By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

What is the best use of the Bridgton Memorial School property off Depot Street?

SAD 61 is willing to turn over the property to the town with the stipulation that the site not be for commercial development, but preferably cultural, educational and/or recreational.

The Select Board created an Ad Hoc Committee to look at options and present officials with three possible scenarios to pursue that ultimately could be presented to citizens for a non-binding vote.

The committee consisted of Christopher Walton, Bruce Hancock, Peter Lowell (who has worked on BMS options as a member of the Bridgton Economic Development Corp., BEDC), Matt Markot of Loon Echo Land Trust, Anne Overman, Amy Stone, Rec Director Gary Colello and Community Development Director Victoria Hill.

The group reviewed information from the Open Space Plan, previous work by the BEDC, and a community charrette on what residents would like to see in Bridgton. They also talked with Community Center officials, as well as other town boards and committees.

“We started out thinking about what uses the town has asked for in the past,” Walton told the Select Board during a brief presentation Tuesday night.

The building was constructed in 1950, and is considered in sound structural shape. A decision will need to be made to either refurbish the existing building, tear it down and build a new structure, or tear it down and develop open space, such as a park.

The next step will likely be a new site inspection, since the last look-over was 13 years ago. Town Manager Bob Peabody said if Bridgton seeks federal Brownfield Cleanup Grants to assist in addressing any contamination, a recent inspection report would be needed.

Later in the meeting, Peabody informed the board that the town’s attorney also recommended that a Phase 2 analysis (by an environmental engineer, study of inside and outside conditions) be done as part of the property transfer from SAD 61 to the Town of Bridgton. The cost is between $10,000 to $15,000.

The three options are:

• Health & Wellness Hub — Bridgton Community Center should be considered as the primary tenant/administrator. The facility would offer spaces for meetings, health and wellness, classes (yoga and stretching, etc.) and resources; multi-generational service strategies; and leased space for state and county agencies for “one-stop services.”

• Community Development Hub — Focus on workforce development, artisan space, non-profit offices, business start-up resources such as SCORE and Small Business Association (SBA). Partnerships opportunities could be created with nonprofits, foundations and agencies.

• Open Space & Outdoor Events — Outside performance space, integrated walkways connecting to other outdoor areas, trail systems (create more walkable access), outdoor gathering spaces, covered tables, picnic areas, and parking for downtown events.

One opportunity that could eventually emerge is the return of the Narrow Gauge. A local group is developing a museum and working rail yard, and hope at some point, to operate a Narrow Gauge train on a small section of track.

Another amenity could be creation of an amphitheater.

The group suggests that the existing skate park be moved to a different location, if it proves not compatible with a site development option.

“We agreed that we’re not going to create a new opportunity in town by taking an old one away,” Walton said.

Since the town will own the property, Walton pointed out that Bridgton will be responsible for oversight and maintenance — thus a town budget for the site will need to be created. Whichever option is pursued, a parking area will be needed. Publicly accessible shower and bathroom facilities should also be part of the redevelopment plan.

While the price tag to remediate the site could be in the $500,000 range, Walton and the committee look at the potential to add another gem to Bridgton.

“Oh, we might say it’ll take forever or we can’t afford the budget for this or there’s so many things that would make this fail,” Walton concluded. “But, what could happen if we succeed? It just seems like it could be a real hub for a lot of different things to come together downtown.”

Lowell addressed the “elephant in the room” — what shape is the existing building in and what path should be selected.

“Do you use part of the building or tear the whole thing down? We did not address that because we didn’t have the budget,” Lowell said. “Looking at the building, I think they were pretty much impressed with the fact that the building seemed to be solid. I mean it’s a brick building with a concrete floor. There’s been a lot of work done. I think the roof is fixed. The windows and doors are junk.”

When a remediation company reviewed it, Lowell said the ceiling tiles did not contain asbestos, but the floor tile did, as did some wall panels and caulking around the windows. The estimate, at that time, was $200,000 to address the asbestos problems, Lowell noted...It may be a usable structure or partially usable.”

Ultimately, that answer will come from an engineering study.

Select Board members praised the approach and final report filed by the Ad Hoc Committee.

“I think you nailed what we needed — three different concepts. You didn’t put the cart before the horse and detail out all sorts of spending plans for each one,” Selectman Paul Tworog said. “I like all of these plans. I like the helpful checklist because it hits on the highlights of what each of the things would be. It also doesn’t necessarily require certain things, but show how it would fit in the concept.”

Chair Carmen Lone reminded officials that whatever concept is pursued, one must remain cognizant that a private residence is located adjacent to the site.

The Select Board accepted the plan.

“This is an ongoing future project,” Lone said. “It’s not going to happen next week.”

Walton closed the discussion saying, “This is a very big, big project, but it’s also a huge opportunity. There’s a lot of work to do, but imagine what it can be.”

In other board news:

Report dedication: Continuing a trend from last year, the Select Board dedicated the 2022-23 annual town report to long-time town official Fred Packard, who is “still with us,” chair Lone emphasized, as well as the late Doug Taft, long-time Bridgton Police officer and involved community member.

Police beat: Officer Lee has started the 18-week Maine Ciminial Justice Academy program. 

Bridgton Police Department is taking part in the Bureau of Highway Safety “Distracted Driver Awareness and Prevention” campaign, which calls for dedicated traffic enforcement details for locating distracted drivers and issuing citations when appropriate. 

Public Safety Administrative Officer Gendron is again partnering with the Bridgton Community Center to provide sand for seniors. 

Fire stat: The Bridgton Fire Department has had another busy year with 483 runs and numerous details for public events.

Code Enforcement stats: For December, the Code Enforcement Office issued these building permits: 2 new buildings, 5 remodel, 1 raze, 3 tree removal, 1 shed, 1 tennis court and 1 roof mount solar array. There were 10 internal plumbing permits and 1 septic.

Total project costs — $967,518.

Total permit costs — $8,228.

Ice Rink hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The rink is located behind the town hall on North High Street.