Hall School Referendum:
Special Municipal Election To Approve Construction Set for April 5th
The City Clerk’s Office announced that Portland voters will be asked to approve the construction costs for a new Hall School on April 5th in a special citywide municipal election. The referendum seeks the authorization for the construction of a new Hall Elementary School on the existing site (23 Orono Road) at a total cost of $29.7 million. All but $1.4 million of the bonded amount would be reimbursed by the State. The referendum must be approved by a majority of voters.
The local funding would cover nine upgrades recommended by the Hall School Building Committee and endorsed by the Portland Board of Public Education and the City Council. Those upgrades are designed to improve education and energy efficiency, enhance security and reduce stormwater management costs. They range from additional security upgrades on classroom doors to expanding the size of the school’s gym to help make the school more of a community center.
Built 60 years ago, the school suffered damage in a fire a few years ago and has many other problems. If the referendum is approved by voters and all goes as planned, the school would open in the fall of 2018.
Voters will be asked:
Question 1. Shall the Order entitled “Order Approving Elementary School
Construction Project with Total Project Costs not to Exceed $29,720,456 and Authorizing General Obligation Bonds in an Amount not to Exceed $29,720,456 Therefore,” with provisions for early redemption as set forth in said Order be approved?
All qualified residents of the City of Portland are encouraged to vote. All local polling places will be open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. For this election only, voters who usually vote at the Expo will vote at Reiche School. Based on your residency, you must vote at your polling place.
Absentee ballots are available in the City Clerk’s office. Office hours of the City Clerk/Registrar are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for any resident wishing to register to vote. Due to State Law Title 21-A 753-B (2) (D) there is no absentee voting three days before any election. On Thursday, March 31st the City Clerk’s office will extend its hours until 7:00 P.M. This will be the last day for absentee voting.
Find a current listing of polling places on the city website: www.portlandmaine.gov/1117/Polling-Places.
Remember, voters in district 2-2 will vote at Reiche for this election only. Normally, 2-2 votes at the Expo.
For more detailed information about where or how to vote, contact the City Clerk’s office at 874-8677 or visit www.portlandvoters.com.
