Auburn: Pine Tree Zones realigned

Councilors agreed Monday to swap parts of the city’s Pine Tree Zone to help a Kittyhawk Industrial Park-based business.

The city removed 50 developable acres around the Auburn Lewiston Municipal Airport from the list of Pine Tree sites, replacing them with developable land in the industrial park and along Lewiston Junction Road, north of the airport.

Pine Tree zones are part of Gov. John Baldacci’s plan to spur economic development in Maine by offering tax incentives to new and growing businesses.

The council’s move Monday will help New Ved Manufacturing, according to Economic Development Director Roland Miller.

– Scott Taylor

Greene: Bid for new truck awarded

After seeking bids for an International truck to help spread the plowing duties in town, selectmen awarded the bid to Morrison & Sylvester of Auburn for $55,936.10.

Morrison & Sylvester’s quote was about $6,000 over the allotted amount, forcing the town to hold a special town meeting at 7 p.m. on July 25 to ask voters to appropriate the difference or seek other modes of payment.

Road Commissioner Bruce Tufts, backed by selectmen, agreed that although its bid is not the lowest, the Auburn company would be awarded the bid based on reliable past experience and the convenience of having a local dealer in case of emergency or maintenance issues.

– Nick Angelides