Stevens School Annex Committee Meeting Scheduled

A meeting of the Stevens School Committee has been scheduled for March 31, 2009 beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Hallowell City Hall.

LD 1098 -- Bill to Sell Reed Center to MSAD # 16 for $1.00

LD 1098

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Resolve, To Transfer Ownership of the Reed Center on the Stevens Campus in the City of Hallowell to School Administrative District No. 16

Sec. 1. Transfer property. Resolved: That the Commissioner of Administrative and Financial Services shall sell the property known as the Reed Center on the Stevens Campus, located in the City of Hallowell and being part of the City of Hallowell Tax Map 6, Lot 27, to School Administrative District No. 16 or its successor for one dollar.

SUMMARY

This bill allows the Commissioner of Administrative and Financial Services to sell the property known as the Reed Center on the Stevens Campus located in the City of Hallowell to School Administrative District No. 16 or its successor for one dollar.

Public Hears on LD 905 -- Hearing on Stevens School Property

There will be a public hearing on LD 905, “Resolve, Requiring the State to Consult with the City of Hallowell Prior to the Sale of Certain Real Property” sponsored by Rep. Sharon Treat on Monday March 23, room 216 of the Cross State Office Building (directly behind the State House) before the State & Local Government Committee.  The hearing starts at 1 pm but LD 905 is currently scheduled last of 4 bills.  To contact the committee clerk for directions or hearing information, call 287-1330. 

 

The bill is very simple, and I have copied the entire text below.  Hallowell citizens are welcome to come and testify for or against and to offer amendments.  If written testimony is provided, please make 20 copies for the committee.  I would also appreciate it if anyone testifying could also provide me with a copy (repsharon.treat@legislature.maine.gov).  

 

I have offered this legislation as a way to insure that there is local input before this property is sold by the State to a private party.  Anyone interested in discussing the legislation with me, or finding out more about how to testify, is welcome to email me or call me at the Legislature during the week (287-1400) or at home on weekends and evenings (623-7161).  – Sharon Treat, Page Street, Hallowell.

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Resolve, To Require the State To Consult with the City of Hallowell prior to the Sale of Certain Real Property

Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  due to the State's severe budget shortfall, there is a strong incentive to sell property in the City of Hallowell to help balance the budget; and

Whereas,  negotiations have been underway to reach an agreed upon sale price; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1 Consult. Resolved: That the Department of Administrative and Financial Services shall, prior to the sale of the property known as the Stevens/Reed Campus in the City of Hallowell, consult with the City of Hallowell to discuss options as to the sale and use of the property; and be it further

Sec. 2 Hearing. Resolved: That the Department of Administrative and Financial Services shall schedule a public hearing in the City of Hallowell to review the intended use of the property and whether the use is consistent with the City of Hallowell's comprehensive plan and open space plan.

Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.

 

SUMMARY

This resolve requires the Department of Administrative and Financial Services to meet and consult with the City of Hallowell prior to selling the property known as the Stevens/Reed Campus in Hallowell. The department shall also schedule a public hearing to discuss the use of the property and whether the use is consistent with the City of Hallowell's comprehensive plan and open space plan.

Stevens School Re-Use Analysis -- Final Recommendations

What are your standards for "highest and best use?"

Report Name: Stevens School Re-Use Analaysis -- February 4, 2003 -- Prepared by SMRT, Inc.
The Stevens School Property Re-Use Committee after deliberation and dialog with two developers decided upon the following recommendations. The Committee recommended that the property be sold with no restructions, but with the re-use guidelines as outlined above made clear to prospective purchasers.
The Stevens School Re-Use Advisory Committee Members included:
Charles A. Jacobs, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Administrative & Financial Services
Elaine Clark, Director, Bureau of General Services
Philip rose, AIA, Architect, Bureau of General Services
Carolyn Manson, Hallowell Resident
Nora Murray, Former Superintendent of Schools, MSAD # 16
Donald L. Siviski, Current Superintendent of Schools, MSAD # 16
Diana Scully, School Board Member, MSAD # 16
Representative Scott Cowger, Hallowell
Senator Sharon A. Treat, Gardiner
Baryy S. Timson, Mayor, City of Hallowell
Andrew McPherson, City Councilor, Ward 5, Hallowell
James W. Rhodes, City Manager, City of Hallowell
Gerry Mahoney, Hallowell Resident
Keith Taylor, Hallowell Resident
Earle G. Shettleworth, Jr., Director, Maine Historic Preservation Commission
Kirk Mohney, Assistant Director, Maine Historic Preservation Commission

Three Options Considered by the Stevens School Re-Use Committee

Three Options were developed for review by the Stevens School Re-Use Committee. This Mind Map presents the three options. These three options were synthesized into a final recommendation. The final recommendations will be posted in the near future.

Environmental Issues (Excerpts from Executive Summary)

USR conducted a Phase I Environment Site Assessment (ESA) and surveys for asbestos containing materials (ACM) and lead paint (LBP) for twelve of the fourteen plus builidngs on the Stevens School Campus in Hallowell, Maine. This twelve of the 63-three acre campus is primarily used as offices for various state agencies. These activities were done in support of the SMRT Architects and The Maine Bureau of General Services who are tasked with finding the ultimate highest and best use of the campus. (November 14, 2002)

Do you have any concerns regarding these findings? A copy of the full report is available for review at the Hallowell City Hall.

Taking Charge by Creating Community -- Related Blogs -- (Bringing Concepts to Action)

If the Stevens School/Reed Center properties are to become vital to the City of Hallowell, residents need to discuss ideas that will create community among our residents and serve our community. The following blogs may be helpful for that exploration:

The Reed Nature Center Cooperative -- http://reednaturecenter.blogspot.com/

The Hallowell Academy Planning Committee -- http://hallowellacademy.blogspot.com/

The Hallowell Wellness Cooperative -- http://wellnesscooperative.blogspot.com/

The Hallowell Organic Gardeners Cooperative -- ttp://hallowellorganicgardeners.blogspot.com/

The Hallowell Childcare Cooperative -- http://childcarecooperative.blogspot.com/