RUMFORD – Selectmen will face a number of economically related issues when they meet Thursday.
The issues range from discussion about possibly joining with other towns to try to become part of a Pine Tree Zone, to further discussion on the designation of a truck route bypass.
The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the conference room of the Municipal Building.
Town Manager Robert Welch said Rosie Bradley of the River Valley Growth Council will present information on a plan for several towns to join in pursuit of being named one of the state’s eight Pine Tree Zones. Being a part of a zone has distinct economic benefits for the area, including the potential attraction of new businesses because of lower taxes.
The board is also expected to discuss again its desire to have the state Department of Transportation designate a truck route around Route 2 to bypass some of Rumford’s business section as well as most of neighboring Mexico’s downtown area.
Selectmen have said that large tractor-trailer trucks winding through some of the town’s narrow streets that comprise a part of Route 2 pose a danger to residents. Mexico maintains that many cars will also use the truck route, greatly diverting potential business from the downtown area.
The MDOT sent a letter to Welch late last week denying the town’s request for a truck route. Selectmen may decide to pursue other options, such as circulating a petition, to try to get a truck route designated.
Two municipal members to the growth council will be appointed. Currently Welch and Selectman Jim Peterson sit on the council’s Board of Directors.
Other agenda items include opening bids for the sale of a 1970s ladder truck, appointments to several municipal boards and a closed session to discuss business plans by Eugene Davis.
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