Morrison Developmental Center is moving ahead with its plans to move from Portland to Scarborough next year.

The organization, now at 331 Veranda St., has purchased seven acres on the former Pleasant Hill Golf Course as the site for a new building. With an expected completion date in the summer of 2009, the 24,000-square-foot, single level facility will incorporate programs from both its Portland and Scarborough facilities.

To fund the $5 million land purchase and construction, the center has sold its Portland property and is in the midst of conducting a campaign to raise an additional $2.5 million.

Officials will hold a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday at 4 p.m., at 60 Chamberlain Rd.

Morrison Developmental Center is a private, non-profit organization that specializes in providing comprehensive services for both children and adults with special needs.

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