Dear Editor:

A thank you goes out to Paul Coulombe for his investment in our community, for his gifts of philanthropy and for his willingness – despite adversity – to bring necessary, positive change to a place I love to call home.

The Boothbay region and pieces of it belong to all of us. Those who were born here, those who have been coming for generations to spend their summers and to those who have retired here. It must also belong to new people and businesses who can add to the economic growth and development of our community. A community where business, the fishing industry and schools, for example, once thrived. Yet, as times have changed, have all decreased in number and sustainability.

Personally speaking, I am in favor of a roundabout which brings safety, first and foremost, but also fluidity and access to all who live in and visit our region. Walkability – with a sidewalk which connects the school and the YMCA to our local Clifford Park fields and playground. New business and jobs which attract people with families who will enter our public schools, eat at our local dining establishments, serve on our local boards, purchase items from our local merchants and participate and volunteer in local festivities

It is a plan for the future and I applaud Mr. Coulombe, who is not single handedly doing so, but quite the opposite, a person who is working collaboratively with our state department of transportation, local government, business owners, organizations and most importantly talented, community minded professionals (many of whom are our friends, family and neighbors) to bring a sustainable plan to fruition for the benefit, not detriment of the place we call home.

Meagan Hamblett

East Boothbay