Dear Editor:

I would encourage interested citizens of Boothbay Harbor, and others, to attend a public informational meeting about the Comprehensive Plan next Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. at the town office. Much work has gone into this plan over the past year and a half with valuable input from members of the Comprehensive Plan Committee, elected and appointed individuals from Boothbay Harbor as well as representatives of the various districts (school, water, sewer and refuse).

A vast quantity of information has been gathered, analyzed and summarized. Based on that information, as well as a community survey, the Comprehensive Plan Committee has reached some conclusions and made certain recommendations. Additional input is being sought next week before the public hearing that is expected to be held in October or November. The goal is to have the town vote on the plan at the annual Town Meeting in the spring of 2015.

Before going any further in this process it is important that more input be gathered from the public. The purpose of the meeting is to describe the progress to date, answer questions and give people another opportunity to express their opinions. The draft Comprehensive Plan can be found at www.lcrpc.org under Municipal and County Planning.

The Comprehensive Plan is required by the state to be updated after each Census. It is a long, drawn out process, but it provides a blueprint and resource on which municipal decisions and ordinances can be based. It does make interesting reading for those interested in the future of Boothbay Harbor.

So, we hope to see you at the meeting next Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 6 p.m.

John O’Connell

Chairman

Boothbay Harbor Comprehensive Planning Committee