If you are one of the hundreds and hundreds of people who enjoy times at Mitchell Field throughout the year (summer bandstand series, bike riding, hiking, dog walking, swimming, snowshoeing), we urge you to vote no on June 10 for the ballot question concerning the demolition of the Mitchell Field administration building.
Let’s give enough time to the group that has organized to design a possible recreation center retrofit of the building to research private funding options and determine the feasibility of grants and private donations to fully fund its efforts.
Remediation of hazardous materials is required by law before demolition can take place, so taxpayers will bear those costs either way. Why not look for ways to privately fund repurposing and gain a lovely, usable facility with picnic areas and actual restrooms vs. portapotties, and a community space for gatherings?
Kathleen O’Donnell and Bill Bergquist, Harpswell Neck