The Boothbay Register asked the Knickerbocker Group and Marden Builders what plans 8 Wharf Street LLC has for the former Romar bowling alley property at 19 By-Way in downtown Boothbay Harbor. The Knickerbocker Group has been involved in the project since property owner Dr. Rahul Anand of Connecticut purchased the property last year. Marden Builders was involved with Anand's first project at 8 Wharf Street.

Randy Smith, architectural designer for Knickerbocker Group, reported that 8 Wharf Street LLC has planned to postpone its project until next year.

“However, it is (our) intention to commence construction in the fall of 2018 with the same sensitivity and consideration we have previously agreed upon,” said Smith. “We understand that we will need to revisit the permitting process and acquire the appropriate approvals next year prior to beginning construction.”

Eric Marden, owner of Marden Builders, led the work on Anand's last project at 8 Wharf Street and the company continues to maintain the building.

“Knickerbocker Group provided the pricing ... so the plan at this time is to dial in the construction documents, in to order to put the 19 By-Way project out to bid in the spring of 2018, and we may look to get into the bid,” Marden said.

At the Monday, Sept. 25 Boothbay Harbor Board of Selectmen meeting, Town Manager Tom Woodin said he had also spoken to Smith about the property owner's intentions over winter.

“The only conversation I've had with Randy from Knickerbocker was that the town (is) concerned that the jersey barriers would have to be moved back for plowing concerns,” said Woodin. “We've also talked about the idea of putting up some screening on the fencing that's there now to make it a little more attractive — if it's going to be sitting empty for a year, you don't want to be looking at a quarry, the way it is now. He said they were looking into that as well.”

Woodin mentioned that Smith seemed to feel good about the state of the site and all the winter preparations they spoke about. He expects to reconnect with Smith in the coming weeks to review what Knickerbocker Group has prepared regarding the town's concerns.

Said Smith, “We appreciate everyone's efforts thus far and look forward to the opportunity to collaborate again next year!”