Town may soon own tract along bay Harpswell then must decide how best to use the former fuel depot. After years of wrangling and closed-door meetings, Harpswell seems close to taking possession of a large tract of bayfront land known as the former U.S. Navy fuel depot. On Nov. 30, selectmen will meet with U.S. Navy officials and the state Department of Environmental Protection to discuss the remaining few actions the Navy needs to take to clean up the site, and protect Harpswell from future liability. How the 117 acres on Middle Bay might be put to public use will be the next big issue for the town to tackle. The depot site includes woods, a small sandy beach, a deep-water pier and remarkable ocean views.
Some residents envision ice-skating ponds and baseball fields.
Others see hiking and ski trails, picnic tables and a boat launch. Fish-farm development has been explored, as well as a marine research facility and a small business park. Other residents want housing on the site. In the end, the property will likely serve several uses. On Friday, there was relief among Harpswell officials that an agreement to transfer the land is near completion.