Bow is exploring whether redeveloping the South Street or Exit 1 area could generate enough economic opportunity to justify the costly investment of bringing municipal water to the area.
Last year, Bow received $52,265 in federal grants from the Northern Border Regional Commission’s (NBRC) Catalyst Program and Timber for Transit Program to conduct a feasibility study supporting municipal water line expansion and development in the 175-acre Bow Mills Mixed Use Zoning District.
Town manager David Stack said the study will evaluate the benefits of extending water service to the area and identify what kinds of development — with or without it — could realistically emerge in the mixed-use zone.
“The planning for bringing any water up is on hold until we see what the results of that study are,” he said.
This study would look at drawing water from town wells.
To move the process forward, Bow has issued a request for proposals to hire a consultant to develop a redevelopment strategy for the area.
Water quality in the area has long fallen short of minimum safety standards, a problem that has hindered development and discouraged businesses from setting up shop.
Hoptymystic Brewing opened a beer garden last week on South Street. Its original plans called for a full brewery with a tasting room in the basement, but water issues forced the company to scale back those ambitions.
The project has an estimated total cost of $104,530, with the federal grant covering roughly half. Bow will draw its matching share from the Bow Business Corridor TIF fund, contributing $30,735, while the rest will be covered through in-kind contributions from town staff and volunteers, said Stack.
