TOPSHAM — After a sketch plan review with the Planning Board on Tuesday, a proposed 47-unit housing development is expected to return for preliminary subdivision review early next year. Developer Dan Catlin wants to build 47 single-family homes off of Mallett Drive. The Planning Board conducted a site inventory analysis of the property, reviewing both […]
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Posted inCoastal Journal, The Forecaster
U.S. Senate bill could help attract jobs to Brunswick Landing
BRUNSWICK — A bill introduced by U.S. Sens. Olympia Snow and Susan Collins on Dec. 12 could improve economic prospects and spur the creation of hundreds of jobs at the former Naval Air Station, now known as Brunswick Landing. The bill, known as the HUBZone Expansion Act of 2012, would give preference to more businesses for federal contract […]
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Posted inPortland Forecaster, The Forecaster
UPDATE: Portland water safe to drink; water district ends boil order
PORTLAND — Tap water is safe to drink on the Portland peninsula, the Portland Water District announced Thursday morning. The water district lifted a boil order for the peninsula at 8:45 a.m., after tests found no contamination. A water main break Wednesday on Somerset Street prompted the district to issue the boil order for a […]
Posted inCoastal Journal, The Forecaster
Harpswell awards contract to design EMS garage
HARPSWELL — The town is a step closer to building a two-bay garage that will house its emergency “interceptor” vehicle. The Board of Selectmen unanimously voted Dec. 13 for a $11,400 design contract with Normand Associates Architects. Town Administrator Krista Eiane said the design costs will come out of a $74,000 allocation approved at the […]
Posted inNorthern Forecaster, The Forecaster
Downeaster noise a downer for Freeport residents; 'quiet zones' vex councilors
FREEPORT — As trains blew their horns in the background, nearly two dozen residents urged the Town Council to institute quiet zones at rail crossings in town to silence the Amtrak Downeaster train horns they said are disrupting their lives. In a discussion that pushed past 10 p.m. Tuesday, councilors remained hesitant about the costs […]
Posted inCoastal Journal, The Forecaster
Bath-area school board OKs new cost-sharing plan
BATH — The Regional School Unit 1 Board of Directors unanimously approved a new cost-sharing formula Monday that could go into effect next year. The change must be approved by a district-wide referendum, Superintendent Patrick Manuel said, and a date for that vote has yet to be set. A committee tasked with reviewing RSU 1’s cost-sharing […]
Posted inCoastal Journal, Northern Forecaster, The Forecaster
Despite some complaints, Downeaster meets Freeport, Brunswick expectations
FREEPORT — Although ridership on Amtrak’s new Downeaster service has been unexpectedly higher in Brunswick than in Freeport, business owners in both communities generally say the new service is meeting their expectations. “We love it,” said Chris Cummings, manager of Mexicali Blues on Bow Street. “It’s a great option for people who live in the […]
Posted inCoastal Journal, Northern Forecaster, Portland Forecaster, Southern Forecaster, The Forecaster
Bad behavior: Workplace settlements cost Maine $1.9M
HALLOWELL — One corrections officer spread a false rumor that the new female officer at the state prison in South Windham was a stripper. Another one called her “Genitalia,” instead of her real name, which also began with a “G.” She was asked by a colleague if he could measure her buttocks. When she said […]
Posted inNorthern Forecaster, The Forecaster
Falmouth hopes to get a jump on storm-water issues
FALMOUTH — Town officials are exploring storm-water management techniques for the Route 1 business district. As a part of planned infrastructure improvements for the district, the town used grant money to examine the Webe’s Creek watershed and explore options for improving the water run-off infrastructure. A study performed by Zach Henderson and a team from Woodward […]
Posted inNorthern Forecaster, The Forecaster
Freeport regroups on DEP permit for athletic fields
FREEPORT — After the initial shock of an almost $300,000 environmental permitting process for sports fields proposed on Hunter Road, the town is now seeking alternatives and hoping to reduce cost. Town Engineer Albert Presgraves met with state Department of Environmental Protection officials last week and discussed alternatives that would meet the department’s standards, but […]