The Fish Pier renovation project has hit a speedbump with possible pier understructure deficiencies, Boothbay Harbor selectmen learned July 26. The Baker Design Consultants' 2019 overview of the property showed some of the issues with pilings and bracing that appeared to be rotting through. Town Manager Julia Latter said Public Works foreman Nick Upham confirmed the situation recently with photos.

“Before we begin talking about building a new Atlantic Edge building, we should have an engineer go and do a thorough examination of the Fish Pier complex to see what's underneath it and to report back to us … I don't want to proceed with that or look at the plans or even have the conversation about that until we actually make sure the concrete and pilings and everything can withstand the structure.”

Hopefully the inspection costs less than $10,000 so a purchase order approval from the board is not necessary, Latter said. While the survey is ongoing, Latter said she would seek grants to fund any work it identifies. Otherwise, funds will come from the Fish Pier enterprise account which holds $170,000 in property income and not in taxes, she said. Selectmen voted unanimously to allow Latter to begin speaking to structural engineers.

Granary Way will soon have two literal speedbumps due to several complaints from businesses and pedestrians. The high speeds and near misses on the narrow road have made ensuring safety a top priority, so the bumps are a short-term answer with signage to come later, Latter said.

“That blind corner there seems to be a hazard with people exiting the parking lot at a pretty fast rate of speed. Hopefully this will help curb some of these (situations) coming out of Granary Way.”

Public Works will also be installing a push-button blinking light next week at the Atlantic Avenue crosswalk coming off the footbridge, said Latter. There have been complaints about careless navigation by pedestrians and motorists and there have been several near misses, she said.

Boothbay Surveyors' Nick Plumer also finished the preliminary report for the Atlantic Avenue sidewalk project. Next steps will include a legal review with Town Attorney John Cunningham to ensure the project can move forward without any hitches.

The animal control officer job search was unsuccessful after another two weeks of advertisements, Latter said. Now, Latter said she must sign a year long contract with Lincoln County dated July 1, but she will revisit running another ad in the fall as tourist season winds down.