TIMES RECORD • July 27, 2021
Brunswick officials are narrowing in on the purchase of a $504,000 parcel of land that has been sought by the town for decades. The 42.5-acres are on the banks of the Androscoggin River and is part of the former Merrymeeting Park. The land would be for public use and the price was set through an independent appraisal. Last week, the town council unanimously decided to set an Aug. 2 purchase and sale ratification date. Town Manager John Eldridge said if everything works out, the sale will close by December. On Tuesday, the town received preliminary approval for a grant through the Land for Maine’s Future program that will cover 50% of the cost. Officials hope to cover the remaining amount through other grants and fundraising efforts. In 1898, Amos Fitzgerald built a 165-acre trolley park, named “Merrymeeting Park,” which encompasses the parcel and ran for about 10 years.