Establish Qualifications for Developers -- Defined Plans for Acceptable Re-Use

Stevens School Re-Use: Not a Playground for Developers

How we use open space is an issue for every Maine community.  Hallowell is blessed with a challenging opportunity to do that which is right for the Stevens School property that consists of historic buildings and open space.  It is essential that Hallowell residents through its city council and the State of Maine create and take part in a process that determines growth and development in Hallowell. The Friends of Vaughn Field formed in order to secure a park for our community. This land was not privately owned, but owned by the City of Hallowell. This group’s membership included many more people than just those whose property abutted the Vaughn Field property. Many may have wanted to protect their neighborhood from development. However, there appeared to be a greater consensus for preserving the field as a park for all of Hallowell’s residents.  Hallowell is a wonderful community. Our citizens realize that and seek to preserve that uniqueness.

The development on outer Central Street presents a slightly different situation -- the issue of abutting property owners objecting to a housing development on privately owned land. The development of both the Vaughn Field and the Stevens School property present the issue of how do we responsibly re-use publicly owned land.

Some people believe that development for development’s sake is good. Growth is good. I for one don’t believe that is always the case. Often the ones who benefit most from development may be the developers.

I’ll be right up front. My family has lived on Pleasant Street since 1978. My daughter and her family have returned to Hallowell and live on Pleasant Street. We live on Pleasant Street because of the integrity and character of the neighborhood. We do have issue with drivers who use Page/Pleasant Street as a shortcut. Too many drivers who use this shortcut drive too fast and therefore endanger the children and families who live in the Page/Pleasant Street neighborhoods. I don’t want our neighborhood to change. To have an access road from the Stevens School property onto Pleasant Street would endanger our children and the families living on both Page and Pleasant Streets. An access road would forever change the character and desirability of our neighborhood. Established neighborhoods are sacred. If a development plan radically changes the character and safety of a neighborhood, that plan needs to be changed. My concern is for those who are current residents who have invested in their homes, their neighborhoods, and our community.

The Stevens School Reed Center Blogserves as a forum for Hallowell citizens to express their concerns and share their visions for re-use of the Stevens School property.  This blog has been visited more than one hundred time and in all of these visits not one person has set forth a vision for the re-use of the property. A poll asks visitors, “Should the City of Hallowell purchase the Stevens School property?” Thirty individuals responded to these questions: fifteen said yes, eleven have said no, and four are unsure.

When I noticed that no one was really responding to this blog, I make a conscious decision to respond to my questions. As a result, I set forth a vision for the property that included a State of Maine Charter School for the Creative and Performing Arts, a wellness center, a holistic family medical clinic with a birthing center, and a cross generation community/nature center (Map 6, Lot 27) that would manage the open space on the property.  Affordable housing would be placed on the upper campus. There are three open spaces on the Stevens property. The land behind the Reed Center poses many issues related to water flow and drainage from the upper campus. The two upper fields are somewhat remote and require careful study for re-use. These are ideas. They beg response.

The blog presents each of these ideas and requests visitors to express their opinions on these ideas and perhaps present other ideas for re-use. The Stevens School property represents sixty three acres of land in the center of Hallowell. The transformation of this property needs to be done responsibly. My values say, “Leaving this transformation in the hands of developers would be irresponsible.”

Two Pleasant Street residents and others from across Hallowell are working with our mayor, the Hallowell City Council and Representative Sharon Treat to establish a process of review that includes the use of developer qualifications and standards for re-use. Hopefully this process will ensure that the development of the Stevens School will be beneficial to Hallowell and at that same time eliminate any adverse consequences to the Page/Pleasant Street neighborhoods and other abutters.

The re-use of the Stevens School property can serve our community well. This property can become the jewel of Kennebec Valley. Its re-development should result in making our community more desirable and a destination.

Stephen D. Thompson
lifework50@gmail.com

"Little there is in nature that is ours."

Few know the history of the open land on the Stevens School property. On Saturday, I walked the open field behind the Reed Center. Through this blog, I have suggested that we transform the Reed Center into The Reed Nature Center and that we form the Hallowell Organic Gardeners Cooperative to manage the land. Here I present a  visual and perhaps poetic statement for our community to consider becoming the stewards of this land. 

Suggested Amendments to LD 905: Create Buffer to Protect Pleasant and Page Street Neighborhoods

Establishing a no development buffer zone along Pleasant Street on Lot 27 would help to protect the character of the Pleasant Street and Page Street neighborhoods. This buffer zone would have a treeline planing at the upper end of the zone extending North to the property line. The buffer zone would be 285 feet by 490. A great portion of this area is wetlands.

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/

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.

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.

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.

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?