By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

What would be the best use for the former Bridgton Memorial School site?

Jim Chalmers and Peter Lowell of the Bridgton Economic Development Corp reported to the selectboard last week that a number of ideas — including a fieldhouse, exercise room and lockers, pool, conference center, classroom space, community kitchen and railroad museum — are on the table for discussion.

Another question is whether to keep the entire structure, some of it or demolish it.

Should there be one complex or a “campus” approach with more than one building occupying the site?

“It’s all up in the air,” said Lowell, who is the BEDC’s president.

The two recently met with SAD 61 officials to talk about possible uses and received “positive” responses; they have toured the building, and started to look at what asbestos issues are connected to the old school; and some early conceptual drawings are being prepared.

Lowell pointed out that if the project was taken over by the BEDC, the group would be able to apply for grants to help finance the project, which could range between $5 to $10 million depending upon what concepts are developed. Lowell and Chalmers were quick to point out that the ultimate goal is to develop “something that is sustainable” yet “not a burden upon the taxpayers.”

Selectboard Chairman Lee Eastman encouraged the BEDC to look at the bigger picture as they develop a concept. One thought is to tie the Memorial School site to the BRAG athletic complex through a trail system which would allow kids a safe path, either walking or cycling, from one location to the other.

“I don’t want to see us get pigeonholed into something that in three years later we’ve outgrown,” Eastman said. “I don’t want us to think too small or too big.”

Selectman Bear Zaidman asked if the BEDC had received information from SAD 61 regarding the site’s size, and if the BEDC had looked into what parts of the property falls into the Shoreland Zone. One of his big concerns would be parking.

Lowell said the concept plan does include parking, and if the pool idea is pursued, the group is eyeing Public Works land.

The BEDC meets once a month. Town Manager Bob Peabody suggested that the BEDC include new Community Development Director Linda LaCroix in future meetings.

In other meeting notes:

• Questions remain about Power House Salvage. Before he can approve a permit for Power House Salvage, Selectboard Chairman Lee Eastman wants a list of questions — such as whether proper logs, as required by state law, have been kept and if tires are being stored appropriately (fire officials like tires stacked, not scattered) — answered.

So far, business owner Paul Gallinari hasn’t filled in all of the blanks, in Eastman’s mind, and the board decided to hold off on approving an automobile graveyard/recycling business permit.

Since their last hearing, selectmen posed several questions to town attorney, Aga Dixon. One, should the junkyard/salvage facility be required to meet the cemetery setback? The setback does not apply to facilities established prior to 2003. The Power House Salvage has operated since the early 1990s.

Two, there was a question regarding whether the facility met a well setback requirement. Dixon suggested the town determine whether the well is indeed within 300 feet of the facility, and noted that the town could require Gallinari to submit evidence that the facility has not caused any well contamination and should condition as part of future permits that salvage/junkyard activities not encroach within the 300-foot buffer.

Dixon backed Eastman’s questions about proper log keeping and operating standards as to whether Power House Salvage was complying with state regulations. “It appears the board does not have sufficient information to act on Mr. Gallinari’s renewal application at this time,” Dixon wrote. “I would advise the board to ask Mr. Gallinari to provide evidence demonstrating that the facility is in compliance with applicable statutory requirements, particularly the operating standards.”

Dixon also recommended that the code enforcement officer determine if existing conditions comply with well setback.

Officials reminded Gallinari that the “burden of proof” falls on him, and instructed him to take each question raised and submit documentation that addresses those points. No action on the permit request was taken.

• Change in sewer connection. As the selectboard modifies the Sewage Ordinance, a couple of points homeowners will want to know:

1. The biggest change is that septic tanks will not be needed. All waste — gray water and solids — will be directed from the home or business to the new sewage system. Tanks will either need to be “filled” with sand or removed. Public Services Department Director David Madsen projected costs between $500 to $800. Residents can either hire or fill in metal tanks themselves. The sewer line from the home to the roadside “stub” has to be installed by a “certified” contractor (a list will be compiled).

Madsen expects the new system to be online by spring 2022.

2. To satisfy U.S. Rural Development’s financing grant for the project, the town had to include a “readiness to serve” clause in the ordinance as a means to raise additional funds to pay for the new system. The average cost per year to be hooked into the sewage system is estimated at $600. If a resident declines to hook up, the “readiness to serve” fee (estimated at $129.60 per year) could be charged. The selectboard can choose to not invoke the “readiness” charge.

• First draft in. Community Development Director Linda LaCroix reported that the town has received the first draft of the economic survey, being prepared by the University of Southern Maine. Town officials will review and add comments prior to the delivery of the final executive summary with options and action items.

On another planning front, the town is interviewing candidates for the administrative assistant to code and planning, and identified at least one candidate, who is in line for a second interview.

• Resignation. Sharon Smith Abbott submitted her resignation from the Board of Appeals. Abbott had been a regular member since October 1992. “This work has been interesting and always a challenge, but I enjoyed it,” she wrote in her letter to the selectboard. “Recently, however, it has been more difficult to get away in the evenings without a caregiver for my husband. I anticipate being needed at home even more in the future. Therefore, I am reluctantly resigning my position as of this date (Nov. 19).”

Abbott was a voting member and heard the Hotel Bridgton appeal last month, which the board granted, thus reversing the Planning Board’s decision to approve the project. The BOA has two alternates, Kappy Sprenger and Dick Danis.