RUMFORD – Selectmen will outline their plan of action for trying to acquire a truck route bypass for a portion of Route 2 when they meet on Thursday.
They will also learn about a possible Pine Tree Zone for the River Valley, receive an update on progress made by the River Park Committee, and discuss temporary changes or closure of several in-town streets.
The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the conference room of the Municipal Building.
Selectmen want the Maine Department of Transportation to designate a truck route that would direct vehicles off Route 2 just before the Mexico business district across Veterans Bridge, then onto Route 108. Such a route would also bypass several narrow, largely residential streets in the town of Rumford.
Mexico officials have opposed the proposed route because they believe passenger vehicles would follow trucks, taking potential business away from downtown stores. They launched a petition drive last week opposing the designation of a truck route bypass. The MDOT has already denied Rumford’s request, but the issue is not dead, according to Division 7 MDOT engineer Norman Haggan.
Town Manager Robert Welch said his board will likely launch its own petition drive, requesting the bypass.
In other matters, River Valley Growth Council representative Rosie Bradley will discuss tentative plans for forming an area that might qualify under the state’s Pine Tree Zone tax incentive program.
Linda Macgregor, chairwoman of the River Park Committee, will ask selectmen to approve a Maine Department of Environmental Protection appropriate clearing of a path near the Androscoggin River bank.
The committee is attempting to create a walking trail and mini-park from Veterans Bridge to Morse Bridge. She will also update the board on other actions the committee has done during the past few months.
Other agenda items include: discussion on whether to make Coos Avenue one-way during ball games; action on a request by St. Athanasius and St. John School to close a portion of Maine Avenue during the annual Fall Family Festival on Sept. 28; and a decision on whether to put out to bid a 1964 cable backhoe.
eadams@sunjournal.com
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