Last year around this time, plans regarding what has come to be called the footbridge parking lot project were presented to the Boothbay Harbor Selectmen by residents and business owners interested in making the parking lot safer and more attractive.

“It's the only eyesore in town,” says Robert Maroon, owner of the Chowder House Boat Bar & Grill at 22 Granary Way. “It kills me to see tourists walk to the edge of the parking lot and look down at rubble.” There are also concerns from those who have seen tourists and kayakers balancing on random boulders while trying to access the shoreline.

In October 2015, parking lot change advocates attended several selectmen’s meetings. In early November 2015, Dan Courtemanch of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) visited the site to see how the project might influence the DEP permitting process. Ultimately, Town Manager Tom Woodin told supporters there was a possibility that the project could make it onto the town warrant in May 2016. Movement on the project, he said, might begin in fall 2016, and that, he stated, was optimistic.

As autumn 2016 drops its last leaves, the parking lot remains as it was. A walk along the edge reveals crumbling tar. Formidable boulders and scree block access to the shoreline. But supporters determined to keep the project's momentum going appeared at both October selectmen's meetings. At the Oct. 24 meeting, Woodin provided them with an update, including information on the obstacles to the changes they seek.

“As far as the DEP goes,” he said, “it was a hard sell. They needed more information, a set plan.” Woodin added that the Fish Pier renovations were a higher priority last budget season, and the parking lot also serves as a snow dump during the winter. “Any beautification efforts would be scraped over, literally,” said Woodin. And, he noted, the lot's 66 parking spaces are a precious commodity in Boothbay Harbor.

Still, said Selectman Mike Tomko, who supports the project, “There's a tremendous outpouring for the idea. It's worth considering. It's up to us to find a way.”

“We're not prepared to take action on the project this year,” Selectmen’s Chairman Denise Griffin said. “But perhaps, going forward, we might formalize a list of capital projects prior to November, when the budget committee meets.”

“I support a list of priorities for this project,” said Joy to the Wind gallery owner and artist Lynne Seitzer. ”The waterfront is our showcase and that parking lot is not.”

“Our waterfront is the crown jewel in our community,” Selectman Wendy Wolf agreed. “We need more data-driven information so we can make an informed decision. It would be good if you (supporters) could bring us a consensus vision.” Also, Wolf said, projects involving working jobs, such as the Fish Pier renovations, will always take precedence over beautification efforts.

“There are so many ways to go,” Seitzer said. “It could cost a lot of money, or not. There is room in the middle for something.”

In a phone interview Oct. 26, Maroon said he was surprised this year when talks with the town “fizzled out.” Moving forward, he said the support group will contact DEP for an application, work with two professional architects to produce scale drawings, and submit two estimates from qualified masons for the building of a seawall. “We're willing to pay for these things, but we would like to see the town foot some of the bill, too,” said Maroon. “I may not see these changes in my lifetime, but it's going to happen sooner than later. We're not giving up.”