Young Marines seek to clean up former bakery site
After paying an overdue $13,000 tax bill, the Dirigo Young Marines are once again the owners of the former Harris Baking Co. building in Waterville, Maine. The former owner had deeded it to the Young Marines for $1 as long as they would pay the taxes.
Once they had missed their tax deadline, the Young Marines used fundraising and a loan to pay up during the 45 day redemption period. Now the organization – which is not association with the U.S. Marine Corps – needs to clean up the building.
The structure is a safety hazard, with warped floors, holes in the roof, holes in the floors and fire damage. The Young Marines will be raising money and seeking donations for materials to complete the renovations required to bring the building up to code. Several people have volunteered their plumbing, electrical and other services. The organization would like to apply for federal funding that would pay for an environmental assessment that would determine what asbestos, lead paint and petroleum contamination needs to be dealt with.
The Young Marines consists of 26 members who teach youths from 8 to 18 the value of respect, commitment, honesty and loyalty. They intend to use the building for storage initially, but hope to eventually include training areas and offices.
For the full story, go to The Morning Sentinel.
