By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

NAPLES — Many people spending time on the Causeway think that it couldn’t get any better.

How about free public WiFi?

Cumberland County representatives are applying for a grant to expand the public access WiFi in some proposed locations, including the Naples Causeway.

According to Naples Town Manager John Hawley, the town will not have to fill out grant paperwork or find matching funding.

Hawley told the Naples Board of Selectmen about the proposal during Monday’s meeting.  

“Cumberland County is looking into the possibility of offering free public WiFi as part of grant funding that they are seeking. One of the locations they have proposed is the Causeway,” Hawley said.

He added that the grant being sought is most likely through the Community Development Block Grant program.

“Currently, it doesn’t appear that there would any financial commitment from the town as the county would be going after the funds,” he said. 

“They are going to do all the work. It is not going to cost us any money…yet,” he said.  “Certainly public access Wifi is a necessary utility these days. Is this something you want to pursue?”

Selectman Bob Caron II said he would like to find out more information. 

“It wouldn’t hurt to see what they have to say. How much area would it cover? From what side to what side” of the Causeway would the public WiFi be accessible, Caron asked.

Selectman Jim Turpin asked if the infrastructure would be visible.

“Would they have to stash some hardware someplace?” he asked.

Hawley said he informed the county representatives that the town “already has public access WiFi on the Village Green.”

Resident Bob Nyberg was excited about the prospect but believed it could benefit a bigger portion of the town instead of just the Causeway.

“I am amazed. Every time I go to the library to return a book, I see five or six people sitting in the parking lot, using the WiFi,” Nyberg said. 

“It is a thing that the town needs. You can use it for the whole town of Bridgton. If you are looking for the Causeway, it should be for the whole town, not just a section of town. See what we can do about getting it for the whole town,” he said.