Dear Editor:

Once again I watched in amazement as the Boothbay Harbor Planning Board at its most recent meeting failed to move the east side development plan forward. We have watched delay after delay. The effects are already being felt. Developers are pulling plans that, at the end of the day, will affect revenue we desperately need for schools and other projects that are clearly being left behind in this community.

In my conversations I have heard from many people who are frustrated and are bordering on disbelief about why a project that would bring nothing but good things to this town is once again being held up. Remember, we have been studying and studying this question for almost two years now. It is incumbent that the people elected to office do their job – which, in this case, couldn’t be more clear. Let the people vote! Let them vote on what they want for the community. Not everyone wants to live in the past or feels that dilapidated buildings are “quaint.” In fact, there are many of us who feel quite the opposite – we would like to see this community have a future and prosper.

Instead, the planning board decided to regroup once again at their next scheduled meeting to determine next steps. This despite the public outcry to get moving.

I am quoting the testimony presented by one of our business leaders – Marty Gleason of the Gleason Gallery. She told the board, “We could not be more aware of how the east side had deteriorated over the years and how badly redevelopment is needed. We urge you, in the strongest terms possible, to stop kicking the can down the road. Allow the citizenry to vote. We all support the east side development plan. If we can come together on this, then surely you, our town leaders, can too.”

Marty Gleason said it perfectly. We are asking for town leaders to lead on this issue and let the people vote.

Laura Honey

Boothbay Harbor