TAMC To Tear Down Community General Hospital in Fort Fairfield

By:  David Deschesne

Fort Fairfield Journal, April 30, 2014

   The Aroostook Medical Center has commenced plans to demolish the Community General Hospital in Fort Fairfield, as well as the 1971 doctor’s offices addition.  The 1960’s tuberculosis wing, which is currently where TAMC’s local health center is currently located, will remain intact and will continue to operate from that location.

   All of the asbestos in the two buildings will be transported to a landfill out of State.  The bricks and mastic, which has asbestos in it will be buried on site in accordance with State Department of Environmental Protection guidelines.

   “We've gotten two competitive bids on the demolition of the building.  Soderberg Construction from Caribou was the low bidder,” said Tim Doak, TAMC plant manager.

   “We obtained these prices last year and Soderberg said they would hold those prices for us assuming the work is done during mud season when they're not normally busy.  The price was extremely advantageous for us to take it was almost half of the next higher bidder.”

   Stev Rogeski was on the Fort Fairfield town council during the time when there were deliberations on what to do with the aging building when it appeared TAMC was going to abandon it.  “When we looked at this, and we spent a lot of time looking at this, it was our wishes to do exactly what TAMC is planning; that those two buildings should come down even before deterioration took place,” he said.

As for the asbestos-containing material that will be buried on site, Rogeski believes that won’t be a problem either for the environment or the future development of the space.  “Throughout Aroostook County there are so many buildings buried on site that having this one little place in town would have minimal effect.”

   Doak admits there will be a loss in the community with the destruction of the hospital, but also noted that all options were pursued to no avail.  “We've been working with the community now for many years on this issue.  I know we've batted around a tremendous amount of things but at the end of the day, unfortunately, that old building is in tough shape.  Its best use is what the 1961 addition is doing today.”

   The taxpayers of Fort Fairfield will not bear the cost of disposing of any material that would go into a landfill.  “We're bearing that cost up front,” said Doak.

   “I was here when the first inkling of changes at the health center were brought forth, said Fort Fairfield town council chairman, David McCrea.  “There were a lot of people who said we’ve got to do something with the dear-old CGH.  It’s sad to see that piece of real-estate go down but it’s time and it’s got to happen.”