Resolve, to Promote Access to Education and Workforce Development by Transferring Ownership of the Hutchinson Center Property in Belfast to the City of Belfast (AFTER DEADLINE)
Maine Legislature, Session 131, LD 2231
Committee: Education and Cultural Affairs
Sponsors: CURRY, DODGE, BEEBE-CENTER, DAUGHTRY, DUSON, GROHOSKI, VITELLI, ANKELES, WORTH

Legislative Document
No. 2231
S.P. 956
In Senate, February 27, 2024
Resolve, to Promote Access to Education and Workforce 
Development by Transferring Ownership of the Hutchinson Center 
Property in Belfast to the City of Belfast
(AFTER DEADLINE)
(EMERGENCY)
Approved for introduction by a majority of the Legislative Council pursuant to Joint Rule 
205.
Reference to the Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs suggested and ordered 
printed.
DAREK M. GRANT
Secretary of the Senate
Presented by Senator CURRY of Waldo.
Cosponsored by Representative DODGE of Belfast and
Senators: BEEBE-CENTER of Knox, DAUGHTRY of Cumberland, DUSON of Cumberland, 
GROHOSKI of Hancock, VITELLI of Sagadahoc, Representatives: ANKELES of Brunswick, 
WORTH of Ellsworth.
Emergency preamble.  Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, the Hutchinson Center in Belfast was purpose-built to increase access to 
higher education and workforce development in midcoast communities; and
Whereas, the vast majority of funds expended to build the Hutchinson Center came 
from donors that were local or had strong midcoast connections; and
Whereas, the University of Maine System has closed the Hutchinson Center and has 
initiated a process of disposing of the property in a manner that fails to ensure that the 
facility is used to increase access to education and workforce development; and
Whereas, officials of the City of Belfast have expressed a desire that the property 
transaction described in this legislation be executed as soon as possible to enable the 
redevelopment of the Hutchinson Center in a manner that maintains the original mission of 
the facility; and
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within 
the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as 
immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, 
therefore, be it
Sec. 1.  University of Maine System directed to convey certain land and 
property in Belfast.  Resolved:  That, notwithstanding any provision of law to the 
contrary, the University of Maine System shall convey without compensation, by quitclaim 
deed without covenant, to the City of Belfast in Waldo County the University of Maine 
System's interest in the parcel of land identified as 80 Belmont Avenue and depicted on the 
City of Belfast Tax Assessor's tax map 5 as Lot 29 and recorded in the Waldo County 
Registry of Deeds in Book 3100, Page 236 along with any buildings located on that 
property, including the building commonly known as the University of Maine Hutchinson 
Center.
Sec. 2.  City of Belfast to ensure property is used to provide access to 
education and workforce development.  Resolved:  That, after the transfer of the 
property to the City of Belfast under section 1, the City of Belfast shall ensure it is used to 
provide access to education and workforce development for a minimum of 5 years.
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation 
takes effect when approved.
SUMMARY
This resolve directs the University of Maine System to convey to the City of Belfast 
the University of Maine System's interest in the land and any buildings, including the 
building commonly known as the University of Maine Hutchinson Center, located at 80 
Belmont Avenue in Belfast. After the transfer of the property, the City of Belfast must 
ensure it is used to provide access to education and workforce development for a minimum 
of 5 years.