MEXICO – In a first step toward trying to eliminate several buildings considered eyesores, selectmen on Wednesday referred a number of ordinances to the Planning Board for review.

“Some of these are abandoned, dangerous buildings,” said Town Manager Joseph Derouche. “We have some major concerns.”

Among those identified were one each on Main Street and Carleton Avenue. Derouche said several other buildings or shacks that should be reviewed are located in the outlying areas of the town.

He said one building was shut down last year because it was considered a health hazard.

The review of such ordinances, including the dangerous building ordinance, the abandoned building ordinance and those dealing with land use and junkyards, will help the town work with owners, or if that isn’t possible, to take legal action, Derouche said.

Also at Wednesday’s meeting, the board learned that the tax rate, originally expected to be $29 per $1,000 valuation, was reduced to $28.80 because of the discovery of a large tract of land that hadn’t been correctly assessed.

Derouche said the value of the town has increased dramatically since 1992, going from $38 million to $80 in 2003.

In other matters, Derouche announced several new or expanded businesses in town, including a new day-care center on Tucker Street, a medical equipment store, Lincare on Porter Bridge Road and an expansion of Child Development Services on Main Street.

Following the public portion of the meeting, selectmen and Deoruche also met in closed session to discuss another potential business venture.

In other action, selectmen:

• Approved a liquor license for the Covered Wagon Restaurant.

• Authorized Derouche to research the cost for doing an update of the town’s 1995 marketing plan.

• Learned the Maine Department of Transportation would soon begin work on Route 120 near the Black Bridge.

eadams@sunjournal.com

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