The Town of Old Orchard Beach extends an invitation to you and your
guests to attend
“THE DOWNEASTER” Platform Official Groundbreaking
Thursday, June 6, 2002 at 12:00 noon.
Location: The platform area adjacent to the Chamber building on First
Street
FMI: Call the Chamber of Commerce at 934-2500
No RSVP necessary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: James Harmon, Chamber Executive Director (207) 934-2500,
“THE DOWNEASTER” Platform Groundbreaking!
The Official Groundbreaking of the Old Orchard Beach Platform construction is scheduled for Thursday, June 6, 2002 at 12:00 Noon. The platform (and groundbreaking) will be located on 15 First Street adjacent to the Old Orchard Beach Chamber Building.
The train platform is scheduled to be in working order within 3 to 4 weeks and train service is scheduled to begin sometime around July 4th. Additional construction will continue on the platform in July (canopy, landscaping, etc.) to be completed August 10, 2002.
The Platform was recently made possible when the Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce “quit claimed” a portion of its land over to the Town of Old Orchard Beach. “We are pleased the Chamber was able to support the local community with the donation of this land,” said James Harmon, Executive Director of the Chamber. “We think this new service will benefit all in our community.”
The gated platform will be 200’ long and when finished will be completely landscaped. The platform architects are Oak Point Associates of Biddeford, Maine, the same firm that is coordinating the new Chamber building. Construction Divers of Scarborough, Maine has been hired to construct the platform.
Old Orchard Beach is a seasonal stop for the Downeaster that will be open from June through September.
Old Orchard Beach’s train stop, adjacent to the current Chamber of Commerce Building, is just 100 yards from the beach and numerous beachfront accommodations, allowing visitors a car-free vacation at the beach.
In 2003, visitors will be greeted at the all-new Visitors Welcome Center compliments of the Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce. The new building will house a Visitor’s Reception and Information area, public restrooms, offices and function room for the Chamber of Commerce staff and members. The Chamber will break ground on the new building in the fall of 2002, to be completed by the spring of 2003.
Train service first began to Old Orchard Beach over 159 years ago in 1842 and continued until the mid 1900’s.
All are welcome to attend the groundbreaking ceremony. Old Orchard Beach Town officials and department heads, members of the business community, local media and local residents are expected to be on hand.
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James E. Harmon
Executive Director
Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 600, First St., OOB., ME 04064
(207)934-2500 (207)934-4994 Fax
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