Dear Editor:

As I go through town, the greeting I hear most often is, “Thank you for all that you do for the Park.” This is usually followed by, “Why is all this taking so long?” and then the deceptively simple question, “Why aren’t my pavers installed?”

The first greeting reflects an awareness of the effort and investment our board members, volunteers, and donors have put into making Eastside Waterfront Park a reality. Our community appreciates the wonderful benefit this park is for all. It truly is an investment in the future of the greater Boothbay Harbor Region.

The answer to the two questions is that we are working our way through the Planning Board process, having won our Superior Court appeal of a Board of Appeals decision. Our abutters appealed that ruling to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court, which ruled in our favor. They then asked the Law Court to hear the matter again, and it declined. This is the first time in five years that we do not have an issue in front of the courts.

The real reason the pavers aren’t down is that the current CEO is unwilling to allow the work before the permit expires on Dec. 27, 2026. This is despite the reported ADA violations.

At this point, we need the planning board to approve our requested site plan amendments. Our most recent planning board meeting was Oct. 29, and our next scheduled meeting is Nov. 16. We have requested additional meetings before year end in the hope of completing this drawn-out process, and we are awaiting a response.

In summary, we know that our Eastside Waterfront Park will be completed. It is a benefit for all of us to enjoy, both now and in the future.

Most Sincerely,

John O’Connell

Chairman, Board of Directors