In addition to the other sites considered, the Committee also evaluated the former George Stevens Academy (GSA) dorm building at 30 Tenney Hill. We have been advised by the engineers/architects retained for this project that this site is, in their view, an “A+++” location for a relocated Public Safety building.
The Committee agreed, and the Select Board negotiated a purchase of the property (together with the land under the Blue Hill Consolidated School, which the Town currently leases from GSA).
Highlights of the Purchase/Relocation Rationale
- Existing building suitable with modest renovation. The existing dorm building is an almost ideal configuration for a modern Public Safety facility:
- Office and meeting space on the first floor
- Sleeping quarters on the second floor
- Two apartments which can easily be converted into break/training rooms for use by the Town (for public meetings), the Fire Department, and the Ambulance Corps
- Commercial-quality construction, with modern (propane) heating systems, sprinkler systems, durable surfaces
- Existing infrastructure (town sewer connection, fresh water well, generator, propane)
- Minimal fill necessary at the rear of the planned building/pavement footprint
- Suitable traffic entry. Before making an offer for the property the Select Board confirmed with the MaineDOT regional traffic engineer that the Tenney Hill location is suitable for a driveway entry permit for a fire/ambulance station (subject to reviewing the specific design proposal)
- Substantial excess land for other uses. The engineers have estimated that ~3 acres of the ~17 acre parcel will be required for the planned station, leaving the remainder for potential future use as wetland conservation and/or affordable housing development
- Minimal impact on residents’ property insurance rates. The location is near the existing fire station, so the impact on homeowners insurance premiums should be very small
But the primary driver underlying the selection of the Tenney Hill site is the prospect of substantial cost savings available from reusing the existing dorm building–approximately $2.5-3.0 million after the cost of modest renovations. (See the Project Cost and Financing page for more detail.)