AUGUSTA - A resolve from Rep. Dan Shagoury, D-Hallowell, to require the Maine National Guard to sell a parcel of land in Hallowell to the City of Hallowell was signed into law on Tuesday.
"Several years ago, a survey of the Hallowell Reservoir Recreation Area, locally known as 'the Res,' uncovered an interesting irregularity about the property," said Shagoury. "It turns out that within the Res is a parcel of approximately seven acres that actually belonged to the Maine National Guard, not the city. Both the Guard and the city were unaware of this."
As amended, LD 230 requires the Adjutant General to sell the parcel of land to the City of Hallowell by June 30, 2024. The sale price for the parcel is $40,000 and will be paid by the city in 10 equal annual installments. The sale price is less than the appraised value because the appraisal did not account for upkeep to the property made by the city over several years. The appraisal also assumed the highest and best use of the property for residential development, while the city intends for the parcel to continue to serve as part of the Res for continued public recreational use.
"City officials and community members have been working towards this moment for two years now," said Shagoury. "I'm grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support to get this done."
Shagoury is serving his first term in the Maine House and represents the communities of Hallowell, Manchester and West Gardiner. He is a member of the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Shagoury] c. 305-965-2744