No bids on resort; town to try auction approach

Seeking public bids on the former First & Last Resort Motel failed, so Bridgton officials will try to sell the tax-acquired property through an auction process.

Bridgton Town Manager Robert Peabody noted that there were no bids submitted as of the deadline last Friday. 

Selectman Bear Zaidman suggested if an auction, fails to drum up a buyer that the town then allow Peabody to reach out to potential buyers or list the property on MLS (Multiple Listing Service).

Any expenses associated with the town taking over the property and selling it should be figured into the asking price, Zaidman said, so the whole matter is no burden on taxpayers.

As part of the sales agreement, the buyer is responsible for demolishing the former motel. Zaidman initially suggested that the motel be torn down by Memorial Day, but then went with May 1.

Building structurally sound

An engineer has checked the vacant building at 267 Main Street, and has deemed it “no threat to passing pedestrians.”

The building and adjacent property was recently purchased by Main Eco Homes owner Justin McIver. He asked selectmen for a delay in building demolition until plans for redevelopment of the area and pursuit of tenants are completed. Once demolition occurs, the clock begins to tick regarding construction.

Selectmen voiced concerns about whether the 267 Main Street building posed a threat to public safety. A deteriorating facade was removed.

Aaron Jones of Structural Integrity Consulting Engineers, Inc/ of Portland informed selectmen that a company representative visited the building and reported, “The existing structure should not be open for public use. It is our understanding that the existing building is to be kept vacant until the time of demolition. While on site, we observed that one of the gutters is loose and should be removed. In addition to this, any other loose pieces of trim should be removed to ensure public safety.”

Selectmen agreed to delay a timeline for building demolition and will remove the “dangerous building” tag once the property’s owner addresses the “loose pieces.” Selectmen want those pieces removed before their next meeting (Feb. 25) and will ask Code Enforcement Officer Brenda Day to check the structure.

Time to move the pile

The amount of compost is slowly overtaking the designated space at the Transfer Station, so Public Services Director David Madsen proposes to sell the material by the pound at $10 per yard with a $5 minimum payment (half yard) as a possible way to entice greater sales and make room.

“The price remains $5 less per yard than most commercial suppliers,” Madsen wrote in a letter to the board.

Selectmen approved the request.

However, they decided to table a second request by Madsen regarding amending the current fee schedule to include a $1.50 per tire handling fee.

“This increase will bring our tire disposal fees closer to the average for surrounding towns,” Madsen said.

Peabody also pointed out that Transfer Station attendees are checking vehicles for stickers allowing use of the facility. Previous stickers expired on Dec. 31, 2019. The cost is $10 for a two-year sticker, which is required to dispose of trash and recycling items.

Short takes

• Doug Oakley has resigned as a Planning Board alternate.

• Glen Garland was appointed by selectman to the Ordinance Review Committee. He fills the final vacant seat, bringing membership to six. Selectmen Chairman Lee Eastman serves as a liaison.

• Selectperson Carmen Lone announced that individuals seeking fuel assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) should apply at the Bridgton Community Center on March 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Three individuals will be on hand to take applications. For more information, call 647-3116.

• The public is reminded that it is illegal to plow, shovel or deposit snow into the limits of any traveled public way.

• The Rec Department is hiring nine lifeguards, four water safety instructors and eight youth development professionals for the upcoming summer season. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age. Contact Rec Director Gary Colello.

The town is also looking to hire a Parks and Cemetery staff member, as well as a Highway Department worker. Information is available on the town’s website.

• Next meeting will be Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 5 p.m.