Dear Editor:

Currently in Boothbay Harbor new multi-family dwellings/condominiums aren’t allowed in the: 1) Downtown District, including the head of the Harbor; 2) From St. Andrews Campus to Roads End, off Atlantic Avenue; and 3) Within 500 feet from the high water mark in all areas of the coastline. Basically, they are not allowed anywhere near the water.

A developer has requested that the town allow 12 “very expensive” condominium units to be built on the former Lobster Dock Restaurant property. I believe this would be a waste of prime waterfront property, better suited to a restaurant or deli, a wine shop or retail shops with water access and views.

In summers past, streams of hungry visitors were drawn from downtown across the footbridge to the Lobster Dock for casual family, dog friendly, seafood dining experiences. Our business benefited from this influx of people coming to the East Side to eat. Some would stop to shop enroute to the “Dock,” often contemplating, over lunch, what they had just seen. Frequently returning with a decision to purchase a painting. Others could not wait to eat, with a passing “We’ll be back” as they hurried by.

Imagine what the Lobster Dock property will look like with 70 percent of its area covered with structures. Two very large buildings for a few select seasonal visitors. Once built they’ll provide very limited employment-perhaps housekeeping and yard care. No chef or cook, no waitstaff, no hostess, no local seafood sales.

Residents and non-resident property owners of Boothbay Harbor — speak up. Public meeting: Wednesday, April 25, 7 p.m., Town Hall. Property owners have a say. Residents eventually have a vote.

Help decide whether condos are appropriate for the East Side waterfront. The question is — will they boost the retail economy and enrich the experience of our summer visitors?

Write: Planning Board & Selectboard, www.boothbayharbor.org for contact information. Proposed Zoning Amendments: Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use District (waterfront from Footbridge to Carousel Marina). Call 633-3671. Speak up or write your opinion.

What do you want our town to look like — Florida or Maine?

John Seitzer

Boothbay Harbor