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Buckfield board forms ad hoc committee to pursue new swap shop building
Summary
After public comment and staff updates about volunteer capacity and funding possibilities, the Select Board voted to form an ad hoc committee to explore sites, financing and design options for a new swap shop. The board said it would open applications and consider members from Buckfield and neighboring Sumner.
The Town of Buckfield Select Board voted Oct. 7 to form an ad hoc committee to pursue a new building for the town—s swap shop, which closed after the previous structure became unsafe.
A board member made the motion to create the committee; another member seconded and the motion passed by voice vote. Board members said the committee should solicit applications for about six weeks, seek people with fundraising and grant-writing experience and consider including members from both Buckfield and nearby Sumner.
During discussion, board members and staff said past attempts to run a temporary outdoor swap shop struggled for lack of volunteers and that a permanent, ADA-compliant structure would be the town—s preferred outcome. The board flagged the Community Resilience Partnership as one funding avenue to explore but cautioned that grant awards are not guaranteed and that the committee should also pursue other fundraising sources and cost estimates for construction and site preparation.
Resident Judy told the board during public comment that the swap shop is a "community gathering place" and a "money saver" for the town, noting large items that previously passed through the swap shop and warning that the lack of a nearby option can encourage roadside dumping. The board said it would keep community channels (Facebook groups, Helping Hearts of Maine) available as interim options while the ad hoc committee explores long-term solutions.
Next steps: staff will open an application period, bring candidate names back for board approval (tentatively at the first December meeting), and ask the ad hoc committee to provide initial cost and funding options.
