Dear Editor:

I have been coming to the area for about 20 years and fell in love on my very first visit. I consider myself a one half local; I live on my boat in the harbor for six months of the year.

There seems to be a lot of discussion about this roundabout wherever you go. I refer back to the old adage change is good but I think we can all agree as we age change becomes more difficult to accept. All I know about this proposed change is that it seems to be a win-win for the whole Boothbay community. With no cost to the local residents and all the betterment of the area for both traffic and pedestrians alike, the opposition to change makes no sense.

With the continued interest in the Botanical Gardens drawing more and more people to the area, as well as the new and improved country club, it seems imperative to be prepared for the future rather being reactive to problems and safety concerns as they develop.

Also, what I have read as far as other improvements like a bicycle path, new sidewalk from the YMCA to Clifford Park to make it safer for school children, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. Sidewalks would be marked clearly to make it safer for pedestrians to cross rather than anywhere they please as they do now.

I remember years ago seeing a Burger King having to close because of not being able to staff. It seems most all of the local businesses have to bring in workers from afar to meet the increasing demand. With all the improvement happening in the whole area, wouldn’t it be nice to have a prospering annual attraction to our beautiful peninsula, and keep our local youth living and working here? As stated in an old but popular movie, build it and they will come.

In closing, with no cost to the taxpayers and a definite beautification, safety benefit, and increased draw to the area, it seems to be an absolute no brainer as they say to vote and approve the proposed change. Remember, change is good.

Charlie Clarke

Oakland