Dear Editor:

On Nov. 2, Wiscasset voters must decide whether to allow the Board of Selectmen to enter into negotiations for a 20-year extended lease of the Old Academy Building by the Maine Art Gallery (MAG). MAG has enjoyed full occupancy of the Academy for use as a gallery space for more than 60 years by a generous lease of $1 per year, the lease subject to renewal every five years with three years to go on the current lease.

Leases of historic properties by municipalities to nonprofit organizatons for such modest fees are not uncommon, but normally the agreement (especially when long-term) is intended to be of mutual and equitable benefit. Typically the nonprofit gains use of a structure at little or no cost, but is required to provide and fund all maintenance and restoration costs for the continued preservation of such an important structure. That is not the case in this instance. The Board chose to renew the 5-year lease in 2019 without modification, even though critical errors and omissions regarding MAG’s responsibility for care of the structure and also that of town oversight were brought to their attention well in advance. Can we trust the Board to do its due diligence in negotiating with MAG for a long-term lease, not only to ensure proper care of the Academy building but also without impact on the pockets of taxpayers? Since the 2019 renewal, MAG has twice approached the town to provide significant funding for maintenance and restoration and comments from certain Board members during the last discussions with MAG indicate that they are inclined to spend taxpayer dollars to do so.

There are three years remaining on the current lease and no pressing need to negotiate a long-term lease, despite MAG’s assertion that a long-term lease is required to get funding from foundations and other donors. The citizens of Wiscasset should not be rushed into authorizing the Board to negotiate with MAG for a long-term agreement until we have a better picture of what is intended. Vote No on Article 4 on Nov. 2.

James L. Kochan

Wiscasset