Yarmouth water district faces fine, other sanctions | News

NORTH YARMOUTH, Maine (AP/NEWS CENTER) - The Yarmouth Water District is facing a possible fine for tearing down a 200-year-old home in North Yarmouth without permission.

Preservationists say the home was one of the most important historic buildings in town.

Water district officials say it was torn down July 13 to protect the groundwater on the 17-acre property.

Town officials say the water district ignored local ordinances that require a demolition permit and notification of the North Yarmouth Historical Society 30 days before razing any structure built before 1900.

Water district officials have apologized, claiming ignorance of regulations and promising to make amends.

Select board chair Steven Palmer said the board would discuss sanctions at its August 21 meeting, and he expects a vote that night as well.  He said Maine state law requires those who violate land use ordinances be fined $100 - $2,500 per day.  But he said the Water District also could be required to do something to help create an inventory of historic places in town or do other research for the Yarmouth Historical Society.  He said the select board would discuss possible sanctions with the Water District before the meeting.