On August 15 Maine Superior Court Justice Robert Murray ordered the removal of the lis pendens, or "suit pending," status of the Boat School in a lawsuit filed by Eastport residents Phyllis Bradbury and David Gholson against the City of Eastport, First Perry Realty LLC and CPM Constructors. The plaintiffs' lawyer, Kristin Collins, noted in a letter to the court that her clients had "no objection to the removal of the Friends of the Boat School (Friends) as a party‑in‑interest."
     Friends President William Rowley says, "This is good. We needed this to happen." He explains that the removal of the status, which acted in a manner similar to a lien against the title, allows the Friends to pursue grants and loans, something they had not been able to do since the filing of the lawsuit in late 2011.
     As president, Rowley expects that the Friends will spend the next four years getting the Boat School up and running, with the fourth year as the target goal for opening its doors again as a fully operating marine trades school. In the meantime, there's plenty to be done. Funds need to be raised for a business plan, equipment replacement and upgrades, building and infrastructure upgrades and repairs, program development and student and staff recruitment.
     In addition, the on‑site laboratories are considered top-notch, Rowley says. The board is discussing how the labs could best be used, with one possibility being to market them as rentals for research projects. The Friends will close down the buildings this winter to save on heating costs but plan to open again next spring. The education committee will be planning summer programs with a range of topics, from sail repair to photography workshops.
     Board meetings are held the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. While meetings are currently held at the Boat School on Deep Cove Road, Rowley will be looking for another venue during the winter months. He notes that the public is always welcome to attend the meetings, and volunteers are also welcome for committee work. He can be reached at 726‑9541 or by e-mail at <billpem@myfairpoint.net>.