SALEM TOWNSHIP – April Grant of Salem is working with other residents to restore the community center and fire station on Main Street.

Grant has been conducting a local survey to determine if the unorganized town is eligible to apply for a Community Development Block Grant through Maine’s Office of Community Development. The planning grant would give the group an outline and cost estimate for the restoration. This information would then be used to apply for a funding grant.

Grant went before the Franklin County Commissioners on Tuesday to seek approval for a public hearing on the effort. The commissioners did not need to take any action, but they approved of the process, saying they were happy to see an unorganized township take the initiative.

Grant said she has already spoken with Michael Baran of the Office of Community Development, who has assisted her in getting the grant process under way.

She has been working on a survey of year-round homeowner incomes, statistics that are required for the grant application.

“I’m new at this,” Grant told commissioners. “I’m stumbling along.”

The survey was about one-third completed as of the middle of the week. She said she hopes to have it finished by Aug. 13.

She said the community supports the concept, having already held several fund-raising events. At the community center they have renovated the kitchen, although it needs more work, she said. The bathroom also needs to be completed and a handicapped access ramp installed.

They want to keep the ceiling as is, she said, because it provides great acoustics.

The community center would be used for meetings and wedding receptions, as well as other community events.

If the township is deemed eligible, a public hearing will be held on the project. If all goes well, Grant will apply in March 2005 for the planning grant for up to $10,000.

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