FARMINGTON – Following a brief public hearing Tuesday, selectmen voted unanimously to accept the former MBNA building as a Pine Tree Development Zone.

The move was made possible by a land donation of sorts by Franklin Printing, said Alison Hagerstom, executive director of the Greater Franklin Development Corp. Originally, as Town Manager Richard Davis explained, officials thought Farmington might have to petition the state for additional Pine Tree acreage, since the town had reached its limit. But Franklin Printing officials offered 3.1 acres when they heard about the town’s dilemma, Hagerstrom said.

The former MBNA building, now called the Abbott Hill Business Center, was purchased this summer by the community development organization. The group hopes to find a company to take MBNA’s place.

When MBNA closed the call center this spring, approximately 100 people lost their jobs.

Turning the center into a Pine Tree zone makes it eligible for tax breaks and perks aimed at encouraging economic development.

David Niemi of Franklin Printing was glad to help out, especially to bring business to town, Hagerstrom said.

Selectmen also voted to award the contract for replacing storm drains – primarily on Broadway – to E.L. Vining and Son Inc. of Farmington for $147,679. That company was the only one to return a bid, Davis said. At just $100,000 less than the allotted $250,000, the bid covers work, but not the purchase of materials. Materials have already cost around $60,000, Davis said. “It’s going to be close,” he said.

The drains were found to have corroded in July after water rushing through them following a heavy rainstorm created two large sinkholes in the middle of Lower Broadway downtown.