The Town of Bridgton is seeking financial reimbursement from the Federal Government for the recent storm event. To assist us in this process, please send photos of downed trees on Bridgton public roads to Todd Perreault, EMA Director, at ema@bridgtonmaine.org AND don’t forget to include the street location of your photo. Thank you
Pondicherry Park is projected to draw 32,488 visits this year.
Yet, not everyone can enjoy a stroll through the intown 66-acre park because of their lack of full mobility — either due to being confined to a wheelchair or needing to use crutches.
Tom Perkins wants to create access for all.
Perkins, who is executive director of Loon Echo Land Trust, approached Bridgton selectmen Tuesday night regarding a proposal to upgrade 4,800 feet of forested trail, running alongside Stevens and Mill Brooks, enabling those with mobility issues a chance to enjoy the park.
Read the entire article here: http://www.bridgton.com/stroll-through-pondicherry-park-for-all/
On Thursday, November 2, 2017 at 6:00p.m. members of the Board of Selectmen will be at the Bridgton Memorial School located on Depot Street, Bridgton, Maine. Although there may be a quorum no official business will be conducted.
Just a reminder to all citizens to make sure your house has proper identification so that emergency services can locate your home in the event of an emergency. Numbers shall be displayed on a post, fence, wall, mail box, or on some structure at the property line adjacent to the walk or access drive to the residence or structure. The numbers displayed shall be no less than four (4) inches in height. The numbers displayed shall be of contrasting color to the building.
Remember: They can’t help you, if they can’t
find you.
PRE-BID MEETING: 9:00 AM, Thursday, October 19, 2017
SEALED BIDS DUE: 3:00 PM, Thursday, October 26, 2017
Sealed proposals are being accepted for the Town of Bridgton Survey and Reconstruction Drawings for Lower Main Street (the “Project”), which consists of obtaining competitive bids from responsible and responsive Contractors to conduct a right-of-way survey, and produce design and shovel-ready reconstruction drawings for a roughly 1-mile segment of Lower Main Street. Right-of-way design will include sidewalks, storm drains, shade trees, sewer line stubs to side streets, and consideration of CMP pole relocation.
A pre-bid meeting will be held on October 19, 2017 9:00 AM at the Town Office 3 Chase St, Suite 1, Bridgton, ME 04009.
Complete written bids shall be submitted in sealed envelopes plainly marked, “Lower Main Street Project” to: Brenda Day, Administrative Assistant 3 Chase Street Bridgton, ME 04009 no later than 3:00 PM Thursday October 26, 2017, at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Contract bid documents, including plans and specifications, are available on the Town website(https://bridgtonmaine.org) or by e-mail request to Brenda Day (bday@bridgtonmaine.org).
Update to the Request for Bids on a 2018 Police Cruiser – this contract has been awarded to Quirk Ford of Augusta.
Sealed proposals are being accepted for the Town of Bridgton, Bridgton Community Center Project (the “Project”), which consists of obtaining competitive bids from responsible and responsive Contractors for the replacement of the roof in accordance with furnished documents and specifications.
A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on August 31, 2017 9:00 AM at the Bridgton Community Center 15 Depot Street, Bridgton, ME 04009 to examine the work site. Attendance at this meeting by the Contractor or the Contractor’s qualified representative is a mandatory prerequisite for the acceptance of a bid from that Contractor.
Complete written bids shall be submitted in sealed envelopes plainly marked, “Town of Bridgton, Bridgton Community Center Roof” to:
Brenda Day, Administrative Assistant, 3 Chase Street, Bridgton, ME 04009 not later than 3:00 PM Friday September 8, 2017, at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.
Contract bid documents, including plans and specifications, are available via download below or by e-mail request to Brenda Day (bday@bridgtonmaine.org).
See Bid Package below:
WMTW News 8’s Jim Keithley and Photojournalist Diana Scannell visited Bridgton and deemed it one of Maine’s ‘Hidden Gems.’
View the full story here: http://www.wmtw.com/article/visit-bridgton-one-of-maine-s-hidden-gems/10198233
Municipal officials are pleased to announce that the Town of Bridgton has received a $6,134 dividend check from the Maine Municipal Association as a result of its good loss experience and loss prevention programs.
Starting on October 1, 2017, Highland Lake’s water level will be lowered temporarily so lakefront property owners can perform dock repairs, place rip rap, clean the exposed lake bottom along the shoreline, and perform other waterfront improvements.
Lakefront property owners should take actions necessary to protect their personal property. This includes, but is not limited to, adjusting pontoon retaining lines and properly securing or removing boats, canoes and kayaks.
Owners planning improvements to their docks or shorelines are advised to consult D.E.P and Robert Baker, Code Enforcement Officer for allowed improvements or permits required prior to doing so.
If you have any questions regarding which improvements require approval, contact Robert Baker at ceo@bridgtonmaine.org or call (207) 803-9952.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BRIDGTON, Maine — August 4, 2017 — The Town of Bridgton is preparing to expand the capacity and upgrade its existing wastewater collection, treatment and treated effluent infrastructure, and is conducting a household characteristic survey to inform the process.
The existing sewer collection system will be expanded throughout the Downtown area and the Portland Road (Route 302) corridor. The project description and report is available to review at the town office. It includes a description of why the Town needs this infrastructure project, a discussion of potential technology, the location of current and future infrastructure and the potential users to be served.
The many critical reasons needs for this project include increasing demand, age and deteriorating condition of the existing infrastructure, impacts to surface water bodies and regulatory violations. The current system requires investment to meet the needs of the Bridgton community and to provide proper treatment of wastewater. The existing pump stations are old and need upgrades to equipment and electrical systems. The project will fix known deficiencies in piping including sags, offset joints and breaks. Finally, the presence of poor soils in the area has made the use of private septic systems challenging, as they have historically experienced non-compliance. Under this project, private septic systems will not be required for users who connect to the sewer.
The Town officials, Woodard & Curran engineers and RCAP Solutions are working together with USDA Rural Development and Maine DEP to identify funding solutions. A household survey will help in understanding the best approach to funding the project, and ensure that we represent all potential residential users’ financial circumstances adequately. Therefore, we are surveying all potential residential users to have a more accurate determination of household income. This data will be evaluated only to determine if the project qualifies for federal financial assistance which is based on the median household income of the entire service area. Your voluntary and full participation will greatly assist the town in ensuring the projects’ affordability for everyone.
Under the guidance of RCAP Solutions, Jamie McFaul will be conducting the survey. This information will be complied by Arthur Astarita Maine State Lead for RCAP Solutions, the northeast affiliate of the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (www.rcapsolutions.org). All information will be held in strictly confidence by RCAP Solutions. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Art at 232.3388 or Jamie at 517.7020.
Great piece by the Portland Press Herald on the growing public transportation network throughout the Southern Maine region, including a mention of Bridgton’s own Lakes Region Explorer. Read the full article here: http://www.pressherald.com/2017/08/19/maine-voices-new-investments-in-public-transportation-strengthen-the-region/
The excitement built as around 50 people — and a half dozen or so dogs — gathered on the Bob Dunning Memorial Bridge Tuesday, awaiting the ribbon-cutting to dedicate the official gifting of Pondicherry Park to the people of Bridgton.
Smiles were everywhere, and the speeches preceding the ribbon-cutting reflected a sense that Bridgton had accomplished something pretty special by creating a 66-acre nature park with guided trails smack dab in the middle of downtown.
The legal closing on the 66-acre park transfer occurred Wednesday, June 27, at 2 p.m. at the Bridgton Municipal Complex, when the property deed was granted from LELT to the town, and the conservation easement was reserved.
Six trails have been created within the 66-acre Pondicherry Park – the half-mile Snowshoe Hare trail loop is the only one that allows pets on leashes. The dog-walking trail can be accessed by trailheads at the Bob Dunning Memorial Bridge or across from Bridgton Hospital on South High Street.
To read the entire article: http://www.bridgton.com/pondicherry-park-a-dream-come-true/
Pondicherry Park, the 66-acre natural jewel of downtown Bridgton, will become an official town park — complete with a dog loop trail — next Tuesday, if Bridgton selectmen agree to accept three documents governing the park’s ownership, management and stewardship.
The three documents were the result of carefully-crafted negotiations begun last fall between Loon Echo Land Trust, Lakes Environmental Association and the town, represented by Selectmen Bernie King, Doug Taft and Woody Woodward, with Town Manager Mitch Berkowitz serving as moderator. The negotiations were part of a condition under which voters agreed last November to take over ownership of the park, made possible by over $700,000 in donations from 710 donors through the purchase of separate parcels over six years.
To read the entire article: http://www.bridgton.com/pondicherry-park-management-plan-finalized/
Last week, Bridgton selectmen Doug Taft and Earl Cash announced that they had received “some feedback” regarding the public’s concern about the cost of the town taking over Pondicherry Park.
Voters will likely be asked in November to approve the town taking over ownership of the 65-acre park that has trail systems and is home to the Bob Dunning Memorial Bridge.
The Pondicherry Park project has been overseen since 2006 and up to this point, by Loon Echo Land Trust, Lakes Environmental Association, as well as a volunteer Stewardship Committee.
To read the entire article: http://www.bridgton.com/pondicherry-park-concerns-addressed/
The Bob Dunning Memorial Bridge – the gateway to Pondicherry Park in Bridgton – is dedicated to a well-known craftsman who restored and enhanced many of the historic homes in the Lake Region. Bob died of a heart attack on Nov. 23, 2007 at the age of 57. History was a fascination. Bob founded the Bridgton Historical Society’s annual Woodworkers’ Show and was vice president of the Rufus Porter Museum. He gave selflessly to his community as a volunteer firefighter, teacher and writer. At his memorial service, Bob was remembered for his kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity. Read the entire Bridgton News article here: http://www.bridgton.com/dunning-bridge-dedication-2/
As a child, Jon Evans’ playground was the woods.
“I was born in the old hospital on Main Hill and have lived in Bridgton most of my life to this point,” he said. “I took for granted the lands — I hunted, fished and hiked on — would always be there.”
Two, he serves as the Stewardship and Volunteer Coordinator for Loon Echo Land TrustWanting his own son, Maxwell, and other children to enjoy the marvelous woodlands he did, Evans has poured his energies and time into two major projects. One, he is a member of the Bridgton Recreation Advancement Group (BRAG), which is developing a sports complex off Portland Road.
“What I enjoy most about being Loon Echo’s Stewardship and Volunteer coordinator is giving folks of all ages an opportunity to see first hand what we have preserved for future generations, especially children,” he said. “When I tell kids that places like Bald Pate Mountain and Pondicherry Park are theirs to share with their children someday, I want them to feel ownership and pride in that. The natural resources we have chosen to protect for the benefit of the public and the many recreational opportunities Bridgton has to offer have a direct impact on the local economy. I am very proud of how Bridgton has balanced much needed growth with land conservation.”
Evans is “excited to see all the positive growth at a time when so many towns are in decline.”
One could sense Evans’ pride and sense of accomplishment as he guided a small group of hikers on a casual Veterans Day walk through Bridgton’s newest recreational gem — Pondicherry Park.
To read the entire article: http://www.bridgton.com/pondicherry-park-hike/
Bob Dunning (1950-2007) was a preservation craftsman known for his work restoring historic houses and barns and creating fine furniture and carvings. He was also a devoted environmentalist who fully engaged in local politics, always trying to bring disparate points of view together. He was an outstanding parent who cared deeply about passing on an appreciation of craftsmanship and nature to all children. In short, Bob Dunning was a bridge within the community . . . so it’s fitting that we build a bridge in our community to honor him.
The fundraising campaign for the Bridge is now closed, but more information on the History of both the bridge, its builder, and Bob Dunning and his legacy may be found here:
In Bridgton, in the blazing heat last week, a determined crew of volunteers set the first timbers in place for the floor of the Bob Dunning Memorial Bridge. Andy Buck, a Naples timber framer and friend of the late Bob Dunning, spent the previous week at his shop mortising 16 of the 8-by-12 hemlock floor timbers.
Buck is a well known timber framer who’s staying busy despite the economic downturn. Since 1987, Buck has crafted homes and barns, and designed and built what would ultimately become the Stone Mountain Arts Center in Brownfield. Read the rest of the article here: https://www.pressherald.com/2010/07/14/a-bridge-to-inspiration_2010-07-14/
