Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 17 J U N E 1 4 , 2 0 2 1 L E W I S T O N / A U B U R N / W E S T E R N M A I N E "We've been getting requests for the past three years from groups and the public, asking when they can book," he says. Historically, lodging was one of Rumford's strengths. Now, "Lack of lodging is holding us back," O'Keefe says. Sunday River ski area is 20 minutes away, in Newry, contractors are frequently in town to work at the N.D. Paper mill, and travelers on U.S. Route 2 find the area a good stopping place, but in recent years there's been little place to stop overnight. Town officials also recently issued a request for proposals for 986 Prospect Ave., a couple miles west on Route 2, and hope another hotel developer makes a pitch. 3. VA clinic, Brookfield battery site Plans are being finalized for a VA Maine Healthcare System clinic proposed for a 3-acre vacant lot at 1 Railroad St., where the town's train station once was. The 7,000-square-foot clinic would replace the outdated one at 431 Franklin St. The developer, who is buying the land from town, will lease it to the VA, which means the property will be taxable. The developer plans to design it to reflect the style of the 1913 train station that was once on the spot. In otherwise undevelopable space next to the clinic site, the town will lease space to Brookfield Energy for 950 lithium-ion energy batteries. Working out the deals took more than two years. Both projects wanted the land, O'Keefe says. "We worked it out so they both could be here." 4. 132–136 Congress St. J.D. Scoops ice cream opened in 132 Congress St. in December 2019, also the home of J.D. Printing. Next door, at 136 Congress St., is a fully outfitted bar, just waiting for a bar operator. The space had was renovated right before the pandemic. "If someone wants to open a bar, we have the perfect space for it," O'Keefe says. C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » 1 3 2 F O C U S 4 4 4 P H O T O S / M A U R E E N M I L L I K E N 207.333.6419 ccfcmaine.org Unsure of your next move? Our experienced business advisors are ready to help! Free technical support Approved SBA Microlender Loan Funds Available

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