By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

Lon Walters sees Bridgton as an ideal location for a senior housing project.

The one stumbling block — land to build it on.

Two years ago, the owner of Woodland Senior Living thought he had a site nailed down, but it fell through.

Just recently, Walters had a site on his radar, but due to environmental concerns (vernal pools), he is back to the search phase.

Walters is not giving up.

Working with new Community Development Director Linda LaCroix, Walters gave selectmen an overview Tuesday night. A provider in Maine since 1980, Woodland Senior Living has 15 facilities located in seven Maine cities — the most recent is a new development in Madison, just over the Skowhegan line.

The housing projects all vary. Some locations include memory care, assisted living and apartments (the complex includes various amenities and services). Other locations offer just memory care or a combination of memory care and assisted living.

Walters says his company employs over 400 people full time, and serves almost 700 residents.

“What we do is unique. Most providers that do what we do are 100% private pay…We’re different. Our mix is about 60% Maine Care, 40% private pay,” he said. “They are expensive facilities. A lot of people have limited savings/funds. If we didn’t have Maine Care beds available, they would be displaced. We’re in a better position to serve them than other facilities.”

Walters’ original plan for Bridgton was to build a multi-level facility with all three components — 44 memory care, 50 assisted living, 40 apartments (restaurant style dining, other amenities, provide services, aging in place type of apartment complex), and possibly some cottages on the same campus. This project would require about 25 acres, depending if all good land.

“The deal did not come to fruition. We thought we were close, but it didn’t happen. We’re fishing now for a property. We’re looking for seven to 10 acres on public water supply,” he said. “Large parcels with water and sewer are just not available.”

Realistically, Walters said the project will likely be just memory care. Such a facility would house 44 residents, cover 20,000 square feet, require five to six acres and access to a public water source. Walters had hoped to tap into Bridgton’s expanded wastewater system in 2022, but if pushed, would go with a private septic system, which would limit the size of the project.

Walters invited selectmen to drop by any of Woodland Senior Living facilities (there is one in Lewiston) to take a tour.

“I can’t fully convey how nice these places are. They are extremely well done, and I think you will be impressed,” he said. “I think you would be comfortable of us coming to Bridgton and do the same thing.”

“This would be a great addition to Bridgton,” Selectman Bear Zaidman said.

Walters feels “whatever level we end up, it will be a big asset” to the town.

Bridgton on business radar

As Bridgton improves its infrastructure (wastewater expansion), companies are looking here as a possible landing spot.

Developer Mark Lopez purchased and renovated a property on Nulty Street (formerly used by Community Help), and after months up for lease, he may have a company, which is involved in radio/television component assembly (eight employees) interested in locating there.

The deal, however, could be in jeopardy due to standards in the new Land Use Ordinance. Like any new ordinance, some “tweaking” is often needed. This may be one of those cases, which prompted Lopez to ask selectmen if language could be included giving the Planning Board some discretion when applying some standards.

Lopez’s case is hardly an isolated incident, Selectman Bear Zaidman said, noting that he has heard of a couple of other similar situations, which begs the question, will taxpayers’ willingness to commit to a substantial infrastructure upgrade to grow the economic base here go for naught because of the new ordinance?

Because time is of the essence — Lopez noted a company, that is ready to act, is unlikely to wait six months for the town to address the problem, that firm will look elsewhere — officials considered a variety of options, including voting to enact a moratorium to give time to rework the Land Use Ordinance, meanwhile falling back on the existing Site Plan or try to quickly schedule a special town meeting (that would take at least 30 days, due to public notices and possible hearings).

Community Development Director Linda LaCroix will contact the town’s attorney to discuss the problem and what options exist.

In other news:

Rethinking the project. Liam Opie thought “big” when he proposed to place a 5-foot by 7-foot upright granite monument in the Ridge Cemetery to honor eight Union soldiers. Admittedly, the project — as proposed — is expensive, at $10,000. Opie was up for the challenge. After receiving the blessing from selectmen, Opie started fundraising this past February.

Initially, $2,100 was raised for seven “supplemental” gravestones, replacing several that had deteriorated over time. To date, $950 has been raised for the monument thanks to the generosity of local organizations, individuals and businesses. He reached out to a few “Foundations,” but has yet to receive responses.

Opie hoped to complete the project by Memorial Day 2020. Feeling it would likely be unattainable, Opie told selectmen it is time to rethink the project.

“In the face of insufficient funds, one must make do with what you have. You must improvise, adapt and overcome,” he said. “Just because a $10,000 monument may not be possible, this does not mean nothing can be placed for a monument in the cemetery…In light of realizing that this original design may not be a reality, I have looked to even simpler possibilities.”

Opie liked the “simple rock” and “bronze plaque” on the Norway Savings Bank grounds that contains Bridgton’s Doughboys of the Great War.

“Perhaps something simple like this can be replicated in the humble setting of Ridge Cemetery,” he asked.

Opie noted that an inaccuracy exists with a new gravestone placed sometime over the last four to five years. The current stone for Ruel Dodge lists him as a member of Company K 25th Maine Infantry, when in fact he served with Company I 11th Maine Infantry. He later served in the 21st Veterans Reserve Corps. The difference as to what is on his stone versus his actual service is that the 25th never saw combat, whereas the 11th fought in actions from the Peninsula Campaign of 1862 to Appomattox Court House in 1865.

“With his correct service information being placed on a monument, Mr. Dodge can be afforded the proper recognition of being a combat veteran that he rightfully earned and deserves,” Opie said.

Board Chairman Lee Eastman told Opie if he needs a rock, he has plenty to choose from at Everlast Roofing. “It will be like picking a Christmas tree, it will take a while,” Eastman said.

Town Manager Bob Peabody added that the town still has granite stones at the Public Works Department, which were removed during Moose Pond Causeway upgrades.

Out to bid. The town is ready to seek bids on the former First and Last Resort Motel property on Route 302. Selectmen approved a bid package which calls for a minimum bid of $100,000, a deposit of $25,000 and stipulation that the former motel structure be demolished and removed within 180 days of closing. If the purchaser fails to clear the property to the town’s satisfaction, the $25,000 would be lost.

The property will be advertised in newspapers, the town’s website and Facebook page, and through Maine Municipal Association.

Hired. Kari Downs has been hired as the administrative assistant to Community Development and Code Enforcement. The town had 30 to 40 applications, five interviews were conducted and Downs was invited back for a second interview. Her first day will be Monday. Interviews for the finance clerk position are ongoing.

Parking ban. No vehicle can be parked on public streets or ways from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. now through April 14.

Remembering Chris. Selectmen dedicated the 2018-19 town report in memory of Chris Lowell, who passed away in October. She was very active in the community, including making costumes for local musicals, working on projects like Adopt a Child at the church and quilting.

Selectmen comments.  Selectman Carmen Lone congratulated the Rec Department, businesses and volunteers in producing the “best year ever” Festival of Lights. “Amazing job,” she said.

Kudos were also given to administrative assistant Brenda Day, who has juggled several job responsibilities due to some sudden changes at the town office. She is now embarking on handling Bridgton’s code enforcement. Comments included “She’s been an amazing employee, doing what needs to be done,” “We’re lucky to have her” and she goes about her work in a professional, efficient manner.