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OAKLAND
DOWNTOWN PROJECT
AN
INFORMATIONAL NEWSLETTER
VOLUME
1, NUMBER 2 SEPTEMBER 2001
KEY
BANK CLOSING
That
is the bad news. The good news is that we have another bank that
is very interested in moving into the downtown. It's not clear
at this time if they will use the Key Bank building. Another important
question will be how the new bank location will impact the plans
for a municipal parking lot between Buddies and the bank building.
Hopefully, we will have answers to these questions in the next
month.
UTILITIES
RELOCATION
Work to relocate
poles and eliminate wires crossing the road will begin this fall.
This work will continue through the winter and should be completed
by February 15th. When completed this work will greatly
improve the appearance of our downtown district.
RAILROAD
CROSSING
It appears
certain the town, state and the railroad will all share equally
in the cost of repairing the Oak Street crossing. Hopefully, this
work will be conducted during the road reconstruction work next
spring.
PARK
& RIDE
State Department
of Transportation personnel have visited our downtown area to
examine the idea of establishing a Park & Ride lot in back
of Buddie's Grocery store. Although funds are not currently available,
this kind of project would be a great addition to our downtown.
This would be funded completely with State funds.
FAÇADE
PROGRAM
The town
is still looking for building owners to participate in this program.
There is $50,000 available for improvements to buildings in the
downtown area. This is an opportunity for owners to get a 25%
(up to $4,000 maximum) grant.
NEW
WATER MAIN
Consumers
Main Water Co. recently began a water main replacement project
along Main Street. This work will extend approximately 950 feet
from Center Street to Pleasant Street. The town is very appreciative
of the Water District's willingness to complete this project this
fall.
SEWER
MANHOLES
The
town will replace 5 new sewer manholes on Main Street beginning
in October. The sewer main pipe appears to be in good shape so
there are no plans to replace any sections of the main.
ADDITIONAL
DOT FUNDS
It is very
possible that the scope of the downtown project will be extended
with funds from the State Route 11 project. This project, coordinated
by the Maine Department of Transportation and scheduled to start
next summer, has money for Oakland's Main Street which is part
of Route 11. At this time, it is unclear how much additional money
will be available. Hopefully, it will be enough to rebuild all
of Main Street from Oak Street to Rite-Aid.
PLANNING
COMMITTEE
The
next meeting of the Downtown Planning Committee is scheduled for
Thursday October 25th @ 5:00. This meeting will be
held at the Oakland Town Office and all interested citizens are
welcome to attend.
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