Starling Hall in Fayette, one of Maine’s most endangered historic buildings, is at the center of community discussions as town officials and residents explore renovation funding options ahead of the Nov. 5 vote. File Photo/Franklin Journal

FAYETTE — A public hearing held Oct. 1 addressed the future of Starling Hall, a historic building in the town. The hearing, part of a Fayette Board of Selectmen meeting, provided a platform for residents to discuss the potential sale of the building and the financial implications of its rehabilitation.

Starling Hall was recently listed as one of Maine Preservation’s most endangered buildings, a designation that could open new avenues for securing grants to help fund renovations. Despite this, opinions in the community remain divided on how to proceed.

During the hearing, some residents expressed concerns about the use of taxpayer funds for the project. Mark Robinson, Town Manager, clarified that while more than $300,000 has been invested in the building over the years, only a small portion, $39,357, came from local tax dollars. The bulk of the funding has come from private donations, grants, and fundraising efforts organized by the Friends of Starling Hall [FOSH].

Robinson detailed past efforts to secure funding, including a failed 2022 request for a $500,000 bond to match federal funding. Had the bond passed, it would have unlocked $1 million total for renovations. He emphasized that the current Board of Selectmen is committed to finding alternative funding sources to avoid raising taxes.

“We’re prepared to move forward searching and applying for grants and other funds so that the renovation can continue at no cost to the town or taxpayers,” Robinson said.

Board members echoed the sentiment that taxpayer dollars should not be used for the rehabilitation of Starling Hall. Lacy Badeau, chair of the board, reiterated the town’s position, saying, “We support the hall, but we support seeking funds from outside of property taxes.”

Residents at the hearing voiced both support and opposition to the project. One attendee asked if selling the building would save the town money in operational costs. Robinson responded that if the town sold the building, it would still be responsible for paying off remaining debts.

The discussion also touched on the potential uses for Starling Hall, including plans for it to serve as a warming center and a space for community programs. The possibility of installing a generator using recently awarded federal funding was mentioned as a way to enhance the building’s utility for emergency purposes.

As the Nov. 5 vote approaches, Robinson stressed the importance of educating voters on the issue. “I want our electorate to know the truth,” he said, addressing concerns that some may believe the town is shouldering the financial burden of the project.

The final public hearing on Starling Hall is scheduled for Oct. 29, where the community will have another opportunity to weigh in before the town vote.