Dear Editor:

I am writing this letter because a few weeks ago at a breakfast attended by 12 people, we were asked how did we feel about the proposed roundabout. I stated that something was needed but I was not certain exactly what was the correct solution. After that discussion, I decided to learn everything I could about the proposed roundabout.

I envisioned a traffic circle as shown in the movie “European Vacation” where Chevy Chase spent hours going round and round without the ability to escape. A traffic circle differs dramatically from a roundabout. A roundabout has entrance and exit lanes.

The information is all online with the presentations of the engineering firm with graphic layouts presented at the informational meetings.

As a person from away, living on Southport for 28 years for the summer, I feel that I have a right to have an opinion. I realize that I do not have the ability to vote on this subject but have decided after the review of the data that a roundabout is needed.

The discussion of the traffic issues has been debated since 2002. Since 2002 the traffic has increased because of the Botanical Gardens, the YMCA Camp Knickerbocker, the new entrance of the Boothbay Harbor Country Club and planned Boothbay Town Center development. The safety of traffic from Corey Lane entering on to Route 27 needs to be addressed. A roundabout will solve these traffic issues.

A question has been asked, what does Paul Coulombe get out of supporting a roundabout? I have concluded that Mr. Coulombe gets the same thing that I do. He gets the safety of his customers to his country club as I get the safety of my family.

When in 2002 the roundabout was first discussed Mr. Coulombe was running a vodka company. He was not involved.

I urge everyone in Boothbay to study the problem and support the roundabout.

Lee Krow

Southport