Dear Editor:

The storm on Thursday, Oct. 29 and the subsequent downed tree and wires once again shut down part of Route 96. The result was that anyone heading to East Boothbay or trying to leave from East Boothbay was unable to do so for approximately four hours. Not only was this a major disruption to many individuals and businesses, it was a dangerous situation. The gated "emergency access" from Virginia Street was opened and vehicles were allowed to utilize it, but it quickly became apparent that the steep, dirt road was being so rutted that it was soon closed in order to maintain it should an ambulance, fire truck or other emergency vehicle need to pass.

A Lincoln County sheriff questioned an employee of Hodgdon Yachts about using my driveway as an option, which had been done in the past due to fires in East Boothbay. The driveway used to connect to Murray Hill Road; it no longer does and unfortunately, cannot be considered a possibility, even during an emergency. The Murray Hill Road section is abandoned and hasn't been maintained for years, ever since Internet map searches and automobile GPS systems began inexplicably directing cars down my driveway. We were forced to install an electric gate at the top of the driveway off Route 96. Imagine the number of cars coming down our driveway in the summer searching for Ocean Point Inn, Five Gables Inn, and numerous summer cottages, as well as all the locals who thought it was a great shortcut around the village.

Thankfully, Route 96 hasn't been shut down often, but it has happened more than once. Shouldn't the road down Virginia Street be paved (and plowed in the winter) so it is available when needed?

Cathy Hodgdon

East Boothbay