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Serving Bridgton and the surrounding towns of Western Maine since 1870. Vol. 144, No. 28
40 PAGES - 4 Sections
Bridgton, Maine
July 11, 2013
(USPS 065-020)
www.bridgton.com
SEVENTY-FIVE CENTS
Colello hired as new recreation director
By Gail Geraghty Staff Writer Bridgton has a new recreation director. He is Gary Colello, of Laconia, N.H., chosen from a field of 36 applicants to replace Tom Tash, who resigned July 1. Colello, who holds a Master’s of Education and
has a strong background in programming, sports and fitness, plans to move to Bridgton and will begin work in mid-August. He will come to Bridgton on July 23 and 24 so he can work with Sebago Recreation Director Corinne Davis, who has been helping to keep Bridgton’s pro-
gramming afloat since Tash’s departure. Town Manager Mitch Berkowitz said Colello was the top choice of a search committee comprised of himself, Administrative Assistant Georgiann Fleck, Selectman Paul Hoyt, Bridgton Community Center
Executive Director Carmen Lone and Bridgton Hospital employee Katherine Ross. Most of the candidates came from Maine and other New England states, he said, and there were also several people from the immediate area who applied. Hoyt said the committee
was able to thoroughly vet all of the candidates before making its choice. “It was interesting, because we all came with different points of view, and we were all in agreement with the top five, the top two and then the top one,” Hoyt said at Tuesday’s Board
of Selectmen meeting. Of Colello, Hoyt said, “He’s going to bring a lot to the table for the town.” Berkowitz said Colello’s master’s of education degree was earned with a concentration on athletic administration. He said Colello’s work DIRECTOR, Page 12A
Half price for piece of Heaven By Gail Geraghty Staff Writer There’s a hot deal going on at what some say is the best-kept secret in Bridgton. Five vacant sites are up for grabs at half price for the rest of the summer, at the Salmon Point Campground on Long Lake. Two of the sites are on the lagoon, and the other three are farther back from the water. The lagoon sites, which usually go for around $2,100, will be offered at around $1,100; the other three sites will be offered at less than $1,000, or half of the average $1,900 lease rate (exact discounted cost to be determined).
Considering that Salmon Point’s season rates are already well below, perhaps by 40%, those of other Lake Region private campgrounds, the bargain appears all the more appealing. Those locals who would never think they could afford such a stay, if they act fast, just might. There’s just one catch, however — the deal is only good if you’re a Bridgton resident. Bridgton Selectmen decided Tuesday to offer the 50% discount for Bridgton residents as an incentive to bring the 51-site townowned campground up to HALF PRICE, Page 12A
By Gail Geraghty Staff Writer Strong objections failed to convince the majority of the Bridgton Selectmen Tuesday to drop plans to draft a Local Preference Ordinance, now that Avesta Housing’s subsidized housing plans are history. The board rejected, 2–3, a motion to let the matter drop, instead voting to table consideration until its next meeting on July 23. At that time, they’ll take a closer look at draft language created by The Community Development Committee around a year ago, when Avesta’s 24-unit apartment complex plans in Bridgton were still active. The issue arose as the board sought to fulfill its promise to clarify what issues should remain as priorities in the new fiscal year. Both Paul
Hoyt and Bob McHatton said it made no sense to spend what could be as much as $3,000 in taxpayer money to ensure that Bridgton residents are given first choice when applying for subsidized housing. “With the way Avesta Housing was treated, we may not see (another subsidized housing proposal) for another five, 10 or 15 years,” McHatton said, referring to the sustained public outcry that erupted over putting a three-story low-income housing project on a prime retail lot in the heart of downtown. The outcry caused voters to refuse to relax lot size density requirements, effectively killing the project. “This is spending up to $3,000 over nothing. I think it is an absolute waste of taxpayers’ LOCAL, Page 12A
By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer NAPLES — One local elected official turned up his nose at the donation of three dispensers for plastic bags to assist dog owners. The reason: The gift came with strings attached. A Scarborough-based veterinary clinic would be advertised on the dispensers. The phone number would provide tourists — and anyone else — with a 24-hour pet emergency contact.
By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer NAPLES — Few things are as refreshing as jumping into the water on a hot summer day. However, boaters have found it less than refreshing to discover children swimming
in the channel between Long Lake and Brandy Bond. Witnesses have commented that the children have not been cooperative when asked by boaters to move, or not swim in that area. The people in the boats have been unable to pass under the Bay
of Naples Bridge while small groups of what appears to be preteen kids are occupying the channel. According to Naples Harbor Master Bill Callahan, this illegal activity could one day set off a tragic turn of events.
Preference lives despite no threat
SHOWING THEIR SPIRIT — Camp Newfound counselors Izzy Perea (left) and Claire Smith sport big smiles and wave to spectators along Main Street during Bridgton’s 37th annual 4 on the Fourth Road Race. A record field saw 2,010 participants cross the finish line on Depot Street. Full coverage on Page 1C. (Rivet Photo)
Dog dispensers: Do or don’t? According to Naples Selectmen Rick Paraschak, the board should continue to steer away from advertising in Naples’ public spaces, including the Causeway and the Village Green, likely spots for the dispensers. “Do we want to get into advertising? Like, what if someone donates a trash can and wants the name of their business on it,” he said. Paraschak said he would prefer to ask an area veterinary office first, and give
that business the first chance to donate the dispensers and benefit from the advertising. “I don’t want a bunch of feedback,” he said, adding, people will say, “Why are you doing a national company when we have a vet place right here in town?” Chairman Dana Watson said he would rather not turn down the free contribution to the town. “It just seems to me like we are throwing away that money — that’s $900 for
“I am concerned about them getting hit by a boat. Someone could really get injured or worse. The person who hits a person in the water would feel like heck, and have to live with that for the rest of their lives,” Callahan said. Typically, the bridgejumpers are children who are young teens — old enough to spend time out of the home unattended and too young to have a driver’s license, he said. Also, this activity occurs in the afternoon and peters out around dinnertime, he said. Usually, the teens stand on or hop over the handrailing located along the boardwalk that passes under the bridge. One problem they encounter is that because of the structure it becomes difficult to get back out of the water. About three weekends ago, some daredevil teens jumped off the bridge into the Chute River. “When I have caught them, the first thing out of NOT A PLACE TO DIVE IN — A boat passes under the Bay of Naples Bridge on their mouth is: ‘There is no Independence Day. Some boaters have encountered teens jumping off the railing below sign saying we can’t do it,’” the bridge and swimming in the channel. (De Busk Photo) Callahan said.
While no signs have been posted below the bridge, jumping off a bridge is illegal according to state law. Callahan said the people who are breaking the law have become wise to the boat operated by the Harbor Master. When they spot the boat, they skedaddle, he said. “A half hour later they go to the town dock and do the same thing, jumping off the dock and getting in the way of boat traffic,” he said. Community members have commented that the swimmers are far from cooperative with boaters. “They were obnoxious on the (town) dock, jumping, doing flips, and wouldn’t move when asked,” a resident said. JUMPERS, Page 12A
Rail jumpers pose serious hazard
three dispensers,” Watson said. Selectman Christine Powers, who had earlier clarified that the board must vote to accept all donations and gifts, said she would contact the local veterinary clinic. She would see if that business was interested in the dog-bag dispenser deal. Town Manger Derik Goodine joked, “I guess we could wait a couple more weeks; and get some more fertilizer on the lawn.”
CLEAR MESSAGE — This posted sign has not deterred preteen children from jumping off the railing below the bridge — an activity that concerns Naples Harbor Master Bill Callahan. (De Busk Photo)
The Bridgton News Established 1870
P.O. Box 244, 118 Main St. Bridgton, ME 04009 207-647-2851 Fax: 207-647-5001 bnews@roadrunner.com