By Eileen M. Adams,Staff Writer

RUMFORD – Residents will be asked to comment on a variety of issues facing the town ranging from a proposed zoning ordinance to regulations governing adult entertainment businesses at a public hearing set for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18, at the Rumford Municipal Auditorium.

Townspeople will also be asked to comment on more than $500,000 in federal grant applications geared toward revitalizing the downtown and boosting the economic climate.

Town Manager Steve Eldridge said the town has made it to the second phase of a $150,000 Community Development Block Grant application aimed at providing matching funds to upgrade the facades of downtown businesses. The town is also applying for a $400,000 federal grant that would improve sidewalks, street lighting, roads and parts of Congress and Waldo streets as recommended by the Downtown Revitalization Committee.

Comments are also being sought on the proposed land-use code, which aims to establish residential, medical, industrial, commercial, rural, historic and mixed use zones as part of the the overall economic development plan.

The proposed land-use code also provides standardized means for applications, fees and appeals.

The Land Use Committee and John Maloney of Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments have been working to revamp the town’s land-use code for more than a year. Maloney will make the presentation at Tuesday’s hearing.

Also up for comment is the town’s first adult entertainment facility ordinance. This will govern where such facilities may be located, said Eldridge.

Comments from all hearings will be compiled and integrated into the proposed ordinances, if appropriate, then a second public hearing will then be held on April 25.

Residents will vote on each either at the annual town meeting set for June 5, or at referendum on June 13.