Ideas for the improvement of the footbridge parking lot were the main topic of discussion at the Boothbay Harbor selectmen’s meeting Oct. 13.

The plan, originally proposed on Sept. 28 by Robert Maroon Jr., owner of the Chowder House, involves pushing the parking lot out further and creating a solid stone wall where the sloping line of rocks currently are. There would also be stone steps in the wall going down toward the water.

The wall would be nearly flush with the lot itself, and there would be a buffer of green space between the wall and the lot. Maroon also proposed a redesign of the lot itself, which would eliminate cars parking on the edges to give a better view of the water.

Bill Royall of Southport, who is an experienced mason, brought photos of two projects he's done around the region. Despite the similar looks of the projects, he stated that one cost twice as much as the other and that “you can't figure costs until you have a plan.”

Royall also advised the selectmen to get the Department of Environmental Protection involved “as early as possible” and that he would be willing to meet with the town and DEP for a site visit.

Several residents and business owners in Boothbay Harbor spoke in support of the plan.

“The current situation is a real safety concern,” said Shannon Schmelzer, owner of Shannon's Unshelled, which is located across from the Chowder House. “My mother and I were witness to a 91-year-old woman falling on the rocks and being dragged by her dog. And we are down there all the time picking up trash.”

Selectman Russ Hoffman thanked Schmelzer for her efforts, to which she replied: “It's the least we can do.”

Planning Board Chairman Michael Tomko said he has spoken with both landscape architect Don Leighton and Mary Ellen Barnes, economic and community development director of the Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission. They both are willing to help with the project.

Travis Journagan, owner of Tidal Transit Kayak Company on Granary Way, suggested a kayak launch could be placed at the bottom.

“I see people all the time who have their own kayaks, they are dragging them down the rocks and trying to launch them. When I see them I invite them over to use our dock instead; it's too dangerous down on the rocks.”

Vice Chairman Bill Hamblen suggested the planning board take a closer look at the designs created by Maroon. He said he wasn't sure if the parking lot modifications were accurate, and wanted to have a clear picture moving forward. Town Manager Tom Woodin said the first step would be to create a plan, which would then have to be approved by the DEP before it went out to bid.

Woodin also mentioned to Royall that he seemed “reluctant” to use actual figures for the work he had done. Royall stated he didn't want to be held to a number that could be way off should he work on this project. After being assured that wouldn't happen, Royall said “a project like this couldn't be done for less than $100,000.”

This number did not appear to surprise any of the selectmen, nor members of the audience.

“This will involve a lot of design work and thoughtful planning,” Board Chairman Denise Griffin said. “But we agree it's a worthwhile project and the discussion should continue.”

The next meeting of the Boothbay Harbor selectmen will take place on Monday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. at the Town Office.

Related: Chowder House owner proposes footbridge parking lot upgrades