LIVERMORE FALLS — Townspeople Wednesday night unanimously chose a new roof for the Livermore Community Center and signs for the Androscoggin Land Trust trails system as projects for grant funding from GrowSmart Maine, the Maine Downtown Center and their supporting partners.
The meeting was a follow-up to one last fall when the Community Center and trails system were identified as having community support.
A tour of the Community Center was held before the meeting. More than 900 hours of volunteer labor have been given to renovate the building at 25 Church St.
“We’re looking for that sweet spot in the middle,” Nancy Smith of GrowSmart Maine said. “We’ll come in for three months, give resources and then step back.”
Tim Cox, president of the Livermore Community Center Association, gave a brief overview of what has been accomplished to date at the center and the potential next steps. The building is 100 years old this year and a community birthday party is being planned for late summer or early fall.
Mike Auger, Androscoggin Land Trust executive director, said in addition to 1,500 acres made available from Verso paper company in Jay and Canton, the trust received a public easement donated by Tim DeMillo and Mary Howes. New signs to let people know what’s available and the development of a pedestrian trail are being considered.
Two smaller groups identified several projects that could be completed within two months, had local leadership willing to see the project to completion and had either one-to-one matching funds or in-kind services.
Projects suggested for the center included Internet access and audio/visual equipment, a new roof, new kitchen outlets, new signs or a kiosk, new lights, a brochure and a project with the school to make people aware of its availability.
Projects for trails included new signs at Bridge Street and French Falls, updating maps, creating a walking path closer to the river and adding benches, picnic tables and portable toilets.
While discussing those projects, a third initiative was identified that would benefit everyone in the tri-town area: developing a map featuring all three towns and the recreation areas, historical landmarks, community sites and other points of interest.
GrowSmart Maine and the Maine Downtown Center, with support from the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation and the Maine Community Foundation, originally offered grants of $500 to $1,000 for each initiative. There may be funding available for the community map too. The money will be distributed in the coming weeks.
pharnden@sunmediagroup.net
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