On Wednesday, the Rangeley Planning Board decided to bring the Eagle Sports Shops expansion application to a public hearing July 12. The discussion of a piece of private land which owners want to convert to commercial office space will go to a public hearing July 26. A bylaw was also ratified, allowing the chairman of the Planning Board to stay on for more than two terms.

Discussion of the proposed Camp Rangeley application had been put off until the Planning Board’s next meeting July 12.

– David Farady
New Vineyard: Porter Lake proposed site viewed

During Tuesday’s Planning Board meeting, 18 people walked the site of the proposed subdivision on Porter Lake. Planning Board member Wayne Drake said the meeting was productive and the people were respectful.

Acme Engineering representative Randy Collins and co-owner of the land Scott Hall fielded questions. Major concerns included potential impact on the shoreline, the degree of wood cutting on the lots, the amount of motor vehicle use, access to water and the use of trailers on the lots.

This is the first major subdivision handled by this Planning Board, and they are trying to do everything possible to make it successful. A master list of questions and concerns will be compiled before the next Planning Board meeting which will be dedicated to addressing these issues. The board also plans to solicit legal advice from the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments.

“There’s a lot at stake for the developers, the town and the people on the lake,” Drake said. He urges community members to attend the next meeting July 11.

– David Farady
Strong: Board OKs boat landing

Selectmen signed off on a grant application that proposes creating a boat landing on the Sandy River. There are many potential issues involved with this proposal, but the goal is to make the landing low impact. The grant calls for a gravel path and access only for boats that can be carried in.

Selectmen also reviewed a grant that proposes to renovate and start up three nonoperating mills in town. Foster Manufacturing, Strong Woodturning and Cousineau’s Mill were all surveyed for potential use by Robert Patten of Edward Kelcey Engineering. The manner in which standing buildings will be used is yet to be determined.

There will be a public hearing at July 25 in which engineers will solicit input on what residents think the structures should be used for. A second meeting will take place Aug. 31 for engineers to share their thoughts on use.

The grant was drafted by a committee from the Strong Area Business and Civic Alliance, which is working in cooperation with the town office and municipal officers on the project. President of the Strong Area Business and Civic Alliance, Eileen Maizga, said she hopes there will be a good turnout for the July 25 meeting at Foster Memorial Building from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

– David Farady