A community effort to transform part of the Boothbay Harbor waterfront into a park for attracting more people to the east side is closing in on its $3 million fundraising goal for Phase 1 of the project. In July 2018, the Boothbay Harbor Waterfront Preservation Committee formed to buy Cap ’n Fish’s Motel for the benefit of “residents and visitors” alike. The committee wants to build public access on Cap ’n Fish’s .8-acre property for temporary dockage along with a splash pad, gazebo for concerts, a working waterfront and a storage space on the south side for young fishermen to store lobster traps.

In January 2019, the committee signed a purchase and sale agreement with John Fish for $2.85 million. Board President Ken F-Fitch reports the fundraising goal is on tract with a closing set for Oct. 31. “We’re going to make it, but we still need more money for the project,” he said. “We need about $3.8 million to develop the site (Phase 2).”

The committee hired a landscape architect to develop a plan for the park. “We still need about $800,000. Our plan is demolishing the motel, and begin further developing the site by completing the improvements,” Fitch said.

On Oct. 25, the committee held a fundraiser at Pier One Pizza. Co-owners Korey Lewis and Rick Carmolli donated the space and free pizza, soda and coffee from 4 to 7 p.m. During the fundraiser, committee members sold T-shirts and encouraged residents to donate and make further fund contributions. The fundraiser collected $2,466.

The committee has another way of soliciting contributions. Online shoppers can contribute by purchasing items at smile.amazon.com. Fitch reported a portion of Amazononline.com sales can be donated to the project. 

This article has been updated from its original posting.