With the future on the line for a part of Gray’s past, residents will have a chance next month to learn more about the proposal to renovate historic Pennell Institute.

On Monday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. members of the Community Economic Development Committee, Town Manager Deborah Cabana and a representative from the Gray Historical Society will explain the proposal and their vision for the future of Pennell Institute.

The panel discussion will air live on Gray Community Television Channel 2, and will be rebroadcast a few more times before Nov. 4, when residents will decide whether to approve funding for the renovation of Pennell Institute.

A phone-in period will be held during the live broadcast as time permits. However, it is recommended that residents forward their questions in advance by Oct. 12 by e-mailing cedc@graymaine.org. Residents can also submit questions in writing to the Gray Town Hall and Gray Public Library, or by mail to the Town Hall at 6 Shaker Road.

At the recommendation of the CEDC, the Town Council voted unanimously Sept. 2 to place a question on the Nov. 4 ballot asking residents to approve a $2.4 million, 30-year bond to renovate Pennell into a new municipal complex.

The volunteer CEDC spent four months consulting with Gray residents with experience in contracting and developing to estimate the costs of renovating Pennell and building a new, separate town office.

If approved, the renovated Pennell would house the town offices, council chambers and the Gray Historical Society, which currently has its offices in Pennell. Under the plan, other municipal properties, including the current town office, would be placed on the market, and proceeds from the sales would be used to pay down the bond.

If the question fails in November, the town would likely look to sell the Pennell complex in order to get the buildings and land back on the property tax rolls. The town would then pursue other options to replace the current town offices, which councilors and employees say is too small to handle the demands of a growing population.