Recent Events Timeline
This page details the events that have taken place since the University announced the Hutchinson Center would close.
June, 2023
University announces plans to close the Hutchinson Center.
June 15. Pen Bay Pilot article announces plans to close Hutchinson Center by August 5th.
Belfast Senior College is given August 1, 2023 as deadline to move their office.
July, 2023
Belfast Senior College looks for new office space.
August, 2023
Belfast Senior College moves its office to storage leaving the Hutchinson Center vacant.
FHCSC forms to begin looking at what can be done to preserve the Hutch for the use of the community.
September, 2023
Planning begins for FHCSC, including contact with the University.
October, 2023
October 3. FHCSC travels to Orono and meets with the University of Orono President. Talks are amiable and seemed productive. The University ends the meeting with the intent to meet again within 6 weeks.
October 19. FHCSC sends email to the University requesting specific facility details and financial info.
October 24. The President responds that the University is working on gathering the requested info.
November, 2023
The University provides no communications regarding another meeting with FHCSC.
The FHCSC tours the Hutch to examine its condition. Water leaks are observed.
Lack of communication from the University is concerning.
December, 2023
December 1. FHCSC sends email to the University of Orono President requesting another meeting. No response.
The University continues to be unresponsive to calls and emails requesting another meeting with FHCSC. Therefore, progress is halted.
December 17. Another email is sent requesting a meeting. No response.
December 21. Voicemail message is left for the University President by Kim Fleming.
December 22. Hannah Carter of the University responds via email to the voicemail message, saying they are working on providing several options for a meeting.
January, 2024
January 15. Shane Flynn writes to the University President with the hope of getting a response.
January 16. The University announces an RFP process for handling the disposal of the Hutch. The proposal deadline is February 6th, an extremely short period.
January 22. FHCSC creates an online petition for the community to weigh in on the prospects of the Hutch. Here are sample comments from those who added to the petition. There were 1061 responses of support from the community which was closed on February 10.
January 22. Maine Senator Chip Curry submits bill LD2231 to transfer ownership of the Hutch to the City of Belfast.
January 23. Shane Flynn writes OpEd to Pen Bay Pilot.
The University extends the deadline for RFP responses, saying a local group requested the extension.
January 30. The Belfast City Council proclaims support for the FHSC effort.
February, 2024
FHCSC teams with City of Belfast and submits its proposal by the original deadline. Press Release Proposal
March, 2024
March 6. A public hearing on LD2231 was held by the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs. FHCSC testified and submitted results of the community petition from January-February. The bill did not move out of committee.
March 29. FHCSC submits a second proposal after the University extends the proposal deadline.
April, 2024
The University issues RFP Amendment 4 regarding the NetworkMaine internet hub located in the Hutchinson Center.
April 20. FHCSC submits its response to Addendum 4, as requested by the University.
May, 2024
No communication or decision from the University.
June, 2024
June 26. University Finance, Facilities & Technology Committee finalizes recommendation to Trustees to sell Hutchinson Center.
August, 2024
August 14. Original Decision
August 14. The University announces the decision to negotiate for the Hutchinson Center with Calvary Chapel Belfast church.
August 19. First Appeal
August 19. FHCSC files protest (appeal) to University decision.
August 19. News Center Maine publishes article entitled UMaine to sell Hutchinson Center in Belfast to evangelical church by Christian Harsa
August 20. First Appeal rejection
August 20. University communicates its decision on the first appeal of FHCSC.
August 20. Pen Bay Pilot article on appeals that have been filed by Lynda Clancy.
August 21. FHCSC requests if discussion or additional information is available about any additional appeal.
August 21. The University responds that an appeal to the Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration is possible.
August 21. Bangor Daily News publishes on piece entitled Education appears to be for sale to the highest bidder in Belfast by Lauren Stark.
August 21. Portland Press Herald publishes article entitled Belfast groups challenging UMaine System’s sale of Hutchinson Center to church by Morgan Womack
August 22. Maine Morning Star publishes article entitled Hutchinson Center will be sold to church despite community objections, UMaine says, by Eesha Pendharkar
August 25. Press release announces FHCSC intention to appeal the University decision.
August 26. Village Soup article by Carolyn Zachary covering the press release.
August 26. Featured article in Village Soup titled ‘What was the award actually based on?’ Hutchinson bidders blast ‘flawed process’ by Carolyn Zachary
August 29. Editorial in Village Soup entitled Add this to the list of things that make you go ‘Hmmm.’ covering the decision.
August 27. Pen Bay Pilot publishes article entitled Struggle over future of Belfast’s Hutchinson Center continues with another appeal to UMaine by Lynda Clancy
September, 2024
September 3. Letter to Editor to Pen Bay Pilot by Ben Fuller raise question of whether the University can contract with an organization that discriminates.
September 3. Second Appeal
September 3. FHCSC submits second appeal to University Vice Chancellor.
September 5. Carolyn Zachary writes Republican Journal feature about 2nd round of appeals.
September 5. FHCSC sends letter to Governor Mills.
September 5. Camden Herald cartoon by Dan Kirchoff.
September 9. FHCSC issues press release about second appeal.
September 9. Pen Bay Pilot article on filing of second appeal by FHCSC by Lynda Clancy.
September 12. Second appeal decision
September 12. University Vice Chancellor issues decision on FHCSC second appeal.
September 12. FHCSC issues press release about latest University decision.
September 12. FHCSC letter to the University Trustees regarding the decision to rescind the award.
September 12. Pen Bay Pilot article on UMaine rescinding decision by Lynda Clancy.
September 12. Maine MorningStar article on UMaine rescinding decision by Eesha Pendharkar.
September 13. Island Institute’s Working Waterfront publication includes an opinion piece about public-private partnerships that mentions the controversy, by Tom Groening
September 16. Bangor Daily News article on church member’s comments at recent Board of Trustees meeting by Ari Snider, Maine Public
September 16. Article in The Maine Wire reporting the Calvary Chapel Belfast church will pursue legal action against the University
September 26. Press release announces new RFP process. Details coming by October 4th.
September 26. Midcoast Villager article on new bidding process by Jim Leonard.
September 27. News Center Maine coverage of latest round of bidding.
October, 2024
October 2. Midcoast Villager published an article summarizing the current situation.
October 4. The University issues a new request for proposals on the Upcoming Bids web page..
October 4. Midcoast Villager published an article on the new RFP issued by the University.