Norridgewock voters will decide Monday whether to let the town accept the former New Balance shoe factory as a donation, a move officials say would keep redevelopment options on the table.
The 170,000-square-foot building has been vacant since New Balance closed the plant two years ago and moved operations to Skowhegan. Town leaders stress that a “yes” vote would only allow the Select Board to accept the property. It would not commit the town to any future plans.
One possibility is selling about 50,000 square feet to Skowhegan-based Maine Grains, which wants to expand its food production business and says the project could create 15 jobs. Officials have also discussed using part of the building for municipal offices, a new library and other commercial tenants.
New Balance has offered to cover maintenance costs for the empty factory for up to two years while the town studies the property’s future. An engineering review is underway, and town officials say they want a full understanding of the building before making any long-term decisions.
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