BETHEL — A decision on whether to develop the “snowman lot” at Bethel Station may come next spring, according to Tony Donovan, the real estate agent listing the property.

The lot has in the past been the site of two world-record giant snowmen, as well as other winter season festival projects.

Earlier this fall Donovan said there was a purchase and sale agreement for the property, but he has not named the potential buyer or the plans for the lot. Since then, test borings have been done to analyze what is beneath the surface, he said.

“The snowman lot continues to be under a period of due diligence,” Donovan said. “The environmental analysis uncovered some gasoline residue from the former operations of the town of Bethel garage. It is not much, and we are moving ahead with a Department of Environmental Protection plan to have it removed.

“Another location on the property was used for mixing asphalt, and although the residue indicates some pollution, it is not of a level that requires removal. The prospective owners and seller are working with an engineering firm on recommendations for next steps,” said Donovan, who works for KW Commercial Keller Williams Coastal Realty.

“I believe any decision to develop the site, or not, will come in the early spring of 2016. Do expect to see the earth nearest to the Cross Street subject of some activity before the year’s end — and hopefully before it snows.”

An aerial view of the Western Maine Supply building, center, with black roof, in the 1970s shows what is now known as the “snowman lot” to the left. The lot was the location of the Bethel town garage, the square building in center foreground.

 

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