Wiscasset is trying a new approach to dealing with tax-acquired properties at Mason Station.

Many towns simply seek the highest bidder after many years of owning tax-acquired parcels. Wiscasset is attempting to use tax-acquired parcels at the failed Point East Maritime Village development on the Mason Station peninsula to build economic development opportunities.

Rather than simply auction off the properties, the town wants to see proposals for use of the property before they sell.

Wiscasset is soliciting proposals from qualified developers for the acquisition and development of certain parcels of land in the development off Birch Point Road. The parcels, with an assessed value of $6.5 million, were recently acquired by the town for unpaid taxes and fees of approximately $760,000. Although the goal is to reimburse the town for lost tax dollars, it isn’t the only criteria in determining who may partner with the town and acquire the parcels.

The land is subdivided into small lots, which may not be attractive to developers. The lots could be reconfigured into larger lots, but it would be necessary to improve the infrastructure, resubmit a subdivision plan and legally reconfigure the streets, a process that could take two years, according to Town Planner Misty Gorski told the Wiscasset Selectmen workshop in January.

Wiscasset is reaching out to the development community through various websites, newspaper advertisements and of course word-of-mouth in search of a creative development team interested in utilizing the site.

“The property has deep-water frontage (upwards of 30 feet), rail access and is adjacent to the electrical switchyard,” according to a press release Gorski issued. “It is a very unique site.”

Gorski said that with the properties zoning, a variety of uses are possible. The properties are in the Shoreland Business II and Marine Overlay districts. According to a written proposal approved by the Wiscasset Selectmen, commercial, light industrial, marine, institutional, public and residential uses are permitted within the district.

“The town is willing to work with the right developer to create a vision for the property,” she said. “In economic times such as these, towns cannot afford to wait for the right opportunity.”

The full request for proposals is available online, along with the tax map of the properties.

A packet containing town records pertaining to this property, including assessing records and the town’s tax liens, tax lien foreclosure notices and other relevant documents, may be inspected at the Wiscasset Town Office.