A couple of letters to the editor in recent weeks encouraged preservation of the open space on the Boothbay Common as part of the overall roundabout plan and other changes at Boothbay Center.

We don’t have the roundabout plan right in front of us, but do believe that it calls for more walkways, bike paths, flowers and other plantings on the Common. We hope that the developers and designers responsible for overseeing the project will do everything possible to preserve as much of the open space as they can rather than cut it up to create a park-like atmosphere. The Boothbay Common serves many purposes at the present time, and we have every reason to believe that current uses will continue, which is a good reason for preserving as much of the open space as possible. A sidewalk or walkway makes sense, as long as it skirts the property rather than dissects it.

Most of us agree that it could stand a bit of “dressing up,’’ but  want to see  landscaping, shrubs and other plantings handled in a subtle way which still says “This is New England’’ to not only those of us who live here, but to all who pass by throughout the year.

Our selectmen will have a lot of influence when it comes to carrying out any landscaping plan, and that is as it should be, because they represent us all, and know that the Common is near and dear to our hearts. Many small Maine towns which once boasted open spaces similar to our Common have lost them, which probably explains in part why we’re especially anxious to keep much of our open space Intact, and just that — open.

We feel confident that that with a bit of planning, we can both improve the landscape of the Common and preserve its integrity.