Dear Editor:

Regarding the Doyles (abutter and legal residents of Florida) perspective on Boothbay Harbor town approvals/appeals.

The Doyles didn’t mention to Register readers that Cap’n Fish Motel was still standing when Paul Coulombe sold them the property on Atlantic Avenue. This is two months after BBHWP purchased the Cap’n Fish property to create a park and docking access for working and pleasure boats on Atlantic Avenue. Both properties are in the newly created Limited Commercial/Maritime District. It’s not Residential.

The Doyles claim “The Park Must Have More Green Grass.” A peculiar appeal considering that Doyle’s own house covers 40% of their property – leaving little room for grass – and in total disregard of the DEP’s 20% recommendation regarding impervious coverage.

Nevertheless, the Doyles appealed BBH Planning Board’s Park approval of 29% lot coverage above the high water line. Ignoring the fact that the park had increased green grass by approximately 60%.

The park is comprised of two concrete waterfront piers, boathouse, picnic pavilion, kids splash pad, future general store, restrooms and community space. The driveway to the working waterfront (12 parking spaces and paver walkways) will consist of impervious material, where parking previously existed.

The Doyles obviously don’t understand that the splash pad and their house are structures, required by code to be 75’ from the high tide mark. The wet deck originally permitted for a 25’ diameter, but was later approved for a minimal increase of one foot. The additional concrete and granite surrounding the ”wet deck” allows safe access for people with disabilities, and for built-in seating on the uphill side.

Regarding Doyle’s abutter notification complaint: This is the town’s responsibility, not the park’s (re: Public Notices/ Boothbay Register).

In appeal after appeal, it’s clear that the Doyles have used this process to delay the park’s completion. If they “Really want a park,” as they claim, they should stop impeding carefully considered decisions made by both the BBH Planning and Appeals boards.

Let the park be built for our community to enjoy.

Jerry Hull

Boothbay Harbor