The New England Aqua Ventus wind project may bring more locally than a renewable energy source. The project may result in up to $1 million in a community benefits package. In recent months, Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor residents have met with NEAV representatives about reaching an agreement on a community benefit. The NEAV project is an experimental wind turbine project expected to be constructed in 2023. It would connect an off-shore turbine located off Monhegan Island to East Boothbay. The transmission line would reach land at Bigelow Laboratories to poles running from Farnham’s Point to Central Maine Power Co.’s substation at the intersection of routes 96 and 27 in Boothbay Harbor.

East Boothbay resident Nell Tharpe is one of the residents who began meeting informally within the village community to discuss how the renewable energy project impacted residents. The group expanded, and later began meeting at Boothbay Region YMCA. Eventually, NEAV representatives joined the discussions and announced their intention to provide up to $1 million in a community benefits package.

On Nov. 9, Tharpe updated Boothbay selectmen on the group’s progress. “They are interested in a community benefits package if it had to do with health and safety,” she said. “The offer was contingent on the project going forward. They are still working out the project details so it’s still up in the air.”

The group has discussed several possible benefit options including a Route 96 bike path, crosswalks, raised crosswalks, East Boothbay water and sewer expansion and ways to slow village traffic. The group is seeking more community input with plans to mail notifications to residents impacted by the project. “We want to mail a postcard to those on the tax list notifying them about upcoming meetings and possibly polling them on best community projects,” she said. 

In other action, selectmen are considering seeking a $200,000 Funding Marine Coastal Action Fund Grant to combat climate change. Boothbay may join Boothbay Harbor with support from Sunrise Ecologic of Boothbay in filing a joint application. Shri Verrill owns Sunrise Ecologic and would serve as the grant consultant. She explained the towns could use funds for infrastructure projects relating to sea level rise. Selectman Steve Lewis didn’t see a problem in considering the proposal. “I don’t see what harm it will do to pay a small amount of money to possibly receive a large sum in exchange,” he said.

Sherrill proposed working 40 hours on the project for $4,800. She was to solicit Boothbay Harbor on Nov. 14.

Selectmen are also considering a proposal from Boothbay Region Development Corp. The non-profit group is working on an affordable housing project providing 162 units in Boothbay. The corporation requested to include its Butler Road location in the tax increment finance district. Vice President Erin Cooperidder requested inclusion because it would allow the corporation to seek TIF funds for water and sewer expansion. Under the proposal, the district would expand by 2,400 square feet. 

The district is already near its maximum capacity. Selectman Dale Harmon advised, the town would have to re-allocate space to meet BRDC’s request. He also preferred using TIF funds for their original intent: Extending water and sewer to the industrial park. “I want the industrial park to become an industrial park. Without water and sewer  I don’t think it will ever get there,” he said. 

BRDC made a second request. The corporation asked Boothbay to seek to a $500,000 Maine Housing Authority grant for the affordable housing project. Cooperrider sought approval to work with Town Manager Dan Bryer on the grant. “The grant must come from the town, but we would put it all together, and send it to Dan for approval.” 

Selectmen authorized seeking the grant. They did not commit, at this time, to amending the TIF district. “Any change must be approved by the town, anyway,” Lewis said. 

The board meets next at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23 in the conference room.