The Lisbon Reporter

WELCOME TO THE LISBON REPORTER. In an effort to keep our community informed of what is going on at local and Federal levels of government, we decided to create this on-line newspaper. It is our hope that this on-line newspaper will help you stay informed so that you can get involved and take action for the benefit of our ENTIRE community. Thank you for visiting and please check back frequently for information about what is happening in LISBON/LISBON FALLS, MAINE USA

Friday, January 27, 2012

ANDROSCOGGIN RIVER TRAIL HAPPY TRAILS OR WHITE ELEPHANT?

ANDROSCOGGIN RIVER TRAIL

HAPPY TRAILS OR WHITE ELEPHANT?

On November 4, 2009 Town of Lisbon residents went to the polls and voted to approve a bond in the amount of $320,000.00.

This $320,000.00 is the town’s share of $1,600,000.00 to build a trail continuing from the present trail at the Sabattus River Bridge on Route 196 and Frost Hill Avenue, UNDER the Sabattus River Bridge, over several sections of wetlands, cross the railroad TWICE, pass right under the kitchen windows of property owners on Davis Street.

More than 2 ½ years and how many dollars later and the project still
has not gotten off the ground. The town is still waiting for approvals
from the Army Corp of Engineers and Maine DEP.

At a January 24, 2012 Council workshop, Town Engineer Ryan Leighton said we still need to obtain the necessary permits, get easements from property owners, decide if the town will hire a contractor to oversee the project or act as our own contractor, which would mean hiring a Licensed Professional Engineer and additional workers at the Public Works Department.

Why hire another Engineer?

We are a long way from even beginning work.

Councilor Bowie laughingly said if the homeowners won’t sign easements maybe the town could use Eminent Domain.

Keep Praying Mike Bowie, You And Brother Dale Have A Lot of Sins To Undue!

Would Mr. Bowie want people walking under his kitchen window?

Would Mr. Eldridge want people walking under his windows?

Mr. Noyes Lawrence is a big proponent of the Androscoggin River Trail.

Would he want people walking under his windows?

We are paying $16,000 a year on a bond for a project they are nowhere
near ready to begin! ! ! !

How much has already been spent??????

Will those coming from other towns to walk our beautiful trails,
spend any money here? Support our local businesses? (Other than at Hogie’s Hot Dogs? No offense Frank. )

Eat at our restaurants? Shop at Food City, Rite Aid, Family Dollar?

WHY ARE WE SPENDING SO MUCH MONEY FOR SO LITTLE RETURN ON INVESTMENT??????

Dot Fitzgerald
Lisbon Concerned Citizen