Stewards of Boothbay Harbor, soon to be officially renamed Boothbay Harbor Waterfront Preservation, is a 501 (c) (3) public charity incorporated with the stated purpose that: “it will endeavor to maintain and enhance the traditional character of Boothbay Harbor and in particular, it shall pursue opportunities to protect working waterfront and expand public access to the water for the benefit of residents and visitors alike.” As a board, we are especially concerned that the zoning proposal currently being evaluated by the Select Board: (1) does not provide for any public access or open space on the east side — a significant flaw in the plan; and (2) it significantly reduces the size of a rigorously protected working waterfront.

All of the state data indicates that public access to water is a major draw for tourists. The number one tourist destination of the Midcoast region is Boothbay Harbor and its attractions. Of those attractions, the most significant is our beautiful Harbor. Aside from its beauty, our harbor and town exude an authenticity — a glimpse of a working waterfront with a rich tradition and history. It is our most valuable resource.

With this in mind, we are pleased to announce that we have signed a purchase and sale agreement to purchase Cap'n Fish's Motel with a closing date of Nov. 1, 2019. Our expectation is to dedicate a portion of the property to maritime interests from the south pier that abuts the current working waterfront and another portion from the north pier dedicated to open space --- a new park with protected public access to the harbor. We envision having public slips and moorings along with short-term dockage similar to the Town Landing at Whale Park on the west side. We plan to remove the two motel buildings on the property while maintaining the house on Atlantic Avenue, the utility building and the restaurant. Our hope is to create a green space with a gazebo and picnic tables in the area that is now parking lot and to create parking, perhaps permeable to filter runoff, in the area of the removed motel buildings.

This ambitious project will need a great deal of moral support from the Select Board and financial support from our community. It will forever protect and preserve a portion of our precious shoreline for the public to enjoy, for the health of our working waterfront and the families that depend on it, and for more tourism. It should energize the east side and with good signage should stimulate foot traffic from the west side over the footbridge to the east side by having a new tourist attraction to complement the Fisherman's Memorial and our iconic, most photographed Catholic Church. The additional foot traffic might actually encourage the establishment of new shops along the way.

The greatest gift we can give to the next generation is a town and harbor that we ourselves so loved and protected. Please support us in our endeavor to leave a lasting legacy of a beautiful and useful open space on the east side of the harbor for the benefit of residents and tourists alike for generations to come.

Contributions to our fund are gratefully accepted and are tax deductible. Checks may be sent to and in care of: Boothbay Harbor Waterfront Preservation, P.O. Box 55, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538.

For further information, contact Ken Fitch at (203) 240-9481 or ctyankee27@msn.com