CANTON – Michael Maxwell grew up in the mid-19th century, two-story farmhouse on School Street. He remembers that his mother always chased people out of the kitchen when she wanted to cook.
But even with all the memories, he’s pleased that the federal Flood Mitigation Program decided to buy his home in the floodplain. During the flood of 1987, 4 feet of water entered the main part of the house, he said. And every time weather brings flooding, his house gets it. Another plus for selling out is the heat expense, he said. Last year, he spent more than $1,800 for oil, plus he burned several cords of wood.
Maxwell’s home is one of seven in the floodplain that regularly gets flooded and is scheduled for demolition by the end of the year.
On Saturday, dozens of people from throughout Western Maine decided to take a last look at the interiors of these homes to try to find something they could use.
When houses are demolished for whatever reason, usually it’s just the demolition contractor who salvages useful items. But in Canton, town officials decided to give the general public a chance first.
Selectman Jackie Conant, the on-site person at the former Baptist parsonage on Pleasant Street, said many people had shown interest in looking at the buildings, so arrangements were made to hold a sort of open house where people could bid on what they wanted.
Diane Ray, chairwoman of the Special Projects Committee, said any funds raised from the bidding will go toward the purchase of another house in the floodplain. Eventually, when enough funding is found, the committee hopes to buy out about 65 homes and move a major portion of the village to higher ground off Route 108.
Gerry Morin and Debbie Bolen of Turner were thrilled to have a chance to look at the seven houses.
“We see so many houses that are torn down, and we know there are some good things there,” said Morin..
They are restoring a 150-year-old farmhouse and are on the lookout for architectural items such as built-in cabinets, barn beams and granite slabs. They hadn’t found anything by mid-morning, but they hadn’t yet seen all the houses.
Bolen said the public bidding process was also a good way to recycle.
“Maybe other towns will use Canton as a model,” she said.
Jim Dyment decided to help people out as they looked at his home on Pleasant Street. The town’s emergency management director sold his small home under the federal program. He’s feeling fine about it. He bought a newer home on Turner Street. Without having to worry about the flooding of his own home, he said he can now focus more energy on other people in town who may find themselves in a flood situation.
Ray said nearly 40 people, some bidders on pieces of the homes and some demolition contractors, took out papers Saturday morning for the process.
All bids must be turned into the town office by noon on Saturday, Nov. 12, with evidence that the item wanted can be removed. The Board of Selectmen will award the contracts at their meeting on Nov. 16. All items must be removed by Dec. 3.
Maxwell, a state Department of Transportation employee and member of the Canton Fire and Rescue Department, has bought a new home on Main Street that is only about 40 years old. He moved in last month.
On Saturday, it didn’t bother him that people were traipsing all over what was once his home.
“But maybe when they tear it down, it will,” he said.
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