BOWDOINHAM

With a new public works facility on the way, Bowdoinham selectmen are looking at ways to reuse its current site.

Selectmen heard plans for the community space at the 8 River Road waterfront property on Tuesday.

Town Manager William Post said he was “very pleased,” and noted that of the nearly seven years he has been in the position, Bowdoinham has been looking for land for six of them.

“To be able to find a suitable location for public works and begin the process to redevelop the waterfront,” he said, “it’s a unique time to be in Bowdoinham.”

Post said any plans for the waterfront and existing public works site would be dependent upon funding approval for the new site. He added the town was looking at a $2.4 million to $2.7 million project, to be funding through a 25-year bond. A public information meeting will take place on March 13, and approval for the project would happen at a March 28 town meeting.

Tuesday’s presentation called for creation of a recreation area and open space at the River Road location. The concrete slab of the current public works facility could potentially be used for the new recreation area. Other ideas that came from public feedback include water access at the location, with canoeing area and a swimming dock suggested.

Planning for the current site couldn’t begin until approval was given for the new public works facility, to be constructed at 122 Pond Road. Bids for that project were received last week.

Once the new public works facility is approved, the town will work on the current space and a landscape architect would be hired for the design work. That would help the town determine the cost of a project and what would be possible with the land.

If everything goes according to plan, the new public works facility and sand-salt building would be completed at the new site by November, with vehicles and equipment moving into the new garage in December.

chris@timesrecord.com