MEETING OF A COMMITTEE TO ESTABLISH THE BEST DISPOSITION FOR THE OLD
EDDY SCHOOL
September 30, 2002.

Present: Rodd Hopper, Bob Zak, Jo Cameron, Sue Carlson, Rob Elder, Steve Ward, Joan
Spurgat

The Eddy School's original building dates back to 1857, with additions and improvements at various times. The overall appraisal for the building and 2.8 acres of land (which includes a tennis court) is $300,000.

Rodd Hopper advised to put the disposition to a vote by the Town; Steve Ward advised that the warrant item should include a recommendation. Many of the questionnaires circulated in May came back with recommendations for senior housing.

Sue Carlson stated the options, either to give the transaction over to a realtor to sell outright, or to convert the building to independent living housing for low income elderly, which would fulfill this Town's long-standing obligation in this matter.

One possibility is to let the three churches in Edgecomb (Congregationalist, Baptist, Unitarian/Universalist) form a non-profit consortium for the development of this proposal. Bob Hardina, an elder of the Congregationalist Church, and on the board of directors of Elder Group, has expressed interest in the proposal. Another possibility would be to partner with Maine Housing. As a school, the property was tax-exempt. Our aim is to bring the property back on the tax rolls. If the Town were to donate the property for this purpose, it was estimated that it would take 7 years to earn back $140,000 in taxes.

Renovations would be no cheaper than a new building. If 7000 square feet total space, then 6-8 small apartments (~400-700 sq. ft.) would be feasible. Water/sewer status should be sufficient, since it has served 100+ persons as a school; there is a new residence being built below the school site. The former Franklin School in Newcastle is a good example of a conversion to housing for the elderly.

What other uses would be appropriate?

Professional or medical offices?
Artists' studios?
A small private school or other educational facility?

Conclusions: We will contact Mike Finnegan of Maine Housing for a meeting. We will invite Blythe Edwards to join this Committee.

Next meeting: Monday, Oct. 28, 5:30 p.m.

Adjourned 6:30 p.m