Dear Editor:

I wrote a letter to this newspaper published March 21, 2020 concerning the lack of full transparency in budgeting, inconsistencies in planning, and more general concerns I have over the Eastside Waterfront Park development. A number of folks have supported my comments since that time (see: Questions about Eastside Park | Boothbay Register).

Now, after reading Patty Minerich's "Another Option" letter of Sept. 5, I feel compelled to write again. I agree with Ms. Minerich. Eliminating the splash pad is far and away a better choice for Boothbay Harbor residents. Similarly, a public park with waterfront access and green space is a vast improvement over what the Park organizers are proposing with restaurants and splash pools. Did someone forget the Disney characters?

Whether it is 17K gallons of gray water or 700 gallons of gray water is not the point. Nor is whether 13 people have voted and vetoed repeatedly. My points are: (1) having managed water facilities for most of my adult life, it is basically impossible and dramatically expensive to keep a water facility next to the ocean "lovely, clean and safe"; and (2) I remain concerned that the long term financial and liability issues associated with a water facility in this development have not been adequately considered.

A beautiful park with green grass and waterfront access is indeed a great option. Thank you Ms. Minerich.

Matt Crandall

South Portland