It’s probably the most often asked question of Boothbay Selectman Steve Lewis, and he’s hoping to have an answer soon. “Everywhere I go, I’m always asked  when are they going to start building the roundabout,” he told his fellow board members March 22.

The project will start once the three parties — town, state, and local businessman Paul Coulombe — sign the business partnership initiative agreement. Boothbay residents voted in November to enter into an agreement with Maine Department of Transportation and Coulombe to build a $3.3 million roundabout as part of the Route 27 Redevelopment project. Since Election Day, legal representatives have reviewed the proposed agreement’s language.

Town Manager Dan Bryer reported two town attorneys have completed their BPI review as have Coulombe’s legal representatives. He expects MDOT attorneys to complete their review in a couple of weeks.

“I expect to have something for you to review by our next meeting (April 6). Once it’s signed the ball will be in our court. The BPI virtually is the key to everything,” Bryer said. Once it’s signed, financing from the bond bank will be pursued and and a contractor will be chosen, he said.

Once the BPI is signed, the town will have 60 days to hire a contractor. The town serves as the project’s administrator. On March 20, four contractors submitted bids. All four bids included pricing for construction and lighting. The four bids were Sargent Corporation of Stillwater, $3,130, 521; Steven McGee Construction of West Gardiner, $3,277,077; Lane Construction Corporation of Bangor, $3,603,875.50; and Pratt and Sons of Minot, $3,659,764.94.

In other action, Byrer advised selectmen about a joint project with the Boothbay Region Water District. In May, the water district plans to hire the public works crew to perform improvements on Back River Road near Adams Pond. The district has received a state grant to hire the crew.

“So it should be a very busy year for our public works with Park and Ride, the sidewalk project plus the extra work as part of this joint venture with the water district,” Bryer said.

The selectmen received an update from Planning Board Chairman Alan Bellows about ordinance revisions on land use standards for the Boothbay Village Area. The planning board is incorporating changes made in the new comprehensive plan into the town’s ordinances. The planning board will hold a workshop at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 6 in the old town hall at Boothbay Railway Village.

The planning board has sent out 64 letters to residents who may be impacted by changes in the village fringe and center district. “We’re asking for the public’s feedback,” Bellows said. “If they’re not able to attend, we want them to send us emails with their questions and concerns.”

Selectmen will meet next at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 12 in the municipal building.