In 2022, the Mitchell Field Committee conducted a survey of more than 500 residents, which found that more than 55% were in favor of repairing and repurposing the administration building. The town commissioned the Midcoast Council of Governments to review the evidence and produce recommendations for the future of the building. After confirming that the building is structurally sound, the organization conducted a series of interviews and workshops. Finding a high level of support, it recommended inviting nonprofits to submit proposals to repurpose the building.
The town commissioned Beacon Environmental Consultants to evaluate the building. It found a limited amount of toxic materials that must be removed regardless of what is done with the building. It provided cost estimates for both options: demolition, $160,000 to $230,000; remediation only, $95,000 to $150,000 (without the cost of reconstruction). All of these reports are available on the town website.
To demolish a structurally sound, valuable piece of town property is by far the most expensive alternative, with no obvious benefit to town residents. Why would the town encourage residents to vote for a very expensive empty lot when there is a group that has volunteered to raise private funds to turn the building into a public recreation center serving all of Harpswell — complete with water and septic for real bathrooms and outdoor showers?
If you would like to know more about what, how and why we believe that repurposing the admin building into a waterfront recreation and education center, with bathrooms and showers, a shaded picnic area, and indoor spaces for meetings and performances, would be a better option, please visit our website and join us in voting no on Question 3: sites.google.com/view/mitchell-field-rec-center.
Dorothy Rosenberg, Harpswell Neck
