UMaine Cancels Sale of Hutchinson Center to Calvary Chapel Belfast After Legal Challenges (Belfast, Maine)

UMaine has rescinded its offer to sell the Hutchinson Center to Calvary Chapel Belfast, citing external pressures. The decision came after the university initially selected the church as the winning bidder for the property following a review of three proposals. The Hutchinson Center, previously an educational and cultural hub for the mid-coast area, was closed last year due to declining usage.

The property includes an internet access hub aimed at improving connectivity across the state. UMaine had planned to relocate the hub to a purpose-built utility building as part of the sale. However, the Future of the Hutchinson Center/Waterfall Arts proposed keeping the hub within the existing building, a factor that influenced the decision.

Calvary Chapel Belfast’s bid would have allowed the hub to remain on-site, though it would have needed to be moved to a different location. The church intended to use the Hutchinson Center for addiction recovery programs and a homeschool co-op. Despite this, appeals from the groups that did not win the bid followed UMaine’s initial announcement.

UMaine defended its decision, stating that the church’s proposal scored highest and that the university cannot discriminate based on religion. They emphasized that doing so would be illegal and contrary to their commitment to inclusion. The university received over 135 public comments on the decision, which were reviewed but found not to justify revising the original outcome.

The university also noted that its procurement policies are designed to protect against bias and ensure the integrity of public resources. The rescission of the sale reflects the complex interplay between public policy, religious considerations, and community interests.

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