A project to be proud of (1/19/04)

If you haven't checked out Geneva's new pride and joy, you ought to.

Dedicated earlier this month, the old Pyle Building in Geneva's downtown has been re-born. Thanks to assistance from a Community Focus Fund grant, the once-decrepit structure is now the new town hall.

Former Portland resident Doug Milligan, now Geneva's clerk-treasurer, would be happy to give you a tour, showing off the building's spacious meeting rooms, new offices for the police department and utilities, and space for historical displays.

But what's most satisfying is that the Pyle Building project is one of those instances of two minuses being converted into a plus.

Not too many years ago, the building was on its way to becoming a problem. Once a sound commercial structure, it was coming apart at the seams. If things had gone badly, it could easily have turned into an eyesore.

Meanwhile, town offices were in full-crunch mode. The police department, clerk's office, and fire department all needed more space.

The two problems were potential minuses for the community.

Now, they're a single plus. Not only is the building saved, but town services, including the fire department, have more space.

Federal grant dollars played a huge role; that much is clear.

But equally clear is that without vision, creativity, and perseverance by the town's leadership, those grant dollars would never have been acquired and the project would never have happened.

And — beyond the bricks and mortar of the Pyle Building — that's what Geneva really ought to be proud of. — J.R.

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