ROCKLAND — On Friday, Sept. 11 the Rockland City Council met in executive session to discuss a recent offer for the last remaining industrial park lot, located at 60 Merrill Drive. The Dunham Group has approached the city, representing a large manufacturing firm, to offer $50,000 for the city lot.

Through insistence of City Manager James Chaousis II, the City Council placed the subject on the agenda for Monday's regular meeting and used the executive session to collect context to the issue, according to a news released issued by Chaousis, Friday evening.

Chaousis wrote:

“The City Council hired Will Gartley, Gartley and Dorsky Engineering and Surveying, to explain the intricacies of the property in order to assess the value of the property. The City Council also asked Douglas Erickson, Coldwell Banker Commercial Soundvest Properties, to create an estimate of fair market value. After reviewing the report, the City Council immediately ordered its release.

“The City Council will carry through with the intention of acting on this proposed sale at the regular City Council meeting on Monday through ordinance amendment. They will also make arrangements for Will Gartley, Audra Caler-Bell, and Jim Chaousis to give the same briefings they received in executive session at the public hearing associated with the ordinance amendment.

“The Dunham Group has not identified their client but has shared, at present, our client is in the process of evaluating sites for a significant expansion of its specialty manufacturing capabilities. The City of Rockland has been chosen as one of two potential locations for the expansion. If the project proceeds, it would represent the creation of a large manufacturing complex employing upwards of 40 people.

“The key factors in considering Rockland is its vibrant community, coupled with the quality of life a coastal community would offer the plant’s employees, according to a news release. The availability of a qualified workforce and competitive labor rates are key factors for the consideration of Rockland.

“The City's assessed value of the exempt property is $280,800. The fair market value of the property is estimated at $107,000. It is estimated that $125,000 of infrastructure is needed to achieve the maximum fair market value. The City Council meets on Monday September 14, 2015 for the first reading of the ordinance amendment.”

FMI: James D Chaousis II, City Manager

City of Rockland

270 Pleasant Street

Rockland, ME 04841

Phone (207)593-0636

www.ci.rockland.me.us

jchaousis@ci.rockland.me.us