Senator Collins Visits Johnson Hall in Gardiner, Discusses City’s Ongoing Revitalization Efforts

Click HERE for a high-resolution photo of Senator Collins with Carrie Arsenault, Capital Campaign Director of Johnson Hall, and Mike Miclon, Executive and Artistic Director of Johnson Hall

Gardiner, ME – U.S. Senator Susan Collins visited Johnson Hall, a 150-year-old opera house in Gardiner that is currently under renovation, to meet with Gardiner’s Mayor, Thom Harnett; the city’s Economic Development Coordinator, Patrick Wright; and the Interim City Manager, Anne Davis.  Senator Collins and the city officials discussed Gardiner’s renovation and revitalization efforts as well as future projects. 

“The ongoing revitalization plans are an exciting step forward for Gardiner,” said Senator Collins.  “These projects have helped to revive the downtown area and stimulate economic activity throughout this vibrant Maine city.  It was wonderful to tour Johnson Hall to see one of the many examples of these successful efforts, and I look forward to even more of these types of projects becoming a reality.”

During the meeting, city officials thanked Senator Collins for her continued support of their efforts to rejuvenate Gardiner, particularly her advocacy for Historic Tax Credits and the Brownfield Grant Program.  Many of the redevelopment efforts in Gardiner, such as the renovation of Johnson Hall, have relied on the Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program and the Brownfield Grant Program. 

The Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program encourages private sector investment in the rehabilitation and re-use of historic buildings.  The Brownfield Grant Program provides funding for the clean-up of old industrial areas that once stored hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants.