In the fall issue of The Gardiner Gazette we reported on plans for an entirely new Chestnut Mart retail service station and convenience store at Ireland Corners. Hopes had been for an opening before year end, but final Town sign-off on the project did not come until mid December.
In the meantime, CPD Energy, owner of the property, demolished all the buildings on the site and removed the old fuel tanks and distribution lines in readiness for construction. Foundation work was the first order of business, in hopes of closing in the building before a serious snow. Once completed, the Mart will include two islands, each with two pumps, and more space so as to comfortably accommodate eight vehicles at the pumps simultaneously. Scott Parker, Director of Facilities for CPD Energy, described some of the other improvements: “We’ve abandoned the old well and will have a new one in a different location, farther removed from the new septic system. The old septic system and septic field were dug out and removed.
“The fuel tanks will be double walled fiberglass and distribution lines will be double walled as well. Both the tanks and the lines will be continuously monitored electronically so that any leak would be detected while still contained within the outside wall of the tank or line.” Final touches including landscaping, blacktop and perhaps placement of the canopy over the fueling islands will wait for warmer weather. Nonetheless, Scott is aiming for a spring opening.