Letter to the editor

Selectmen support economic development

Wed, 11/22/2017 - 7:45pm

The Boothbay Harbor Selectmen support economic development in the harbor in ways that build on our unique assets while preserving the character of our community.

On Oct. 6, Paul Coulombe contacted the Selectmen Chair to request time on the Board’s Oct. 10 agenda to present his preliminary plans for development on the east side of the harbor. The selectmen welcomed this presentation and remarked that it represented a very positive step forward toward informing and soliciting community input and dialogue about the future of the harbor’s east side. The next evening, an updated version of Mr. Coulombe’s plans were presented at the Planning Board meeting.

As part of the presentation, Mr. Coulombe suggested that the Planning Board conduct a series of workshops to evaluate and consider zoning changes and updated ordinances that would promote the redevelopment of the east side. The Planning Board scheduled two workshops (Nov. 1 and 15) in addition to their regularly scheduled meeting on Nov. 8.  Mr. Coulombe’s group was invited to return and present more specific ideas and recommendations, which they did at the Nov. 15 workshop.

The Selectmen and Planning Board are surprised by Mr. Coulombe’s announcement that he is pulling out of development on the east side. With the Selectmen’s full support, the Planning Board will continue their work evaluating new zoning recommendations and ordinances that promote development on the east side of the harbor. This timely and important work should proceed in a way that allows revitalization of the east side while retaining a working waterfront.

Zoning changes and development of new ordinances takes time and requires opportunities for broad community input before they become warrant articles for a town vote.  The Selectmen support the Planning Board’s intent to continue this important work. The next Planning Board meeting is Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. Mr. Coulombe has indicated that he plans to attend, and we encourage others to attend and participate in the discussion.  

As town officials we are committed to listening to and meeting the needs of the community as well as those who choose to invest in our waterfront.

Chair Wendy Wolf, on behalf of  the Boothbay Harbor selectmen