By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

What is the best use of the former Bridgton Memorial School building and property?

A variety of ideas have been floated over the years by local groups and organizations, but those options have remained pipe dreams

Peter Lowell and fellow Bridgton Economic Development Corporation members would like to see the property transformed into a functioning facility to benefit a wide spectrum of the community.

Lowell, along with Jim Chalmers and Mark Lopez, recently met with Bridgton Selectmen to “get the ball rolling” to determine what might be the best fit for the former elementary school.

The BEDC members presented a snapshot of possible uses, as well as a concept design, which the group pegs at an estimated cost between $10 to $20 million. Lowell noted that the BEDC would seek out grant money and launch a capital fundraising effort. No tax dollars would be used to retrofit and build a new complex. 

Ultimately, the group looked to get selectmen’s blessing to proceed with idea development and push to include an item on the June 2022 town meeting warrant regarding the transfer of the BMS property from SAD 61 to the Town of Bridgton. Once that transfer is approved, the town would then transfer the property to the BEDC.

The BEDC was formed to create a public-private partnership to provide a legal entity that could apply for and receive grants.

SAD 61 has indicated a desire to turn the school property over to the town, but there is a catch. Due to the proximity to Stevens Brook Elementary, SAD 61 wants to see redevelopment to be educational, historical and/or recreational in nature, not commercial. Another condition, the property cannot be sold by the town to offset taxes.

Town officials plan to reach out to SAD 61 Superintendent Al Smith to schedule another meeting regarding the BMS property.

And, the board gave the BEDC the green light to continue their efforts.

“This is a need. It’s worthwhile to give it a shot,” Selectman Fred Packard said. “I feel we should test the waters. We need to start somewhere. We need to take a first step.”

Selectman Bob McHatton concurred, “This is just the beginning — the tip of the iceberg. Let’s see how big this iceberg is and what to do with it.”

Lowell pointed out that the “process will remain flexible” and “no one has decided anything at this point.”

“It’s time to move forward. This is not a dream or a thought, we need to take the next step and move it forward,” BEDC member Jim Chalmers said.

To move ahead, Lowell said the BEDC needs the ability to raise money to cover various expenses such architectural. Selectmen support of the effort enables the BEDC to take the next steps.

Overview

Emphasizing the concept design shown selectmen is “not carved in stone,” 

“The corporation has developed a concept plan which mightinclude a conference center, kitchen, bathrooms, multi-purpose rooms, a railroad museum, offices, a field house or gymnasium, locker rooms, a climbing wall, a pool, community space for such uses as a food pantry or pre-K, and parking,” the BEDC overview said. “The project would interface with the Magic Lantern 4-H project, the Bridgton Community Center, and Pondicherry Park to enhance the cultural features of Depot Street and expand its regional resources and attractions.”

The plan could renovate the existing structure and construct an addition, or the building could be razed.

“Asbestos removal will be required regardless of the fate of the building. A professional abatement estimate was received in 2020 for $160 to $190,000,” the BEDC report said. “Design is being driven through needs as defined by user groups, municipal officials, and community partners.”

The center is being developed to complement and enrich downtown development and the Depot Street area.

There is no firm plan, but a first step will be to hire a specialized architect for concept design and eventual final design.