KENNEBUNK, Maine — The Teen Center on Park Street closed indefinitely earlier this month over concerns for safety and air quality after multiple roof leaks caused water damage.
The Teen Center had been used regularly by the Parks and Recreation Department, according to Director Tasha Pinkham, and she has had to move the programs that took place there to other locations as a temporary measure.
Pinkham said they can see mold growing as a result of the water damage.
Town Manager Mike Pardue told the Board of Selectmen during a workshop this week that they have already mitigated for asbestos in the building previously, and air quality tests are underway.
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The modular building at the Teen Center will likely need to be demolished, leaving the main building which will need extensive repairs and a new sewer line along with ADA compliant restrooms — which are located currently in the modular.
The water damage came after heavy rains compromised the aged, flat roof on the building. The board is weighing the idea of doing costly repairs to the old 1970s-era building with a need for space for the programs that have taken place in the building.
Selectman Ed Karytko has long been a proponent of pushing RSU 21 officials to close Sea Road School, which he says could then be used as a town facility.
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“They’re moving kids around and putting kids in schools just to make it look like there are kids in schools. I think we should push the issue of Sea Road School,” he said.
The board discussed the need for a public facilities plan, including the need for a new public safety building to house the Police and Fire Rescue Departments. Pardue said there has also been discussions around a community center which could possibly be used by the Rec Department in place of the Teen Center.
“These wheels are in motion. There’s a collision of needs in the community,” Pardue said. “We have started looking at a facilities plan and we’re starting to look at the future public safety needs. Those future needs are really now in many areas.”
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The Police Department took over the former town post office when a new post office was built on Route 1 North over 20 years ago. Police Chief Bob MacKenzie said the department has outgrown the building.
Pardue told the board a new public safety facility would be a two to three year project, which would not help with the current needs of the Parks and Recreation Department.
Recreation Department staff will take a look at current programing needs and determine if the Teen Center building without the modular would be enough space, if renovated, to meet those needs. Pardue will work with town staff to complete the needs assessment and come up with a design plan and estimated budget for the board to consider within the next 45-60 days.