Developer eyes Star City

    PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – A South Carolina developer was on hand at the June 21 Planning Board meeting, expressing interest in developing property in the Star City for various uses.
Doris Simmons, CFO of The Springing Dog, a Legacy developer based in Swansea, S.C., presented a conceptual proposal to the board, noting two particular areas that were of immediate interest.
    “We have a number of ideas we’d like to propose; two of which are urgently needed: apartments and either high-end town homes or a hotel,” said Simmons, noting the importance of affordable housing.
Simmons said the company is looking at purchasing properties at the moment but is definitely interested in the Presque Isle area.
“We have an office location on Main Street in Presque Isle and wanted to let you know we’re here,” Simmons told the board, “and we’ll be seeing you over the next six months, hopefully, to begin construction.”
Company officials have already met with officials with the Water and Sewer District to discuss requirements for developing property in Presque Isle and what it would take to hook up to the city’s system.
Springing Dog’s representatives come from South Carolina and Georgia, according to Simmons. They are interested in developing in areas that show growth potential.
“I’m glad to be here. This is my third trip here. It’s nice; I like it here,” said Simmons.
Simmons said the idea to come to Aroostook County was brought about in discussion with an acquaintance.
“We were contacted by someone here (Presque Isle) who said there was a need. We came and liked what we saw,” said Simmons.
Simmons indicated the decision to look into developing property in Presque Isle was more than a financial one for the company.
“This isn’t just for us. There are needs in the County – housing, jobs,” said Simmons. “I like it up here. This isn’t about me, it’s about providing jobs and affordable homes.”
Board Chairwoman Ellen Bemis thanked Simmons for attending the meeting and said Planning Board looked forward to hearing from her again.
In other news, the board approved the preliminary subdivision and conceptual plans for Starboard Estates, a subdivision off Route 1 (Caribou Road) being designed by Dave Morin. Tim Roix, an engineer with B.R. Smith Associates, described plans for the project, that would include development of a 20-acre parcel for housing purposes. The request for preliminary approval was sought so that the developer, Morin, could move ahead with plans for a road and one four-unit structure.