Project taps history with a modern twist

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer

Flip through the town’s history book and what Bridgton used to look like jumps off some pages.

The train was a big part of bringing tourists to this lovely part of western Maine.

Huge wooden mills occupied spaces along Stevens Brook.

Looking into the past at what Bridgton was, developer Justin McIver is tapping into local history to create a project that recaptures the old days but with a modern twist.

McIver unveiled an ambitious project to the Bridgton Planning Board Tuesday night that would transform the old AG store site and Depot Street into a major destination point.

Maker’s Mill is the anchor, a space where crafters and artisans can demonstrate and sell their works. The first floor will be commercial, while the second story will be housing. The structure captures some features of the old Pondicherry Mill, which sat where Food City is. Maker’s Mill will include a tower, much like the one the Pondicherry once had.

McIver pointed out that heavy community involvement took place as a vision

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

CASCO— Something is afoot in Casco’s Public Works department.

Rather, someone is a foot taller than the PW director.

Mike Genest, the public works director and road foreman, introduced new hire Griffin Miller to the Casco Board of Selectmen on Tuesday.

“He is doing a good job. It is a lot easier having two people. It is greatly appreciated. We are moving in right direction to have more help during the day,” Genest said.

“It is a real pleasure having someone sitting beside me instead of riding around by myself,” he added.

“Hopefully, he is enjoying it and I’m teaching him what he needs to know. Hopefully, he will ask questions when he doesn’t understand,” he said.

Another interesting thing that has been taking place is moved toward a concept. Four to five meetings and site walks were held with town officials, members of various organizations including the Bridgton Historical Society, and potential businesses that might take up occupancy.

“This is an important project for the downtown, created by the community. We had different ideas discussed and we got great feedback. We ultimately came up with this plan,” McIver said. “The Historical Society was key on this. We want to create an experience what used to be here and make it something special.”

The project includes a courtyard and wishing well, along with a replica train station, which will be the location of a brewery and tasting room. McIver noted that the soon-to-open Queens Head Pub in The Gateway building will move literally under one’s feet or under one’s tires.

“We’ve changed the salt and sand mix. We are using the same amount of salt, and less sand. We are melting more ice without putting as much material on the road,” Genest said.

He added that this roadtreatment technique will be appreciated in the spring when there is less sand to clean up.

“We have spent quite a lot of money on continuing to improve our roads. Pre-storm, even though we have done preventive maintenance, we have serious water problems [such as] culverts being plugged,” Genest said. “It would have been a heck of a lot worse if didn’t continue our program.”

Concerning a plan for the town to take over snow plowing on public easements sometime in the future, the department has been determining how to proceed. C. Pond Plowing has the current contract.

“Chris Pond — his response times are quicker. We are getting better product than in past. I hope everyone in town can see that,” Genest said.

The topic of snow plowing brought a positive response from a couple people.

Board member Mary- its brewing operation into the train station, thus gaining more restaurant seating.

To achieve the historic feel, brick will be used.

The project also calls for construction of a market cafe building. McIver plans to sprinkle old time items within the project, including old water turbines and historical photos with information regarding the old train station.

He added that the venue

Farmers’ Union, adjacent to Walgreens.

McIver said the project is another step to strengthening Bridgton as a “destination place.” could serve as a future home of Music on Main, with the idea of being able to close off that portion of Depot Street for special events. Maker’s Mill will also include a public bathroom facility.

Planners found the project both “exciting” and intriguing. Certainly, there will be checks on how the project aligns with existing Land Use standards. McIver expects to bring the project before planners for more formal review in April.

“It’s absolutely wonderful. I’m in favor of enhancing the village of Bridgton. This is exactly what we want to do to enhance the village; very excited,” Planner Rolf Madsen said.

Another side piece of the project is to revamp the Stevens Brook trail, which will connect to a foot-bridge that will enable people to access a parking lot at the site of the old Paris

Chair Deb Brusini was curious regarding the positioning of the large building. McIver noted that the position of Maker’s Mill enables people to “see down through the area.” He added, “the view coming down Depot Street creates another Main Street feel.”

“I appreciate the green space,” Brusini noted.

“It’s what the group wants to see,” McIver said. “I just want this to be a community project — I approached this, what the community wants.”

Bridgton Town Manager Robert Peabody, who took part in planning meet -

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

NAPLES — The Town of Naples may move forward with proposing an amendment to the Business Ordinance to define short-term rentals as one type of business.

It seems that short-term rentals fell through the cracks when it comes to requiring owners to register their business with the town.

Naples Town Manager John Hawley brought up the issue during the Naples Board of Selectmen meeting last Wednesday.

“As of the end of December, there are 28 short-term rental properties listed in Naples,” Hawley said.

Someone asked how the town discovered the number of short-term rentals in town.

“We are using a pilot program through Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG) that does a search engine of all the sites where these are advertised,” Hawley said.

Vienessa Fernandes agreed the service had improved.

“It has been much better. They go past my house at 2 o’clock and 4 o’clock and 6 o’clock. The roads are much clearer,” Fernandes said.

Resident Courtney Walsh went to the microphone to speak. She lives on Johnson Hill Road.

“Is it called Angela Lansbury,” Selectman Kevin Rogers joked.