December, 1980
Westbrook’s Zoning Appeals Board opposes a proposal for developing the Scates Block site at Vallee Square downtown. The proposal is for first-floor stores under 50 apartments for the elderly. That wouldn’t be appropriate in the “strictly commercialized area,” the board said. Mayor William B. O’Gara has been saying the same thing. Sponsors have 30 days to appeal but don’t yet have the federal construction loan they need.
Westbrook’s Planning Board voted 5-0 against a proposal by the Westbrook Housing Authority to re-zone 12.9 acres on Larrabee road at Deer Hill for housing the elderly. The Housing Authority can ask the City Council to overrule the Planning Board.
The Westbrook Rescue Unit is asking for pay. Its members have served without pay since it was founded 11 years ago, the only unpaid rescue service in the area that has a crew always on duty. Membership, which grew to 36, is shrinking. State law requires that members (unlike doctors and nurses) take refresher training every year.
Snowballs on Bridge Street, Westbrook, broke the windshield of Robert Richards, Portland vehicle.
Maine Audubon invites competent birdwatchers to take part in the 81st Christmas bird count.
Alderman Donald Esty Jr. said he wasn’t sure he heard right, but yes, sewer user fees in Westbrook will be the same in 1981 as in 1980. No raise in this tax.
Clarence “Bumpy” Doucet, 43, died of a heart attack in New Orleans after a distinguished newspaper career that began with service as a sports reporter for the Westbrook American and rose to city editor of the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
The Northeast Banks of Westbrook, Sanford, and Lewiston-Auburn have filed application to merge.
Windham and Gorham Town Councils each are working on ordinances controlling video games and older coin-operated amusement devices in stores and arcades, intending to prevent drinking, fighting and vandalism that they sometimes attract.
The Legislature elected Rodney Quinn, Gorham, Wednesday for a second two-year term as Maine secretary of state. Quinn, Democrat, defeated Wayne C. Gray, Rockland, Republican, 100-82.
Philip Blood, principal of Gorham High School, described to the School Committee the student discipline problems. Students have the attitude, he said, that “it’s all right no matter what I do or what I say to a teacher.”
Gorham town office has a $40,000 new computer capable of printing 177 words per minute. The monthly financial statement that took an hour to print now takes 10 minutes.
Gorham High School’s girls basketball varsity has won 69 games without a loss in three years. The girls had to go to overtime to beat Lake Region, 58-63. Kelly Butterfield scored two clutch baskets in the overtime, writes Paul Banks.
December, 1990
The Westbrook Planning Board is recommending zoning changes to put mobile homes on farmlands of Bill Clarke on Spring Street, Dana and Jean Childs on East Bridge Street, Everett Paulsen on the Methodist Road, Don Brydon on the Bridgton Road and L. C. Wormell on Brook Street.
Scott Paper Co. paid its first half-year tax bill in Westbrook Nov. 13 – $3,464,797.19.
An editorial says Santa Claus is the chimney in Westbrook noting that S. D. Warren (of the tall smokestack) pays 40 of every 100 dollars of city taxes directly, plus much else indirectly.
Westbrook High School’s Marching Band has won the state championship for biggest bands.
South Portland schools are doing better than expected in meeting winter energy costs, thanks to stabilizing of fuel prices, energy conservation measures and mild weather.
Superintendent Reginald MacDonald is asking the South Portland board of education whether to continue publishing “Connections,” a report to the community on the schools. The first eight-page issue, mailed to all homes, cost $1,900.
Frank Piffath is continuing to work on plans for a power plant in Windham or Gorham, potentially a $100 million investment.
Marc Paulsen and Michael Beeler of Scarborough’s Boy Scout Troop 47 are new Eagle Scouts. Both are students at Cheverus High School.
Mark D. Earnshaw, 34, of Cape Elizabeth, is new president of Maine’s Mormons.
The Portland Water District has raised Westbrook’s sewer rate 78 percent, the first raise in several years.
“As Seen by Both Sides,” an exhibition organized by C. David Thomas, will open next month. Its 83 works of art on the Vietnam War are by 20 American and 20 Vietnamese artists. Thomas is the son of Charles and Betty Thomas, Austin Street, Westbrook, and is professor of art at Emmanuel College, Boston. He is a Vietnam War veteran. His goal with the show is to strengthen the peace.
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