Maine Perspective Front Page
UMaine to Pursue Revised Retirement Community Plan
Following considerable discussion on campus and after reviewing benefits and drawbacks, the University of Maine has decided against pursuing the development of a retirement community on University-owned property.
Both President Peter Hoff and Robert Duringer, UMaine's chief financial officer, have concluded that the project as originally conceptualized is not feasible.
The University has decided to pursue an alternative proposal that would allow the University to affiliate with an off-campus retirement community similar in nature to what was originally proposed for campus. Such a facility would be located on privately owned property in the Orono-Old Town area and would be developed without the need for University land or resources.
UMaine's objectives for such an affiliation would be basically the same as those outlined for the campus-based proposal:
- the facility would attract alumni, supporters, retired employees, and others who have an interest in being in close proximity to the University for classes, events, and social and recreational opportunities
- it would provide residents with incentives to take part as students, spectators and/or supporters, enriching the campus community
- it would provide learning and employment opportunities for University students by involving them in aspects of the retirement community that pertain to their fields of study and interest
- the affiliation would generate additional revenue for the University through an arrangement that is both prudent and relevant to the University's mission
Private developers have already indicated an interest in participating in a retirement community venture. Formal, detailed proposals from would-be developers are anticipated.