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.
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I agree that the property must be fully evaluated for contamination and drainage issues before any real talk of development takes place. I believe that the state of Maine needs to (1) conduct both contamination and hydrology studies, and (2) fund and oversee a remediation plan based on the findings before the property is sold. In my opinion, these are the logical and ethical first steps the state should take when selling a property that has so many potential hazards for the city of Hallowell. As Stephen wrote, the Stevens School property does have the potential to be a real gem for Kennebec County and the city of Hallowell. So let's take the proper course of action to ensure that this property is a safe and enriching resource for the area.
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