HOULTON – While the makeup of the board of directors of the Shiretown Development Corp. is new in part, the group will meet tonight to discuss an old problem – what to do with the former Houlton International Corp. facility.

The SDC board, which acts as an economic development arm for the town and consists of seven town councilors and two public representatives, will gather tonight for its first meeting since a new member was voted onto the panel.

On Nov. 6, John Fitzpatrick was voted onto the council, along with incumbent Councilors Paul Romanelli and Sue Tortello. As councilors, all take seats on the SDC board.

During tonight’s meeting, the board will continue its discussion on the former HIC facility as it works to move forward with plans for the building and the land it sits on.

Fitzpatrick is no stranger to the SDC board or the issue of the former HIC facility.

Fitzpatrick was a councilor and a member of SDC when the board entered into a $161,000 purchase-and-sale agreement with officials from the HIC facility more than three years ago. At the time, it planned to use the massive complex garnered through the agreement to attract a larger business to the area.

Although the building has been shown several times, it has failed to attract a large employer. In concert with that, expenses related to maintenance of the massive complex are draining the SDC’s bank account. It is costing the board approximately $10,000 a year to insure the structure. The board’s account has dwindled to $33,500, down from $51,000 at the start of the year.

The group began looking at other options for the building several months ago and is considering alternatives that include demolishing the building and selling the scrap metal; the building would be gone but the town could continue to own and market the land.

The board was handed a setback last month, when it learned the massive complex contains asbestos. Earlier this month, Town Manager Douglas Hazlett told the directors that asbestos was found in 610 linear feet of wrapped heating pipe, in some bathroom floor tiles, and in exterior siding.

Although it poses no health risk right now because the asbestos is encapsulated, it will have to be dealt with if the group decides to demolish the building.

The board reviewed estimates from County Abatement, which estimated it would cost the town $50,000 to have the asbestos taken out if they wanted to demolish the structure.

The board then decided to get an estimate of what the land is worth without the building on it. Members are expected to consider the findings at tonight’s meeting.

The option of selling the building, if a prospective buyer is found, also remains on the table.

Local businessman Peter Fitzpatrick II is scheduled to discuss a proposal he has for the facility.