letter to the editor

Looks like mall architecture

Mon, 03/06/2017 - 4:00pm

Dear Editor:

Board member Margaret Perritt is on target in her questioning the design of the 19 By-Way project (see Feb. 16, 2017 issue). The focus on the height of the proposed building to be above the code of 30 feet is not the primary conflict. The five extra feet is not a concern though it may be to the neighbors opposing the property as their view will be obstructed and the value of their investment is decreased. The real focus should be on the exterior of the proposed facility as it is not in keeping with the esthetics of the village. In fact, it conflicts with the aura, ambiance, and romance of our coastal town of the 1842 era.

Town planners should strongly consider just why visitors are attracted to the village of Boothbay Harbor, frequent the businesses, contribute greatly to the tax base. To spoil the ambiance and to allow the building of this importance is a major error. The present proposal as depicted on the front page of the Boothbay Register is a typical mall architecture one finds in towns without history. Let us honor Boothbay Harbor appropriately; we can and should do better.

The dollars spent in improving the commerce of our village is greatly appreciated. The expenditure to compliment the architecture of the village is not adding cost nor is impeding progress. All it takes is the desire of the planners and particularly the owner of the property to correct this.

Tom Taber

Boothbay Harbor