ROCKLAND – At their regular meeting on November 14, in chambers at the Knox County Courthouse, the Knox County Commissioners listened to a presentation by Gayle Bedigian, representing the nonprofit Coastal Children’s Museum.

In her presentation, Bedigian proposed the museum acquire a piece of property currently owned by the county. The property sits between the Paul Merriam Nature Park and the Owls Head Transportation Museum, at Owls Head. The property is not part of the Knox County Airport.

The museum is currently in the basement of the Sail, Power and Steam Museum and has occupied that space for 15 years.

“Being in a cellar,” said Bedigian, “it has proven to be not the best location.”

Bedigian said long lines in the summer of people waiting to get in makes for extremely crowded conditions.

“That has pushed us, “said Bedigian, “to find a better and more suitable location.”

Bedigian said the core museum would occupy 10,000 to 15,000 square feet.

“We intend the building to read as an exhibit in itself,” said Bedigian,” “to serve as a beacon for climatic responsiveness, and serve referentially to the site and community context.”

Bedigian is the past president of the Children’s Museum and now serves as current chair of the fundraising and building campaign.

In a letter to Bedigian from state Senator Pinny Beebe-Center, D-Rockland, who represents District 12, which includes the community of Owls Head, she said she not only supported the idea, but applauded it.

“Quoting the Senator’s letter she said, “My hope is that this new Coastal Children’s Museum will be recognized as a community resource, cherished asset, and a destination throughout District 12, the state, the New England Region and beyond.”

While the presentation was heartfelt and far reaching in its goals, including day care and children’s center, farm to table gardens and nature trails, and whole heartily supported by the commissioners, it was tempered by the county’s need to follow protocol in disposing of any property it owns.

Knox County Administrator Andrew Hart said the property is a former MBNA property. He said the county could choose to lease or sell the property. 

“It would need to be appraised and then opened up for bids,” he said.  “There have been others interested in the property.”

Hart went on to say it would be at the discretion of the commissioners as to award the property to the highest bidder or lease it. In answer to a question from Chair Ed Glaser, Hart said, the commissioners could award the property to a lower bidder if it was in the best interest of the county for its use.

The commissioners took no action of the Children’s Museum at this time.