LIVERMORE FALLS — The developer planning to create 30 low-income apartments in the former middle school told those at a public hearing Wednesday that they will be for Livermore Falls residents and applicants must have a U.S. identification card.

Brandon Roberge of Augusta, president of Newman Homes, gave an overview of the proposal to convert the vacant building at 1 Highland Ave. into 10 one-bedroom, 15 two-bedroom and five three-bedroom apartments. There will be eight to 10 handicap accessible apartments, he said.

The plan includes a computer laboratory and exercise room for tenants, and converting the gym for use by tenants and the community.

There is a working elevator in the building and the property has public sewer and water.

The school closed in 2012 after Jay, Livermore and Livermore Falls consolidated into Regional School Unit 73.

Roberge said if the first option for funding doesn’t come through, he would turn the building into assisted living quarters for older people.

The Planning Board voted Jan. 17 to approve a site plan review application for the project.

Newman Homes has a purchase and sale agreement to buy the former school from DANAC Management Co.

Resident Elaine Nichols who lives on Oak Street at the intersection of Highland Avenue asked whether there would be adequate parking for occupants.

Roberge said he spoke to Public Works Supervisor Bill Nichols and there will be parking for each apartment, using the existing parking area and the area along a long driveway at the back of the property. He said he plans to put handicap parking areas near the building.

Selectman James Cyr asked if the apartments would be for immigrants who Gov. Janet Mills wants to resettle in Maine by 2029. It would be a burden on the town, schools and the taxpayers, he said, because of the cost and having no interpreters in the area.

Roberge said the apartments will be for residents of Livermore Falls and applicants must have a U.S. identification card.

Selectman William Kenniston asked how the developer will deal with illegal drugs and other illegal activities.

Roberge said applications will be screened and the law will be followed.

Resident Michelle Moffett of Oak Street asked how project will enrich the community.

Town Manager Carrie Castonguay said it would generate tax revenue and revitalize a vacant, deteriorating building. She said the day after the Sun Journal story was published, people were calling the Town Office to find out where to get an application.

Planning Board member Arin Quintel said when she moved to town she got involved in the Planning Board, Budget Committee and the Comprehensive Planning Committee. The plan, she said, is a guide to shape the town’s future and the committee is working on updating it.

She takes pride in her property and community, she said, and others could do the same.

“We need to come together and express our concerns,” Quintel said.

Roberge said the investment in the property will be several million dollars.

Resident Ron Chadwick thanked Roberge for investing in the town.

If everything goes as planned, Roberge said, he hopes to break ground next winter.  It will probably take nine to 10 months for construction. Applications will be taken before the project is fully completed.

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