At its Jan. 13 meeting, the Augusta Planning Board tabled Main Street I LLC’s request to convert the Burleigh Building at the Kennebec Arsenal into 15 residential units.

It was the right call. For those of us who have followed debates about this property for nearly 20 years, it is hard to place confidence in yet another proposal from Niemann Capital, LLC and its owner, Tom Niemann.

Back in 2007, the vision included luxury apartments, a boutique hotel, retail shops, restaurants, cafés, a park and a wellness center. None of it materialized.

In July 2022, Niemann shifted to a housing-focused plan, telling Augusta that within “24 months or less” he would redevelop five Arsenal buildings for $1.76 million. He declared, “We’re literally on the verge of becoming a full-fledged construction site.” Again, nothing happened.

The redevelopment of the Kennebec Arsenal has been a failure, and legal disputes with Niemann continue. Augusta cannot afford further missteps with this historic site.

The Planning Board has now asked Niemann to appear at the next meeting and explain to Augusta’s residents why his latest proposal deserves their trust — and how it fits into any credible long-term plan for the property.

Planning Board meetings are held at 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at City Center. Agendas are available at augustamaine.gov/planning-board-materials.

Mary Owen
Augusta