12/19/2007
from the Kennebec Journal
Rep. Pingree hears varied proposals for health-care solutions
HALLOWELL Fire that cut communications labeled arson
MONMOUTH Police defended after slim budget rejection
State's schools chief to parley
Wasser will lead newsrooms at KJ, Sentinel and in Portland
BRIEFS
Hockey still in picture for Harrington
Portland boxer to face legend's son
All of today's:
News | Sports
from the Kennebec Journal
from the Morning Sentinel
$1.3 MILLION FOR HEALTHREACH
Families Matter grows to meet special needs
Chellie Pingree listens to ideas on health care reform
FARMINGTON Rain alters plans for 4th of July
District regroups after budget failure
Vote on county budget hits snag
Burnham driver wins checkered flag at 2 tracks on same day
Maine boxer gets unique opportunity
All of today's:
News | Sports
from the Morning Sentinel
"They are doing fairly well except the weather is starting to kill them," Jeffrey Hewett, the town's economic and community development director, told a planning group Tuesday morning. "This cold snap in December -- I'm not sure now if they can start the brick work."
Hewett said he expects E. W. Littlefield Inc. contractors will add the roof either this week or right after Christmas.
The $800,000 structure, funded by grants and a Sappi economic development account, initially will create single-story retail space, public bathrooms and a walk-through for pedestrians from Commercial Street to Water Street. A second story and elevator will be added when money becomes available.
Maitland Richardson, a member of Skowhegan Economic Development Corp., said the size of the first floor that is presently under construction seems small.
Hewett estimates the single story will offer 350 to 400 square feet of retail space.
"The bathrooms take up a lot of room ... (but) it's a good space, it really is," Hewett said, suggesting the group take a tour of the building after their next meeting.
In the meantime, Hewett said he continues to search for grants that will help pay for the rest of the construction, including a second floor.
"I've got a dozen different applications out there," he said.
Hewett and Chris Perkins, president of SEDC, have approached Skowhegan Savings Bank officials about a $10,000 grant. Perkins said the proposal will go before the bank's board of directors this week. Franklin Savings Bank already has donated $2,000.
Hewett said he also is applying for a 2008 Nonprofit Development Grant at the state level.
"We stand a very good chance," Hewett said. That particular grant does have available $250,000, he said.
Hewett said he needs to raise at least another $293,000 to finish the entire project, including a second floor, elevator, parking area and contingency fund.
SEDC members agreed that rental fees never were expected to recoup the cost of the building.
"It was seen as a public convenience; income was secondary," said member Richard (Dale) Thorpe.
Darla L. Pickett -- 474-9534, Ext. 341
dpickett@centralmaine.com




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