letter to the editor

This is our opportunity

Tue, 06/26/2018 - 1:45pm

Dear Editor:

I continue to closely follow the east side rezoning process and am concerned that many people don’t grasp the realities of the opportunity at hand. We have a local resident/developer who is willing to invest tens of millions of dollars in building and upgrading assets that draw new tourism. Tourism is our economic engine and, given the demographics, location and infrastructure of our peninsula, (and as reflected in the town’s Comprehensive Plan) tourism will remain the driver of our future economy.

MaineBiz continually reports about how local towns are competing vigorously for investment and development dollars. Paul Coulombe’s requirements for investment are very unique, almost unheard of in the world of commercial development. He alone controls his wealth and has the financial freedom to do projects at will. Our tourism season is too short to support the true costs of building new 4- or 5-star properties at a market based return on investment … no normal investor could afford to do what Coulombe is proposing – this is our opportunity.

Elements of the work group’s proposal are controversial. There are pockets of residents who lack information or are driving personal agendas. Many retired residents “from away” don’t seem to care about the next generation but simply want to keep the town the way they want it. It is critical to understand that the key to the future of the peninsula is a strong economy and a region that is welcoming for young people and young families. People live where they work so investment in economic drivers must be our top priority and the east side rezoning initiative is a critical next step.

The workgroup’s recommendation is a compromise that was negotiated by all parties. Breaking apart the proposal into multiple warrants introduces risk and potential confusion for those who don’t understand the economic dependencies of each element. Passing part, but not the entire east side rezoning proposal could yield unintended consequences and waste this unique opportunity in the town’s history. I strongly urge the Planning Board to move the work group proposal to the Board of Selectman as one warrant.

Patty Minerich

Boothbay Harbor