On the heels of Black Friday’s big box store deals, local shoppers think small while hunting for just the right gifts while supporting local shops.
economic development
‘I’ve never been bored’: Skowhegan development director retires after 34 years
Jeff Hewett doesn’t have any plans yet but has been working to set up his successor to take over the economic and community development office.
Augusta’s First Amendment Museum to move downtown during Gannett House renovation
The museum, which celebrates the First Amendment, will operate out of a space on Water Street for three years while the former home of Guy Gannett gets an update.
New building being constructed after fire destroys Waterville eatery
The Last Unicorn Restaurant at 6 and 8 Silver St. in downtown Waterville was destroyed by fire last year, and the property owner has hired an architect and contractor to construct another building.
Augusta councilors approve $2.6 million tax break for proposed downtown riverfront boutique hotel
The plan calls for developing the castle-like Olde Federal Building in downtown Augusta into a destination hotel with a spa, café and rooftop bar.
Trail projects in Skowhegan underway as part of master plan
Somerset Woods Trustees, a nonprofit land trust, is working on projects at two local preserves, while other groups are planning more projects to develop a local trail network.
Augusta board approves height rules change for major redevelopment of former Kmart site
A $48 million redevelopment proposal could bring a hotel with a rooftop restaurant or bar, apartments or condominiums to the site off Western Avenue.
‘Game-changing’ proposal would bring hotel, apartments, retail to former Kmart in Augusta
Due to the height of the proposed hotel – up to 85 feet – the project needs a contract zone from the city’s Planning Board.
From parking to trash, Skowhegan officials consider future development
The town’s Board of Selectmen and Planning Board met for their annual joint meeting Tuesday, discussing more than a dozen goals and priorities for the next year.
Waterville board requires food truck court fence to be removed, replaced
The Waterville Planning Board told PoPo’s Food Truck Court developer PoPo Lu that she must replace the fence she installed around the property at 121 Kennedy Memorial Drive with a stockade fence and extend it to block headlights from shining in neighbors’ windows.