Fair stage planners to seek CDBG grant
OXFORD — A planner for a proposed stage and theater at the Oxford fairgrounds says organizers plan to apply for a grant of up to half a million dollars to facilitate the project.
The project, estimated to cost $3 million to $3.5 million, would place a stage capable of seating 6,000 people and an amphitheater space with a capacity of about 14,000 on 15 acres of the fairgrounds, which is off Pottle Road. The Oxford Agricultural Society and concert promoter Live Nation are the main parties behind the proposal, according to Linda Walbridge, director of the Western Maine Economic Development Council.
On Thursday, the Oxford selectmen unanimously supported consideration of a sponsorship for a community development block grant. Walbridge said the vote will allow the stage partners to meet with the state's Department of Economic and Community Development to see what is needed for information and what is the best way to write the grant.
Walbridge said CDBG grants must be applied for by the county or a town, and public hearings will be held on the grant if the town officially sponsors it. She said the partners are hoping to submit a grant application by December, and, while the amount sought will depend on discussions with the Department of Economic and Community Development, it could be up to $500,000.
"Frequently it takes them several months to make decisions, and then I think you get funding the following year," Walbridge said.
The aim of the project is to establish a premier concert venue, the first and largest of its kind in the state, to attract A-list performers. Walbridge said local businesses have already received a boost from attendees of smaller concerts held at the fairgrounds. She said the stage could also be used for other performances, ranging from theater to ballet.
The proposal would require some upgrades to the fairgrounds, including additional parking and three-phase power.
"We believe this is truly a way to jump-start our local economy," she said.
U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe have expressed support for the project, along with U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud, who has toured the fairgrounds to see the site of the proposed project. Other supporters include the Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce, Hannaford, Norway Savings Bank and several small businesses.
"We've found that we have had great local support," Walbridge said.
lead dog says
The big issue will be traffic management, not only in Oxford but from the turnpike exits in Auburn and Gray. I would love to see this facility built. Just look at the whole picture and do it right. This isn't like Mansfield, Massachusetts where their concert facility is right off the interstate. This also isn't like the Grateful Dead and Monsters of Rock shows at the speedway in the late 80s that clogged every road for miles. Those events attracted 5 times as many people as this will.