The site of the notorious Buxton puppy mill, where 250 dogs were seized in the state’s largest animal cruelty case, might soon become a housing subdivision.
At a real estate auction Friday morning, Norman Berube & Builders Inc. outbid nine others for the 23-acre property at 35 Paucek Road, known as J’Aime Kennels. The company bought the property for $217,500 and intends to close the deal in the next 45 days.
Susan Berube, president of the Scarborough-based company, said she wants eventually to build seven or eight houses on the site. The company is a general contractor for single-family homes.
“I think it’s a great location,” she said. “We’ll be able to offer some affordable housing for people, and Buxton really is a great location.”
The rural site, located at the end of a dirt road, is zoned village, meaning it can be used for a variety of uses.
“The price was a little higher than we wanted, but it works,” said Norman Berube, the vice president of the construction company and Susan Berube’s father.
Joe Murphy, owner of Murphy Auction & Realty, began the bidding at $400,000. The town of Buxton valued the property at $450,000. No one bid at the original starting point, and Norman Berube opened the bidding at $100,000.
“I’m happy that we had a successful sale,” said Murphy. “It’s sold, and we’re going to have a new owner. I’m glad that we have an owner who is going to do something good with it.”
Planning Board member Dave Anderson said he was pleased that Berube bought the property, and welcomes subdivisions coming to Buxton.
“I think it would be a very positive issue,” Anderson said. “We want to do subdivisions here in town. It fits with our comprehensive plan, and it creates a whole lot of positive things. The lots are smaller and more compact, and it makes everything easier for the town.”
John and Heidi Frasca owned the J’Aime Kennels, but Sanford Institution of Savings foreclosed on the property after the Frascas failed to pay the mortgage.
In August 2007, the state seized nearly 250 dogs from the Frascas. According to the state veterinarian, the majority of the dogs had health problems – including giardiasis and sarcoptic mange – and were confined to small, dirty living spaces. Some of the animals were also reportedly malnourished and many had lost their fur.
The state closed the kennel, and for five months local animal shelters and the state cared for the dogs. The court eventually awarded custody of the dogs to the state, allowing the animals to be adopted into new homes.
In August, a York County Superior Court judge issued a second warrant for the Frascas’ arrest for a second failure to appear in court.
Earlier this year, the Frascas filed a civil lawsuit in Cumberland County Superior Court for $1 million. They named 99 defendants, including Gov. John Baldacci and the Buxton Police Department, which investigated the animal cruelty case.
According to Buxton tax records, the Frascas owe $4,528.47 in back taxes and other fees that have not been paid in 2008. Norman Berube & Builders Inc. must pay those as part of the auction deal.
Susan Berube said her company had talked with the Frascas earlier this year about buying the property, but had not heard from them since.
Area people gathered Friday morning to attend the sale of the J
Holding up her auction tag number, Sue Berube, of Scarborough, sits next to her father, Norman Berube, of Norman Berube & Builders Inc. Friday morning during the auction sale of the Jlargest animal cruelty case.
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