Down a long, meandering dirt road on Route 15 in Orrington is an old gravel pit located on the easterly bank of the Penobscot River, once used by the city of Brewer. Today, wild flowers, grass, and weeds make the most of the forsaken land.

Brewer ceased using the pit about 10 years ago, according to Harold Parks, city manager. Nature has taken over the narrow road and hole in the ground.

The property contains nearly eight acres with 600 feet of river front off of Grant Road. The town of Orrington is negotiating with Brewer to purchase the property for no more than $39,500.

In a time when the price tag on waterfront property is ever-rising, gaining and securing waterfront access is important, said Orrington Town Manager Candace Guerette. This purchase will guarantee Orrington residents a spot on the Penobscot River, she said.

“They have secured a good parcel of waterfront property,” Guerette said, adding, “It’s an ideal site to provide riverfront recreational activities for the community.”

Guerette said plans for the property include development of a picnic area and a boat launching ramp. She hopes to receive grants from state agencies and volunteer work from the National Guard to develop the waterfront.

According to Parks, both municipalities have discussed the purchase for quite some time, and the Brewer City Council has authorized him to sell the deed to the town of Orrington.

“It didn’t make much sense for the city of Brewer to hang on to it and pay taxes on it,” Parks said.

He explained a condition of the sale that the land be developed for public use and not for making money.

“We’re selling them the land at a favorable price, but, in so doing, we recognize it’s going to a public use, and we want to make sure it goes to a public use.”

At Orrington’s town meeting last week, voters authorized selectmen to enter negotiations with Brewer for purchase of the parcel. They also voiced concern over who would maintain the right of way leading to the property. Selectmen were not sure of the answer. One speculated that the deed might the owner of the property to maintain the road.

Parks said he believed the city of Brewer has maintained the road, and said if the property is sold to Orrington, that town will have to provide for the road’s upkeep.

“When they buy it, they also assume that responsibility,” he said.

Orrington Selectmen will review and vote on the sale agreement at a meeting on July 9.