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October 2, 2017

Bar Harbor floats ideas for former ferry terminal

Photo / Peter Van Allen The former Bay Ferries Ltd. terminal is under consideration by the town of Bar Harbor for purchase and use as a cruise ship terminal.

A committee of the Bar Harbor Town Council discussed possible uses for the former Bay Ferries Ltd. terminal.

The Bangor Daily News reported that, in addition to the primary recommendation that’s on the table — a cruise ship pier — committee members floated the ideas of using the property for a marina, museum or commercial fishing dock. 

Town Manager Cornell Knight told the BDN that the Maine Department of Transportation prefers that the property serve the area’s transportation needs.

If converted into a marina, the dock could alleviate “tight” conditions in Bar Harbor, said Councilor Matthew Hochman. The committee has until early November to advise the council whether to buy the facility from the DOT.

In August, the Mount Desert Islander reported that the DOT has offered to sell the property to Bar Harbor with different contingencies:

  • For $3.5 million, the town can buy the property free of any MDOT restrictions.
  • Or, MDOT offers to sell the property for $2 million if an approved business plan and a developer is lined up by closing
  • Or, MDOT would sell it for $2.5 million, which would come with a requirement to use the property for a long-term transportation purpose. 

In June, Bar Harbor voters approved a zoning change that cleared the way for the town to buy the former ferry terminal and redevelop it for passenger cruise traffic. 

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Bar Harbor ferry terminal plans still up in the air

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