FARMINGTON – The proposed construction of a business on Front Street includes a request to exchange quitclaim deeds with the town, which requires voter approval at a special town meeting set for 7 p.m. on June 23 at the Community Center.

Jon and Lois Bubier propose to tear down an empty garage on Front Street at the turn to Narrow Gauge Cinema and construct a new building that will house two or three small businesses or offices on the main floor.

A lower level includes room for a tavern. An existing bar/restaurant owner in town is interested in moving, Bubier told the Planning Board, which has approved the project.

A portion of the proposed building falls within the town’s right of way, Town Manager Richard Davis said to the Board of Selectmen on Tuesday.

Research and surveys on the property reveal an 11-yard-wide road that develops into a 22-yard road in front of the property with a 16-yard right of way, Bubier said Wednesday. By exchanging quitclaim deeds, Bubier and the town would settle on a property border and release any claim beyond the border, he said.

A road built in the late 1800s and confusion over the railroad property along the stretch has created a vague picture of property lines. The quitclaim exchange would confirm the property line, Bubier said.

Part of the proposed building is on a retaining wall that supports Front Street and is in the town’s right of way, Davis said. By moving the right of way, the town relinquishes responsibility for the wall. Bubier wants to pour a foundation behind it for his building, he said.

The plans for the 55- by 60-foot building include 11 parking spaces.

The Bubiers bought the property – which has served as a coal shed and a horse repair booth, among other things – and began the project more than a year ago. They plan to start construction sometime in August, he said.

A copy of the survey done in May can be seen at the Municipal Building prior to the special town meeting and at the Community Center during the meeting.


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