BERLIN, N.H. (AP) – The pulp mill that was the city’s economic lifeblood for more than a century is being torn down, and Berlin is asking residents what they envision for it.

Some envision bike trails, retail shops, a four-year college and restaurants on the 120-acre area. Others say they’d like to see the New Hampshire Community Technical College move to the center of the city and they want to see modern offices built to draw businesses and entrepreneurs.

The city’s planning department hosts a forum to discuss ideas Tuesday.

The Burgess pulp mill had operated since the turn of the last century, until it closed last May. A Michigan-based demolition firm, North American Dismantling Corp., which cleared away the remains of the World Trade Center, purchased the pulp mill from Fraser Papers in October.

It will take about a year for the mill to come down. The owners are seeking ideas that will help them decide what to do with the property.

A Web site put up this week has already gathered more than a dozen comments on what to do with the land.

“The response has been very impressive,” said City Planner Pam Laflamme, who has received her share of ideas aside from the Web site. “People are thinking about it. It’s very encouraging.”

“Over 100 years of pulp production in the middle of town has ended, and we need to leave it in our past and look to the future,” wrote Greg Corrigan, who supports moving the technical college from its location north of town.

“This is a watershed moment in Berlin’s history, and truly an historic – perhaps once in a lifetime – opportunity for the community to set a new direction. The days are dwindling when a high school education is enough for individuals and businesses to compete in the technical global economy of the 21st century.”

Other ideas included creating an entertainment complex to complement Jericho Mountain State Park, which opened last summer with limited ATV riding, a mall, expanded athletic fields, facilities to draw entrepreneurs and a gaming park.

“Berlin has to become a destination location for the enthusiasts that enjoy the mountains, lakes and streams,” writes Scott Coulombe. “A sort of L.L. Beanville.

“It also has to be unique, not just another mountain town with a movie theater, mall and a few restaurants.”

The amenities need to be exciting and adventurous, such as in Dubai, where it is 110 degrees outside and you can go downhill skiing inside or an indoor wave beach.”