SACO — The Ecology School is inviting the public to come to Saco City Hall on April 10 and learn about its plans for a new campus on Simpson Road. 

The Ecology School has provided residential and day ecological education programs on space it has rented from the Ferry Beach Association since 1999. 

The school has purchased the 105-acre former River Bend Farm at 184 Simpson Road, and according to Executive Director Drew Dumsch in a 2017 interview, the school plans to move its operations to the Simpson Road property in 2019. 

The community event on April 10 will begin at 6 p.m. with refreshments and informal conversation with Ecology School leaders and project planners. 

A facilitated discussion will begin at 6:30 p.m. and at 6:45 p.m. architects working on the project will present site plans. A question and answer session will begin at 7:15 p.m.

“This is an opportunity, prior to the Planning Board meeting on April 17, for all interested parties to review the plans, ask questions, and discuss concerns,” states a press release from the Ecology School. 

As the property is located in a rural area not zoned for schools, school officials went before the City Council to receive a contract zone, which allowed them to build the new school facility.

Prior to the council granting the contract zone, there was opposition from some Simpson Road residents who were concerned the proposed school would not fit into the rural landscape.

Plans include using the farm house and agricultural buildings currently on the property as well as constructing two dormitories and a dining hall. 

 — Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].