Belfast Council Backs Sauna Pilot, Church Street One-Way, Dangerous Building Order

The Belfast City Council voted 5-0 on October 6 to approve a seasonal agreement for the Salty Witch Sauna at Steamboat Landing Park, convert Church Street to one-way northerly travel, and declare 333 High Street a dangerous building. The council also accepted a federal firefighter grant, advanced the general assistance ordinance, and heard an update on the pickleball working group.

Key points

• The council voted 5-0 to authorize a concessions contract with Salty Witch Sauna for a mobile sauna at Steamboat Landing Park from mid-October through March 31, 2027, with a possible extension to May 15, 2027, at $250 per month.
• The council voted 5-0 to approve the second reading of an ordinance making Church Street one-way northerly between Main Street and Market Street and removing the southbound stop sign at Church and Main.
• The council voted 5-0 to declare 333 High Street a dangerous building under a stipulated order already agreed to by owner James Constable, preserving the city's ability to recover costs if repairs stall.
• The council voted 5-0 to accept a $26,317.23 Assistance to Firefighters grant for turnout gear cleaning equipment, with a $1,315.87 match from the fire department equipment account.
• The council voted 5-0 to advance the first reading of the 2026-2027 General Assistance Ordinance, with the public hearing and second reading moved to the November 4 meeting.
• Public commenters spoke in support of the sauna and raised concerns about pickleball noise and rodenticide use, with a panel discussion announced for October 13 at the Belfast Free Library.

Next steps

• City staff will meet with PCHC on October 7 to discuss pickleball courts in its parking lot, and the working group meets again October 14.
• Tree Warden Carol Herwig will consult with Littlefield and local mills about possibly reusing wood from the Elm Street silver maple before returning to the council.
• The general assistance ordinance public hearing and second reading are set for the November 4 council meeting.
• City staff will coordinate with the police chief and public works on timing and public notice for the Church Street one-way change.

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