Dover-Foxcroft officials hoping to receive federal funds for Monument Square project

DOVER-FOXCROFT — A step was taken toward funding for a project to improve and redevelop vehicle and pedestrian traffic around Monument Square. During Monday evening’s select board meeting Town Manager Jack Clukey said the town’s request for Congressionally Directed Spending has been selected by U.S. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, to be included in his congressional funding request.

“That’s a big step,” Clukey said, as the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee will consider requests made by the nation’s senators.

Dover-Foxcroft is gearing up to study and plan improvements to its downtown, with an emphasis on pedestrian safety and reducing traffic congestion. Town leaders have been working with the Maine Department of Transportation on addressing time-sensitive feasibility studies and locally initiated planning outside MaineDOT’s annual work cycle, according to the agency’s website.

The study’s primary focus is to improve active transportation connectivity, along with pedestrian crossings and streetscape enhancements, according to a document detailing the scope of the project. Most of the focus areas mention wayfinding and improving sidewalks, which includes making sure they are accessible to those with disabilities.

It outlines nine priorities, which include reviewing the 2020 Dover-Foxcroft Urban Area Study and 2003 downtown master plan, along with updating cost estimates for both. Those involved will reevaluate the Monument Square intersection and other locations for future highway treatment to account for reconstruction, pedestrian safety changes, and utilities and drainage.

The study will also analyze active transportation in the study area, work on the Route 7 entrance into town, conduct a limited parking analysis, and finally, coordinate with organizations handling the Mayo Mill dam project. The partnership includes assessing future traffic volume and providing a 2045 forecast based on data and development or land use changes underway.

Clukey also said the town has been invited to apply for housing funding through the state’s Community Development Block Grant program for the redevelopment of Browns Mill. Dover-Foxcroft submitted a letter of intent to apply for the funding last month, and a full application for the housing project would be due in May.

Last month the town manager said there is interest on the part of the owner and developer to try to put together a housing project at Browns Mill, a former woolen mill and tannery on Vaughn Street along the Piscataquis River. The structure has five floors and around 65,000 square feet of usable space.

Clukey said the Mayo Mill Dam redevelopment steering committee was set to meet the following evening. The project has a website at www.mayomilldamstudy.com.

The town owns the Piscataquis River dam and needs to meet state and federal compliance regulations. Dover-Foxcroft is partnering to complete a community-based feasibility study to determine a viable solution for the downtown dam.

“The whole idea is to look at the Mayo Mill Dam and enhance recreational opportunities,” Clukey said.

Per the website, the town acquired the dam property in 2007. The dam historically supported hydro power, but it has been non-operational for over a decade. The town has consulted with multiple engineers, turbine suppliers, and a private developer for years to try to identify a hydropower retrofit and has determined that there are no economically viable options.

Last May a request for proposals was issued to explore new options to allow the site to meet state and federal regulations. The only proposal submitted came from the Atlantic Salmon Federation and partners, The Nature Conservancy in Maine and Inter-Fluve, Inc. The select board signed a partnership agreement with ASF in late 2022 to produce a study report that will evaluate feasible concept options for the town to consider. Funding for the report is provided by NOAA Fisheries through the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act and there is no cost to Dover-Foxcroft.

The select board also signed a proclamation declaring May 21-27 as Arbor Week in Dover-Foxcroft. Town officials have been making this designation the third week of May for the last 11 years.

Tree and shrub plantings have taken place across the community over the last decade to help ensure Dover-Foxcroft lives up to its designation as a Tree City USA Community by the Arbor Day Foundation, an honor bestowed upon towns that demonstrate excellence in forestry management. Since first earning the recognition in 2012, the community has made an effort to plant new trees, replace aging ones and encourage other organizations to plant in order to help raise awareness about forestry and beautify the community.

Town officials have worked with groups including the Foxcroft Academy Key Club, SeDoMoCha Elementary School and the General Federation of Women’s Clubs/Miosac Club to plant trees at community parks and on school campuses.

The Piscataquis Observer’s Valerie Royzman contributed to this story.