Dear Editor:

Economic investment that creates quality development, provides employment and generates tax revenue should always be welcomed in an area of seasonal interest and limited opportunities. The recently approved development request for a new entrance to an improved country club on the surface promises to create a golfing facility that will continue to attract visitors, not just residents. Sadly, I see a major flaw in the design of the facility and a threat to one of Boothbay's older homes.

Creating another entrance/exit at the curve of Route 27 only promises to complicate the delicate balance of residential, commercial and utilitarian uses of that highway. Currently, the access to Country Club Road is, at best, a crap shoot of safety. Not only do motorists travel the lane to the Transfer Station, but large commercial trucks full of debris vie for any open breaks in the traffic headed in and out of Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor. Doesn't the developer own a track of land further down Townsend Avenue? Would that not provide access to the development atop of the ridge?

My concern for the older home that is scheduled to be demolished is overwhelming. Every structure of that vintage and generation is precious to the heritage and memory of the families that settled and worked the fields, woods and sea for sustenance in Boothbay. May I suggest an architectural survey of the existing structure and to determine the original footprint. Restore the exterior as accurately as possible and modify the interior to accommodate a small service-based business that requires no public parking. Or use as guest quarters for the celebrity pro golfers that may be attracted the grand improvements to the golf course. My last suggestion is to relocate the original footprint of the structure to an in-town site. Repurpose the building so that it serves the citizens of the Boothbay region who require exceptional needs whether they are physical, mental or dependency issues.

An important step has occurred with the approval of this project and its proposed changes. Take the next step and cause it to serve the entire community, not just the those on the 19th hole.

Tim Utley

Boothbay