Stevens School Committee Revitalized

Headed by Ed Cervone, new city councilor, the newly revitalized Stevens School Committee appointed by Mayor Warren, will take a new look at the issues presented by the future sale of the Stevens School Property. Cervone has recommended the following process:

I recommend the following process to define uses at the Stevens School Property (SSP):

Start with the 15 goals listed in the Comprehensive Development Plan. These goals summarize public input gathered from hearings held over the last 2 years and offer a good departure point.
Add detail to each of the goals to better define the ultimate uses on the SSP.
Compile this information into a final document to be presented to Council for approval for the purpose of serving as the City’s vision for the property moving forward.

Following is Cervone's method of framing the work to be done by the committee:

DIRECTLY FROM MOST RECENT VERSION OF THE COMP PLAN (1-8-10):

The redevelopment of the former Stevens School property will be the single most important new development in Hallowell in the coming decade. To attain these 15 goals, the Stevens School site should be put into a special district called the “Stevens School Planned Development Zone.”

Within this zone, no new development can take place until a master plan is developed for the entire site that meets the 15 goals, and is approved by the city council and planning board. The plan could be created by the city, or by a developer who owns the property. Once the plan is approved, the developer (or developers) may develop the site in accordance with the plan, and other state and local codes. The zone language should include:

1. The 15 goals of the Comprehensive Plan

2. A list of appropriate uses, based up on the goals

3. Maximum densities for residential and non-residential uses, based upon potential impacts on local traffic, infrastructure, and the environment, as well as compatibility with the surrounding neighborhoods

4. Traffic standards for protecting adjoining neighborhoods, allowing trail, pedestrian, bicycle, and car connectivity through the site, and making improvements to nearby roads and intersections to ensure safety

5. Storm water standards for mitigating and managing runoff

6. Design standards to address historic and neighborhood compatibility, “green development,” and other environmental issues

7. Standards for the preservation of open space and environmentally sensitive areas on the site

8. A process for making revisions to the master plan, when deemed necessary and appropriate