OLD ORCHARD BEACH — The town manager is working with government officials to assure those displace by the Centennial Plaza fire will be able to return to their permanent homes in a timely manner.

A fire early Jan. 29 caused by a kitchen accident in a first-floor apartment at Centennial Place at 6 School St. left residents of the 30-unit apartment building temporarily dislocated. The apartment building, run by Alpha Management, provides subsidized housing to the elderly and disabled.

The Red Cross put up residents in short-term housing at the Hampton Inn in Saco for about two weeks. On Feb. 14, residents still in need of housing were moved into efficiencies in town, with the housing payment managed by HUD and Alpha Management, according to Town Manager Larry Mead in a February phone interview.

The management company is still making renovations to Centennial Plaza, said Mead at Tuesday night’s town council meeting.

Mead said he wanted to make sure people in temporary housing were able to move back into the School Street building by Memorial Day. As the summer tourist season starts, efficiencies will be less available for temporary housing.

“It has been a concern of mine,” said Mead.

Mead said he’s been working with U.S. Senator Susan Collins’ office and HUD officials, who have in turn been working with the owner of Centennial Plaza to make sure renovations are complete by Memorial Day, and the owner has committed to having the building ready for occupancy by Memorial Day.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.