By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

NAPLES—With every spring-time comes new promise. 

Now, there is hope that a new product will restore the weather-proof stain on the boardwalk on the Naples Causeway. 

The Town of Naples has been trying to remedy issues with the boardwalk for almost a decade. Before the fiscal year ends, the town needs to address the stain on the boardwalk, and give the remaining funds to the Maine Department of Transportation (DOT). 

Naples Town Manager John Hawley updated the Naples Board of Selectmen on the best boardwalk product during its regular meeting on Monday. 

First, the town manager has been in contact with Knowles Industrial Services Corporation, out of Gorham. 

Hawley said the company provided the town with an estimate of approximately $74,000 to do the restoration work. The job will include: securing the area so that chips from the previous product do not get into the lake; removing with a power-washer all the existing stain; and reapplying three coats of the new product.  Additionally, the crew will reseal joints along the walkway. 

Selectman Jim Turpin asked how often the product will need to be reapplied. Hawley said every three years. Turpin asked if it was possible to get an estimate based on inflation.

Selectman Bob Caron II asked the town manager to ask Knowles for a maintenance estimate so the town could budget reapplications.

Chairman Jim Grattelo asked, “Is there a guarantee that this will work?”

Knowles used the same product on the sidewalk outside of DiMillo’s restaurant in Portland; and that stain has lasted for more than five years, Hawley said.

Board members commented that the DiMillo’s sidewalk is exposed to salt from the ocean as well as to road salt.