WESTBROOK, Maine — Plans for a new Asian-American community center and Cambodian temple were officially approved by the city of Westbrook this week.
The nonprofit Khmer Maine and the Watt Samaki Temple in Buxton are partnering to build a community center, a traditional Buddhist temple, and a worship hall on about 30 acres off Cumberland Street near Willoughby Farm Road.
"The importance of an Asian-American community center is it can help facilitate a community coming together, supporting each other more robustly," Khmer Maine's Founder and Executive Director Marpheen Chann said.
Chann estimates the entire project will cost about $11 million. He said he hopes this development will bring a sense of solidarity and a space for the community to gather.
"I think because the community is sort of seen as a model minority, not a lot of resources get driven or invested in the community," Chann said.
The community center will provide classrooms and space to teach English to first generation immigrants, offer workforce trainings, among other things like celebrating holidays and the arts, Chann said.
Watt Samaki temple President Navan Leng said he's seeing a long-time dream become reality.
"I'm not getting any younger, so I try to get to build something that will bring people together," Leng said. "This is a time, and this is a moment we need to achieve."
The two organizations are fundraising for the new complex, which they hope will break ground next summer, starting with its main road.
Chann said he lost connection to Khmer communities growing up, and said he hopes this complex will give kids the chance to learn about the culture and help them better navigate being Asian-American.