By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

NAPLES — A proposal last month from a business owner to use the town-owned land next to the Naples Fire Station has prompted responses from quite a few residents.

Naples Town Manager John Hawley said that many people have reached out to ask town officials to keep the parcel for the town’s use.

People have been upset or concerned that the land might be sold.

Hawley said it not being sold.

“I have been pretty clear with folks that the property in not currently for sale; and the board has not agreed to sell at this point,” Hawley said.

He was addressing the issue during the manager’s report at the Naples Board of Selectmen meeting on Monday night.  

“Although no formal proposal has been received to date, I have received about a dozen communications from people not to sell, with the suggestions we keep the property for future municipal growth, overflow parking for the Causeway, farmers market, new community center and for general greenspace,” Hawley said.

During a previous meeting, the owner of Great Northern Dock, Sam Merriam, had asked about using the town-owned land in order to expand his business.

At that time, Hawley said that since it is town-owned land, the correct protocol would be to put out a referral for proposals (RFP) and open it to the public.

During this Monday’s meeting, the former Begin estate was the topic of conversation during public participation.

Joanne Jordan, who lives off Harrison Road in Naples, voiced her opinion about the property next to the fire station. Think of the future uses for that land, she said, especially since Naples’ population is growing. 

“I come from Cumberland; and our fire barn just expanded because that town has grown,” she said. “Naples is growing, too. People are coming into Naples, especially with the COVID-19 going on.”

“We might need to expand the fire department,” she said, adding it might be a good location for a helipad or a larger fire station. “Before we jump into selling that property, we should look into what we could do with it. Let’s not look at developing it. Let’s look into the town owning it, and using it for the future.”

While the town-owned parcel is not for sale, is not being listed as buyable real estate, the town is accepting proposals for property development on 1074 Roosevelt Trail, which is the former Begin lot. Those are due Sept. 25.

Hawley said the selectmen will review the property-development proposals in October and November.