Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Map View of the Steven School Campus

The map of the Stevens School Campus - Hallowell provides a visual of buildings, roads, parking areas and open space. When you read the HEADLINE posts that I developed over a number of days, you will see a vision of how the complex can be developed so that the Stevens School property and its tenants will be viewed as a destination for many.

As I visited the blog and reviewed its content more ideas regarding use of the property emerged.

I hope that all of us are committed to how the complex can be transformed to reflect the values of our community and become the jewel of Kennebec Valley. As a community, we have a great opportunity to realize many worthy ideals. The complex that I envision includes the following:

1. The Hallowell Academy for Creativity and Performing Arts -- Maine's Charter School for Creative/Performing Arts and an institution that would issue skill based certificates for adults. The academy would have the potential to employ many of Hallowell's musicians and artists.

2. Reed Nature Center -- The Reed Nature Center would manage the open fields and wooded areas of the complex. Center staff would be responsible for creating and managing trails. In addition, The Hallowell Organic Gardening Cooperative would be formed. Members of the Cooperative would plant and tend vegetable and flower gardens on the land directly behind the Reed Nature Center. The Reed Nature Center would provide office space for Nature Center Staff and a small kitchen for catering events at the Center. The gymnasium would become a center for the performing arts and educational programs.

3. Martha Ballard Birthing Center -- The Birthing Center would be affiliated with the family medical clinic co-located.

4. Creative Play ChildCare -- Stakeholders would form the Hallowell ChildCare Collaborative. Through the collabortive a childcare center would be created that would provide childcare for Hallowell families.

5. Stevens School Wellness Center -- Stakeholders would form the Hallowell Wellness Cooperative. Through this group a wellness center would be created that would provide exercise programs, educational programs, and discussion groups focusing on wellness and healthy living.

6. The Riverview Hill Top Diner -- The diner would offer breakfast and lunch. Late afternoon to 9:00 pm speciality coffees and teas would be served with a dessert menu.

7. Riverview Inn and Conference Center -- Thirty room inn with small conference center. The conference functions would expand to other buildings on the Stevens campus and the Reed Nature Center.

8. Ten affordable houses positioned above existing buildings.

9. Outdoor theater in upper field -- maintained and managed by the staff of the Reed Nature Center. Varied Uses: educational programs, concerts, community events.

Each proposed use is interrelated with other uses. Conferences and special events are coordinated with local businesses.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

HEADLINES: Possible Outcomes

This post allows you to write a headline and short lead that describes what may occur at the Stevens School/Reed Center Property. I have posted three headlines for your review.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

First Things First

Many of the discussions pertaining to the Stevens School/Reed Center property have focused on the potential contamination of the site due to lead, asbestos, hazardous wastes, and drainage from the main campus impacting the Reed Center property and private property downhill including private homes and the Vaughn Field.

Should the State of Maine correct these issues prior to sale of the property? Has the property been evaluated for contamination and is that report available? Has a hydrology study been commissioned and available?

However, this process unfolds in terms of purchase or transfer of the Steven School property the environmental issues and corrective actions need to be addressed.

The Stevens School property can be the jewel of Kennebec County and a centerpiece for the City of Hallowell. It can be developed as a destination for a variety of worthy purposes.

Maine will be receiving stimulus package funds from the federal government in part to put Mainers to work. Addressing the environmental issues and renovating buildings at the Stevens School would put Mainers to work. This work would bring new life and business opportunities to to the Stevens School and the City of Hallowell.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Your Vote

This area allows you to explain how you voted. If you voted to purchase the Stevens School property, please share with us your thinking. If you voted not to purchase the property, please share with us your thinking?

City of Hallowell Revised Code of Ordinances 1997

Will the existing ordinances best serve Hallowell when the Stevens School is developed? At a recent meeting, it was stated that a proposal may be made to the City Council to expand the Historic District to include homes on Page Street. This expansion includes the Stevens School the frontage on Pleasant Street. Will this expansion require any building on the Reed Center land to meet the historic standards?

Friday, February 13, 2009

Hallowell Map - Map of Hallowell, ME

Hallowell Map - Map of Hallowell, ME

When you activate the map, click on the icon that allows you to see the aerial map of Hallowell. You can then move the map to get better view of the Stevens School property.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Introduction

The Stevens School/Reed Center Blog was created for the sharing of information and ideas. Many have expressed the desire that the Stevens School discussions be open. This blog may be helpful in facilitating open discussions and greater understanding of the issues.

Including this post, there are a total of fourteen posts to the Stevens School Blog.

You can participate in the Steven School Blog either by signing up with your existing e-mail account or you can create a GMAIL Account. This account will provide you with an additional e-mail address. Futhermore, you will be able to make postings to the Stevens School Blog. Though your account you will also be able to create your own Blogs.

If a good number of you on the e-mail distribution list decide to open a GMAIL Account, it would allow us to utilize these blogs for city wide communication and sharing our views on issues and our concerns regarding the decisions that affect our neighborhoods, families, businesses, and the community at large.

I look forward to your participation.

Other Questions or Concerns

Please use this area for posting questions or concerns that don't fall within posted topics.

Who benefits!

For each proposed negotiation or potential use, should we ask the question, "Who benefits?"

The City?
The Business Community?
The Neighborhoods?
Our Youth?
Citizens of All Ages?
Developers?
State Government?
The Environment?
Our Educational System?

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Stevens School and the Creative Economy

How do we turn the Steven School Complex into a win-win for the State of Maine and Hallowell? Can we look at creative uses of this complex that result in the complex as a destination for diverse and creative activities?

Can we look at the notion of the Stevens School as a School Complex and create a plan that serves the people of the State of Maine and the citizens of Hallowell?

Open Space is becoming a valued commodity. How can we creatively maintain open spaces on this complex? (22 top acres and the field behind the Reed Center)

How can we become responsible stewards for the resources within the Stevens School Complex?

Business Development at Stevens School Complex

Recent discussions regarding business use of the Stevens School Complex seem to promote strict regulation of that site so that it doesn't complete with downtown businesses. What are your views regarding business uses at the Stevens School?

Restrictive
Flexible
Business Types

Stevens School and Hallowell's Comprehensive Plan

How is use of the Stevens School Complex described in Hallowell's Comprehensive Plan?

Stevens School and Open Space

What are the plans for the Stevens School complex in relationship to the recommendations of the Open Space Committee?

Stevens School and Affordable Housing

What plans are in the concept stage for the Stevens School related to affordable housing? What is the benefit? Any downsides?

Administrative Office at the Reed Center for RSU # 2

Currently, the RSU # 2 Administration is seeking to purchase/use/rent the Reed Center for administrative offices. SAD # 16 has invested more than $50,000 in the building. Should the City of Hallowell consider partnering with the RSU to secure the use of the Reed Center for RSU use?

How will development impact existing neighborhoods?

Depending upon development, what will be the impact on abutters?
Winthrop Street Residents
Pleasant Street Residents
Page Street Residents

For example, if the lower field is developed for housing will Winthrop Street provide safe and adequate access? or, will access be onto Pleasant Street/Page Streets?

Tax Consequences and Environmental Issues

What will be the tax consequences be if we purchase the property?
What will be tax consequences be if we allow the property to be privately developed?
Are there any environmental issues with the property?
Are there any drainage issues with the property?

Negotiating Conditions with State of Maine

The Stevens School and Reed Center have been part of Hallowell since the 1890's. In a way it could be considered part of the town. If the decision is made not to purchase the property, then we should work with the State to arrive at agreed to conditions for the property's use.

What are your thoughts?

Suggested Uses for the Stevens School Complex

The Stevens School Complex has four distinct sections: (1) the original school which is protected by the National Historic Register, (2) the section behind the original school which has several buildings building in the 1960/70's. (3) the upper 22 acres with two open fields, and (4) the Reed Center Complex with acreage that abutts Pleasant Street. There are two deeds that control the complex. The first deed includes the area where the buildings are located and the upper 22 acres. The second deed controls the Reed Center and the acres behind. Back in the 1920's or 30's the land was purchased from an estate. The Niles family attempted to purchase the land, but they were outbid by the State of Maine. The Niles family used the fields for vegetable/flower gardens.

Given this information, what do you suggest for uses.

Purchasing the Stevens School Complex

Do we have a choice? What are the benefits to Hallowell if we purchase the complex? What will happen if we don't purchase the complex?