SDC coffers $16K richer

By Jennifer Ruth  
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — The Shiretown Development Corporation’s fund balance is nearly $17,000 stronger thanks to a land purchase recently made by Smith and Wesson.
    SDC board of directors voted unanimously Monday night to allow the purchase of lot 008, which is located directly across the road from Smith and Wesson. The triangle-shaped property is less than an acre in size, but plays a crucial part in the possible future expansion of the manufacturing company.
    “It’s rather important for Smith and Wesson to acquire this land if they intend to expand their current facility because they can’t go back or to the side because it’s airport property, so going out to the front is their only option,” explained Houlton Town Manager Doug Hazlett.
    The land surrounding the business is owned by Houlton International and cannot be sold. Lot 008 is owned by SDC and the sale of the property means additional funds for the corporation, as well as economic growth for the town.
    Hazlett said the land was appraised during the town’s re-valuation in 2005. At that time, it was assessed at $16,500, which is what Smith and Wesson is offering.
    “This would be an appropriate number to sell it for and it would be an excellent move to help Smith and Wesson continue on with adding employees and expanding their business options,” said Hazlett. “They’re bursting at the seams right now.”
    With the recent sale of the Houlton International Building, SDC no longer has any expenditures coming from its depleted account. Hazlett said the $16,500 would go directly to the SDC account.