RUMFORD – The Abbott Farm Plaza will go out to bid again.
Peter Hatzis had signed a purchase agreement to buy the town building complex and surrounding 78 acres at a cost of $220,000, but was unable to nail down contracts for two tenants by Jan. 19.
Hatzis is a Massachusetts businessman who recently bought the so-called Buccina block on Congress Street.
The plaza, which is about two miles west of town along Route 2, was once the site of Ames Department Store and several other businesses. It was turned over to the town late last year by Druker Corp. of Massachusetts. The town then decided to find a buyer for the complex who would develop it and bring jobs to the area.
Town Manager Steve Eldridge said Hatzis is still interested in the property, as are several others, including at least one local businessman and a shopping center developer from Framingham, Mass.
This time the bid proposal goes out, it will be a bit different than the agreement with Hatzis.
Following a closed-door session Thursday night, the board directed Eldridge to work out criteria for future bidders. Although Eldridge said the criteria bidders must submit hasn’t been entirely worked out yet, part of it may include removing at least some of the acreage. It may also require a sufficient number of credit references that would assure proper development of the property.
Eldridge said specific requirements for those who wish to submit bids will be outlined at the Feb. 3 board meeting. If selectmen approve, the property will be immediately advertised in several state newspapers. Proposals will be due back within 30 days of advertising.
When looking at proposals, selectmen will consider not only the bid price, but also the number of jobs that a developer plans to bring to the site.
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