BREAKING: The Mahoney City Center Committee in South Portland has just voted against a stripped-down version of the proposed renovation for the old Mahoney Middle School, a decision that could reshape the future of city services. During a meeting held earlier today, the committee determined that neither a phased approach nor budget cuts could save enough money to justify moving forward with the project.
The committee’s findings come after the original conceptual design for the Mahoney project was projected to cost an alarming $193.8 million. If the South Portland City Council does not advance this recommendation, the committee may explore alternatives for the historic building, including its preservation or potential demolition.
Architect Adam Yothers from SMRT, the design firm involved, stated, “To just paint the walls and move people in really isn’t an option.” He highlighted that switching the building’s use from education to business would necessitate extensive upgrades, including accessible entrances, new ventilation systems, and load-bearing wall enhancements, all of which are costly.
Committee member Donald Hopkins, who has dedicated five years to this initiative, expressed growing concern over the financial viability of the project. “I don’t think Mahoney is a smart investment of public funds at this time,” he asserted, citing that a new build could potentially cost around $60 million, significantly less than the proposed renovations.
The city’s finance director Ellen Sanborn confirmed that even proposed phased construction options would not alleviate the financial burden. She stated, “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.” The current plan estimates that each bond would be approximately $100 million, with construction costs rising between 4% and 4.5% annually.
The committee’s next steps hinge on the City Council’s upcoming vote scheduled for February 17, 2024. As the community weighs the emotional impact of the historic Mahoney building against financial realities, the fate of this project remains uncertain.
Many residents are left wondering: Is the nostalgia worth the significant investment required? The decision on how to proceed could have lasting implications for South Portland’s civic landscape, and the community awaits the City Council’s decision with bated breath.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.