Public enthusiastic about Mill project

BREWER – Jobs, environmental issues and businesses at The Mill at Penobscot Landing topped the list of residents’ interests when Minnesota-based developer Michael Stern unveiled his final concept Wednesday to redevelop the defunct paper mill.

Stern received praise for his plans to refurbish the abandoned former Eastern Fine Paper Co. mill into a multiuse facility with housing, studio space for artists, a performing arts area, restaurants, retail, a movie theater and an ice arena.

“I want to commend you for the vision,” Caroline Travis-Tully of Bangor said during the packed public meeting at City Hall. All five Brewer City Council members were at the meeting hosted by South Brewer Redevelopment LLC, which took over ownership and management of the 41-acre property when it was given to the city in May 2004. Councilor Gail Kelly said excitement about the project is growing.

“It just blew me away to hear the questions and enthusiasm that came out of this crowd,” she said.

In the $18 million plan to refurbish the building, Stern has 32-foot-wide corridors designed to look like an old-fashioned street-scape with natural light provided by large ceiling windows.

“We’re trying to come back to an old Main Street-style look,” Stern said. “We’re not trying to compete with the Bangor Mall.”

Three or four high-end restaurants are planned, along with an open market that is styled after one in Saint John, New Brunswick. Art galleries, a cinema pub, affordable housing, condos, a marina and a 4,500-square foot ice arena are also slated.

“[The arena] has taken on a life of its own,” Stern said. “I’m going to try very hard to get that done by Nov. 1 of this year.”

Plans call for two sheets of ice with 3,000 viewing seats, a pro shop, locker rooms and concessions.

During the public meeting, one man asked about what size rental space would be available.

“We’ve very elastic right now,” Stern said. “We can certainly move a line. The first tenants to come in are getting exactly what they want.”

He said potential tenants have asked for 100 square feet in the open market to 20,000 square feet for a nightclub.

State Sen. Richard Rosen asked if jobs were new jobs or transfers from existing businesses.

“I don’t think I’ve talked to anybody who is relocating,” said Stern, who estimated 400 to 600 jobs would be created.

Two people asked about construction jobs. Stern responded: “I’ve made it my goal and my promise to offer local workers the opportunity.”

One man asked if Stern would be trying to acquire other property along the South Main Street entrance.

“I’d like that,” the developer said, to expand the entrance but added, “I haven’t approached those people. What we have works.”

Travis-Tully also wondered how contaminated the former industrial site was. Both Stern and Brewer Economic Development Director Drew Sachs said there are environmental issues, but the site is cleaner than expected after running as a mill for decades. It was mentioned that the former mill property has made the short list as a potential site for the new county court building. A decision on the court location is expected Friday.

Hampden resident Marion Squersen, of the National Association of Women Business Owners, said the group is extremely eager about the project.

“We are totally excited,” she said. “We love business and we love doing business in a cool place.”