Library plans, Phase II released

Cape Elizabeth’s Thomas Memorial Library Study Committee recently approved the consultant’s report for the second of three phases of study to define a library services and building enhancement program to serve needs of the community for the next 30 years.

The Phase II Executive Summary and other documents from the library study are available at www.thomasmemoriallibrary.org.

The Phase II Executive Summary prepared by library consultants Himmel & Wilson and their architectural partners, Casaccio Architects, lays out work done thus far, identifies deficiencies of the current building, and makes recommendations for new building structures on the site of the current library. Recommendations would keep the library on the current site in the “town center” which was a consideration expressed by citizens during the project’s Phase I Needs Assessment.

The third and final phase of the project requires consultants to complete a series of schematic drawings for the preferred conceptual plan selected by the study committee. After many hours of meetings and deliberations, the Study Committee selected Scheme B1(revised), known as the “clean slate” approach, which means removing all current structures and the construction of a new library.  

The study committee has instructed consultants that the historically significant portions of the original 1849 building known as the old Spurwink School which was dedicated as the Thomas Memorial Library in 1919, and some of the design elements of the Pond Cove building (the current adult library) need to be retained in any new design.  

It is anticipated the study committee’s final report and recommendations will be completed by mid-July, with a presentation to the town council.

Trail introduction June 26 in Cape

The Cape Elizabeth Conservation Commission will host a ribbon cutting at 3 p.m., Friday, June 26 at the new Great Pond Trail. 

The trail is located on an easement purchased by the town and the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust from Jodie and Patricia Jordan. 

This area has long been used by Cape Elizabeth residents. 

Area citizens wanted for C.O.P.S. program

The South Portland Police Department, in collaboration with other Cumberland County communities, is offering a 10-week Citizen Orientated Policing School (C.O.P.S.) starting Wednesday, Sept. 16. The class sessions are held each Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the various participating law enforcement agencies.

Some topics addressed are the role of the police officer, the hiring process, laws, police ethics, juvenile justice, dealing with the mentally ill, domestic violence and diverse ethnic groups, patrol procedures, criminal investigations, use of force, including use of the FATS (Firearm Training Simulator) machine (i.e., “shoot - don’t shoot” scenarios). 

The C.O.P.S. program is intended to be an overview of the functions and operations of law enforcement personnel. Participants will not be trained as police officers.

The South Portland Police Department is accepting applications for the Citizen Orientated Policing School until Aug. 15. Class size is limited and will be filled on a first-come basis.

A background check will be performed on all applicants. Applicants with felony convictions or extensive criminal backgrounds will not be accepted.

To obtain an application stop by the South Portland Police Department or call 799-5511 ext. 7424 with questions.