AUGUSTA — Two zoning changes and a proposal to give a new above-ground home to artifacts expected to be dug up at the former site of Fort Richmond will be before city councilors Thursday.

State archaeologists and volunteers are digging on the Richmond side of the Richmond-Dresden bridge, at the site of the former Fort Richmond, to make way for a proposed bridge expected to be built starting next year.

City councilors on Thursday are scheduled to consider a proposal to archive and keep the archeological collection from the Fort Richmond dig at Old Fort Western and in Fort Western’s office space inside Augusta City Center.

Councilors meet at 7 p.m. Thursday in council chambers at Augusta City Center.

Linda Novak, director and curator of OId Fort Western, said the Maine Historic Preservation Commission will contribute $5,000 toward the preservation of Fort Richmond artifacts.

Novak said the histories of Fort Western, Fort Richmond, Fort Shirley and Fort Halifax are all intertwined, so it makes sense to house Fort Richmond artifacts at the Augusta fort.

Councilors are also expected to consider two unrelated zoning change proposals.

The first asks the Planning Board to review amending the Land Use Ordinance to allow retail as a land use within the resource development zone on Mount Vernon Avenue and make a recommendation back to councilors on the issue.

The second, in a “contract zone,” would apply to only one lot, adjacent to Paul Blouin Suzuki on Western Avenue, and allow three specific uses — auto repair and service, automobile business and one and two-family dwellings.

Councilors are also scheduled to:

* hear presentations on Earth Day Augusta on June 1 and the United Way Day of Caring;

* recognize Richard “Blackie” Bechard, 2012 Maine Franco-American Hall of Fame inductee;

* hold a public hearing and consider granting a liquor license to Tina Charest for Charlamagne’s, a proposed new restaurant and bar in downtown Augusta.

Keith Edwards — 621-5647

[email protected]