URGENT UPDATE: The Mahoney City Center Committee in South Portland has just voted against a stripped-down or phased approach for the redevelopment of the old Mahoney Middle School. This decision comes as the committee grapples with the staggering projected cost of $193.8 million for the full project, which includes a theater, gymnasium, library, and city offices.
The committee has urged the City Council to either move forward with the comprehensive plan or allow them to explore alternative uses for the historic building, which may include preservation or demolition. February 17, 2024, marks a critical date, as the City Council will vote on the future of this contentious project.
Architect Adam Yothers from SMRT, the design firm involved, stated that merely relocating city offices to the Mahoney building with minimal alterations would not significantly reduce costs. He explained that the building must meet current codes, which will involve substantial expenses, including new accessible entrances, elevators, and upgraded foundations.
“Just to step foot in Mahoney is going to cost us millions and millions of dollars,” warned Councilor Richard Matthews. The reality is stark: without comprehensive investment, significant portions of the building would remain unoccupied, and the ongoing maintenance of existing city facilities would continue to burden taxpayers.
Committee member Donald Hopkins, who has been involved in this project for five years, expressed his disillusionment with the financial viability of repurposing Mahoney. “I don’t think Mahoney is a smart investment of public funds at this time,” he declared. His concerns are echoed by Julie Rosenbach, the city’s sustainability director, who questioned whether the nostalgia for the building justifies the financial commitment required.
The committee considered phasing the project, initially separating the police and fire station upgrades from the Mahoney renovations. However, finance director Ellen Sanborn confirmed that this would not alleviate costs meaningfully. “Even if you split them up three or four years … you don’t have enough time to buy down the debt before taking on the next payment,” she said.
Construction costs are projected to rise by 4% to 4.5% annually, further complicating financial planning. The only way to significantly reduce costs would be to phase the project over decades, which would likely exacerbate expenses overall.
As the community awaits the City Council’s decision, the future of the Mahoney Middle School remains uncertain. Will the city prioritize its historical significance, or will financial realities dictate a different course? Stay tuned for developments as the February 17 vote approaches.
