ROCKLAND – Winter carnivals, snowshoeing, ball games. These activities were envisioned by some Rockland residents in favor of the MacDougal School property, 338 Broadway, as a city park. Then, to extend the options, create a “winding greenbelt through the city,” connecting to the acquired Bog property, one resident said, for “versified green space for all.”

None of these envisioned activities were promised during the Monday, May 8 city council meeting as members voted unanimously to name the MacDougal School grounds as a park, obtain the Bog property, and take over ownership of the McLain School.

Amelia Magjik stated from the public speakers’ lectern that green space draws tourists as well as benefits locals. She mentioned the deep roots of trees which reduce stormwater runoff, as well as environmental sustainability.

Magjik also said that urban trails would increase property value and companies’ desires to invest in Rockland.

“The research shows that businesses are more likely to come to small towns that have a higher percentage of green space,” Magjik said.

In terms of direct revenue, she suggested rental pavilions for private events, outdoor performance space for classical music concerts, and theatre-in-the-park programs.

During previous weeks, the City has worked with Annette Nagel from Georges River Land Trust in regards to the bog property sold to the City by Malcolm Von Saltza. Von Saltza sold 174 acres of property, located in the Rockland Bog, to the City for $52,000. Those funds are to be allocated from the City Land Sales Reserve Account, according to the council order.

Acting City Manager Audra Caler-Bell wrote in the City Manager’s Weekly Report that Annette Nagel and her colleagues provided help in the due diligence process.

“GRLT holds the conservation easement that affects Mr. Von Saltza’s land. They have been a great resource in discussing this easement as well as providing me with examples of purchase and sales agreement that are specific to purchasing conservation land.”

City ownership of the property becomes effective June 8.

Effective immediately is the acquisition of the McLain School from RSU 13.

“Once again, we have no secret plans to turn this property into a city hall,” Councilor Valli Geiger said. “But it is a great property in the middle of a great residential neighborhood. If we can put together a development where we end up with quality housing in the middle of that residential neighborhood and get it back on the tax rolls, that would be a great thing for the City.”

Councilor Ackor described the school as a great, old building, but also stated a need and a use.

“It has an amazing provenance, built by a great builder here in the city of Rockland,” Ackor said. “However, it needs some upkeep. It needs to have a plan in place. I think we should act quickly to seek out some interested developers to put a plan together to get this back on the tax rolls.”

Mayor Will Clayton, though in favor of the acquisition, expressed concerns about the building’s operating costs. He told council of his hopes that the costs will be dispensed with within a year.

“We also know that anything could happen with the drop of a hat, which would create an economic downturn,” Clayton said.

Clayton said that he weighed the option of trying to negotiate with the school board. In the end, he decided the need wasn’t there, though he still hopes the school board will work with the City to alleviate some of the costs.

Clayton said the transfer of the building is a win for both the school district and the City. RSU 13 gets to get rid of an asset with high operating costs, and Rockland gets to provide input as to how the building is used in the future.

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com