Could new sidewalks and infrastructure be in store for Damariscotta's downtown?

Potentially, given a few caveats.

The Damariscotta Board of Selectmen will meet at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7 to discuss, among other things, the possibility of a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) that could replace sections of the downtown sidewalks.

Previously, Damariscotta had utilized one of the partial-match grants to fund its Chapman, Hodgdon, Pleasant and Church Street projects and once those projects are finished the town could potentially reel in another grant.

The board will be asked to approve a letter of intent for another block grant that would focus on drainage and sidewalk improvements on Elm and Theater streets, that would also include water line replacements from the Great Salt Bay Sanitary District.

According to Town Manager Matt Lutkus' notes on the agenda, the submission of the letter can be no later than Thursday, Jan. 15. The assumed total cost for the project would be approximately $254,000, which would mean that the town's projected 25 percent match would be $63,500.

Before that can happen, however, the Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission will conduct a survey to ensure the town meets the requirements for the grant.

The town had previously utilized the grant to fund a large portion of the Chapman and Church Street projects, which concluded in 2014 with the addition of the sidewalk running along the street and the complete rebuilding of the road. The town also has another grant out for the Bristol Road project, which will, when completed, add sidewalk to the section of Route 129 leading towards Bristol. That project has not yet started.

The board will also be asked to co-sponsor the Friends of Midcoast Maine Workshop. The Friends of Midcoast Maine selected Damariscotta as the location for the next Community Institute Workshop location.

The theme for the workshop is aging in place, and will include presentations from groups such as Coastal Enterprises Inc., AARP, Spectrum Generations and Lincoln County Health, among others. The event is looking to partner-up with the town for the Feb. 27 and 28 workshops.

Other items on the agenda include the hiring of a new town registrar, the price increase from the Nobleboro Transfer Station, a discussion on the Twin Villages current mooring and shellfish ordinances and which bills go where and a renewal of Lutkus’ contract as town manager.

The meetings are open to the public and are held at the town offices at 21 School Street in Damariscotta.