In a new court filing, Maine Department of Transportation suggests there may be a “path forward” to parking at the Haggett Building.

Wawenock LLC, whose suit names Wiscasset as a party at interest, has asked the Maine Supreme Judicial Court for a temporary injunction barring construction of the Route 1 downtown project until Wawenock's appeals were exhausted. The court is set to hear arguments May 15 in the final state appeal.

MDOT officials said this week, construction is planned to start by the end of May.

In a memo dated May 8, MDOT wrote to the court, “Maine DOT also has re-opened direct lines of communication with the Town, and Maine DOT anticipates further discussions with the town regarding the performance of the work that is within the scope of work under the contract, as well as the possibility of a path forward – if there is one – for parking at 36 Water Street.

“Ironically, in its two motions for preliminary injunction ... Wawenock itself sought to enjoin the demolition of the very building that has to be removed to make way for parking ... Now Wawenock wants this Court to stop Maine DOT from undertaking any work on the project unless the scope of work includes parking at 36 Water Street – which, of course, would necessitate the demolition of that building.”

The memo states Wawenock's strategy is to stop MDOT from removing any on-street parking from Route 1.

The town has taken no active role in this lawsuit. Wiscasset ended its own suit against MDOT after an April 17 town vote by a 2-1 margin to withdraw from the suit. The suit was dismissed April 25.