BELFAST, Maine — In August, the University of Maine System chose the Calvary Chapel of Belfast's proposal to purchase the Hutchinson Center. But on Thursday, UMS announced it had found errors in its initial decision process and rescinded the offer.
The error stems from a Networkmaine internet hub housed at the building formerly used by the University of Maine, and relocation of that hub will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, UMS Vice Chancellor Ryan Low said in a statement.
The initial review process did not properly account for these costs. Low wrote that it is "decidedly in the best interests of the System and thus should have been valued in the criteria by which all proposals were scored."
Now, all bidders must resubmit based off criteria that are yet to be determined. According to the statement from UMS officials, details for the new offers of sale or transfer will be available by Sept. 26.
Still, Greg Huston, lead pastor for the Calvary Chapel of Belfast, is skeptical of the reason UMS claims.
"We also sense there is something because of our religious connection," Huston said. "So, we are going to continue to pursue legal action in light of our suspicion."
This accusation is denied by Samantha Warren, the director of government and community relations for UMS.
"The University of Maine System did not discriminate. We do not discriminate. And we will not discriminate," she said.
However, Huston and his congregation are not the only bidder questioning the review process.
Waldo Community Action Partners President and CEO Donna Kelley said she was pleased with the system's decision overall but noted a few lingering questions.
"We had questions about the scoring criteria, and it seems as though they intend to review their process," she said.
The third and final bidder is the Future of the Hutchinson Center Steering Committee and Waterfall Arts.
In a statement the organization issued Thursday, FHC-WA applauded the reversal of the offer to Calvary Chapel belfast.
"It's essential that the University receive value for the Hutchinson Center and also critical that the mid-coast community's interests be favorably addressed. This decision creates the possibility that this will happen," it stated.