A $750,000 donation will be given to the city of Westbrook for much-needed repairs to the former Wescott Junior High School, home of the city’s community center.
The donation, to be accepted by the City Council on Monday, will help fund a $4 million renovation of the old school, which includes replacing the roof and the exterior doors and windows.
The donation will be made by the Cornelia Warren Community Association, a nonprofit that supports Westbrook’s recreation and athletic programs. The group has funded other city projects such as the skating rink on Lincoln Street. It also paid for benches and lighting along the walking trail through Riverbank Park.
John Bernier, president of the board of directors, said the association’s donation to the community center is the largest it has given since the group was founded in 1925. The city applied for the funding last year. Bernier said the board held several meetings before approving the city’s request for $750,000.
“They asked for it and it fit the bill,” Bernier said. “We consider ourselves pretty darn good stewards of the fund. It couldn’t have been a more perfect match for what we’re all about.”
City Administrator Jerre Bryant said the donation will be made in three installments of $250,000 over the next two years. He said it will help pay to replace the roof, which is expected to cost $750,000, and replace the exterior door and windows, which will cost the city about $250,000. Work on the building’s exterior will likely begin next month.
Earlier this year, the community center moved into the 92,000-square-foot school building. Part of the school’s space is used by nonprofits such as Westbrook Senior Citizens and the People’s Regional Opportunity Program, and by community groups to hold meetings or classes. The center also operates a before- and after-school care program.
Bryant said the donation will bring the city halfway to its goal of raising $4 million. He said the remaining funds will come from grants, private donations and the potential sale of the City Hall property on York Street. If the property is sold, city officials will likely move into the community center, he said.
Staff Writer Melanie Creamer can be contacted at 791-6361 or at:
mcreamer@pressherald.com
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