09/06/2026
Good evening West Gardiner.
I would like to provide some clarity regarding the proposed donation of a lot of land on Pond Rd. to the Town (Fire Dept.) to utilize for the new station that is going to be built.
After our June town meeting, we had some folks that were considering donating a lot of land to the town to use for the new station, there were 2 potential lots from 2 different landowners that were being considered however, after some thought, those folks decided not to move forward with a donation of land.
We then proceeded to order the new building with the intention of building on the existing lot as originally planned, and demolishing the old building at 323 Pond Rd.
About a month ago, S&S co- Owner Steve McGee approached me and said "Mike, do you think one of those lots I have down on Pond Rd. Would work to put a fire station on?". I told him I was sure it would, and he told me to go take a look and let him know. A week later, I told him the lot would be great for a station, and he asked me to give him a little time to talk with his son.
A couple weeks went by, and he got back to me and said "The fire department can have that lot if it is needed". I told him how much we appreciated his generosity, and that we thought it would be a great location and it would allow us to have a complete septic system rather than the holding tank we would have needed at the existing site, which would require more pumping.
Last Thursday when the selectboard met, it was discussed if a vote of the town was needed to accept the land. Although it was not necessarily required, the selectboard and myself thought the right thing to do was to let the voters decide if they wanted to accept the donation for it's intended purpose. To be clear, at no time did Mr. McGee intervene in, or influence any discussion that took place. During the discussion with 2 of the board members, it was mentioned that it seemed fair and reasonable that if S&S was donating this parcel to the town, that maybe the right thing to do would be for the town to reciprocate by passing the existing land and building of the current Pond Rd. Station to S&S as a gesture of good will in exchange for such a great gift to the town.
Mr. McGee, stated to us after this was discussed that he wanted to make sure that it was clear to not only us, but to the townspeople that this donation to the town is not in any way contigent on whether the town donated the current station and land back to S&S. Regardless of the outcome of that decision, the donation of the lot from S&S to the town would take place, this is why the articles are separated on the warrant, and the donation to the town from S&S is to be voted on prior to the article asking the town to pass the 323 Pond Rd. Property to S&S.
Lastly, the article asking for added funds for site prep and paving are intended to help with removal of stumpage and for fill needed to bring the lot to where it will be fully functional, and for sone additional paving that would ve needed. If those funds are not approved, we will do what we need to do to "make it work" as we always do. Those added funds would make the lot and planned layout functional and complete when we turn the lights on day 1. The selectboard has recommended the funds be taken from surplus as to not affect the tax rate or the taxpayers directly.
I would just like to state that Mr. McGee has been more than generous in his offer, as the lot he has offered was on the market for sale however, he is willing to give up that potential sale to provide the town with a more functional lot. A 3 acre buildable lot for $0.00 dollars seems like a decent bargain. If we do vote to reciprocate back to S&S by offering them the 323 Pond Rd. Lot, they are getting a 1/8 acre (5800 square ft.) Non conforming lot that can never be utilized for any residential purpose due to its size, and the fact it is not large enough for a proper septic.
In closing, there were several posts on social media regarding the purpose of this potential change, some mentioning this was being done to have a bathroom, and some looking to "find the hidden agenda" in all this. Please, come to the public hearing, ask questions and be properly informed so everyone is able to vote having complete information.
If you are unable to make the public hearing, I am more than happy to talk with anyone, any time to give them whatever information they need.
Have a great rest of your weekend, and please be safe.
Sincerely,
Mike Gross
Fire Chief- WGFD
