GARDINER — City Councilors on Wednesday night renewed a junkyard license for Brown’s Exit 27 Salvage Inc. with the condition that the owner fixes safety and code violations by specific deadlines over the next year.

Fire Chief Mike Minkowsky said safety violations have been present consistently over the last three inspection visits to the junkyard on Brunswick Avenue, including obstructed roadways in and out of the property.

In a report from a Dec. 5 visit, Minkowksy noted debris throughout the yard, impeded exits in the office building and a lack of separation between the office and the higher-hazard processing area.

He said he’s concerned about the safety of employees and customers at the junkyard, as well as about the ability of fire and rescue personnel to respond to any emergency such as a vehicle fire on the property.

“It would just be impossible for us to get into it in any reasonable time to make an effective stop,” Minkowsky said.

Darryl Brown, the junkyard’s owner, agreed to the terms that set the earliest deadlines for the most pressing concerns, such as the obstructed entrance.

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“I’ve always had a good relationship with the city of Gardiner, and I hope I always do,” he said.

Councilors also held a public hearing and first reading of a proposed ordinance amendment to allow overnight camping on city property for special events. The proposal was presented in anticipation of an overnight bicycle event that might include a stay in Gardiner next year.

No one from the public spoke about the proposed amendment, which would require applicants to seek approval from the council before being allowed to camp during special events.

Officials planning the Bicycle Coalition of Maine’s BikeMaine, a weeklong bicycle ride planned for next September, asked the city whether they could use the Waterfront Park for an overnight site during the event.

Scott Morelli previously said the event could bring up to 350 cyclists and around 40 staffers to Gardiner.

Councilors hadn’t yet discussed anything else on the agenda by press time.

They also were scheduled to discuss a tax incentive policy for downtown improvements.

The proposed policy would set the amount of new tax revenue developers could expect to receive back for upgrading second- and third-floor units, adding elevators or opening a hotel.

Paul Koenig — 207-621-5663pkoenig@centralmaine.comTwitter: @paul_koenig


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