton had other duties at the farm that occupied her time.

Now, she is back and plans to offer carriage rides here in Bridgton.

“I bought a couple of small teams, pony teams, and I’m interested in doing all types of tours here. I love coming here. The whole town has become more walkable and, there’s a lot more shopping. I want to be in one place,” she said.

Payton sees the carriage ride element of her business as her retirement plan.

“I don’t want to guide trail rides when I’m 80,” she said, “but I can drive (a carriage) when I’m 80.”

While the carriages can travel all roads, Payton said an area is needed as a waiting spot and place to load and unload passengers. One possibility is near the Community Center or the Bridgton Memorial School grounds. The route could be 12 to 20 minutes. Most rides will be by reservation (Payton noted that she needs six reservations to make the trip), but if she has some openings, Payton will take on walk-up customers.

She has a wagon that can cater to families and larger groups (8 to 10), as well as a four-seater.

Officials suggested Payton to check in with the Historical Society to get information about historic homes and buildings in the downtown, information she could share with riders.

Time to renew dog licenses for 2024. Bring a current rabies certificate to the town office at time of renewal, or obtain a dog’s registration online via the State of Maine dog licensing service until Jan. 31, 2024. Be advised that a late fee of $25 per dog will be imposed after Jan. 31, 2024, per state law.

Giving back. Bill Preis nearly found it hard to believe that he and his fellow ping-pong enthusiasts have traded volleys at the Town Hall for 19 years.

In that time, as a sign of appreciation to be able to play in the spacious Town Hall, the group has made donations to the Rec Department. This year is no different. Preis presented the Rec Department with a $300 check — which brings the group’s total to about $2,500.