DIXFIELD – A large crowd from four SAD 21 towns overwhelmingly OK’d an architectural firm’s choice of land on Route 108 in West Peru for a new 300-pupil elementary school.
Plenty of concerns, however, were raised prior to the straw poll at Dirigo High School in Dixfield.
Lyndon Keck of Portland Design Team of Portland said his firm opted for a 34.4-acre site off Route 108 in West Peru near the intersection with Dickvale Road.
It comprises three parcels: 26.9 acres for $45,000 and under option by SAD 21, 4.4 acres for $5,000, and 3.1 acres for $3,500.
“I think these prices are fabulous, and I think it’s a good investment,” Keck said.
The new school has yet to be designed, but, Keck said, a long access road off Route 108 is envisioned, so the school would be toward the back of the property and away from traffic noise.
Dixfield Discount Fuel is the abutter closest to where the access road would be placed.
People quickly spoke up, arguing that the 35 mph speed zone at the proposed entrance lane was too fast and would have to be changed. Many also asked for a four-way traffic signal to be installed at the intersection, which has been the scene of several crashes.
The intersection has a blinking yellow caution light for Route 108 traffic and stop signs for the other two lanes.
Keck explained that a traffic study would be done with the Maine Department of Transportation to determine feasibility for such issues.
Some objected to the site because they expected the school to be closer to the halfway point between Peru and Canton.
The district is composed of Peru, Canton, Carthage and Dixfield.
Keck also explained that the new school will be configured to accommodate prekindergarten through fifth grade. That upset some people, who thought that the communities would have final say on the configuration.
But because the state is paying the bulk of the money to build the school, Superintendent Thomas Ward said, “They’re pulling the strings.”
Of the 10 possible sites examined, Keck said the one chosen best fit criteria that ranged from geography to bike and pedestrian access.
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