Dear Editor:

The March 16 Boothbay Register included a letter from Joe and Jill Doyle that contains claims that require correction.

Developers

Boothbay Harbor Waterfront Preservation (BBHWP) is not a developer. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2018. Our mission has remained unchanged since our founding, to promote public access to the water and to protect working waterfront. We published our initial park design in four full-page ads in 2019—before the Doyles purchased their adjoining property. The final payment on the Cap'n Fish property was made on Dec. 1, 2019. Plans have changed only minimally since those early public renderings; however, BBHWP has been required to attend more than 30 town hearings over six years.

The Doyles claim to support the Waterfront Park, yet they created a website dedicated to spreading misinformation about our project. Once we learned the full extent of their opposition, we returned their prior donations—with interest.

Delays and Legal Costs

It is inaccurate to blame BBHWP for project delays or the town's legal expenses. Ongoing legal proceedings result directly from Doyle appeals of 2021 Planning Board approvals. One proceeding remains active solely because the Doyles were not properly notified by the Code Enforcement Officer (CEO) of a 2021 Planning Board meeting. The Doyles appealed, were granted a rehearing, and now blame Preservation for the resulting town’s legal costs.

BBHWP has endured a formal six-month, stop-work order and further delays prompted by threats of additional stop work orders. These delays were triggered by letters from the Doyles to the CEO demanding action. The significant delays and attorney fees incurred by the town stem from Doyle actions, not those initiated by BBHWP.

Green Space

The Eastside Waterfront Park will dramatically increase green space on the site. Eighty-seven percent of the former Cap'n Fish property was covered by asphalt and buildings. Our approved plans will reduce that to approximately 33%, leaving two thirds of the property covered with grass and other vegetation. In addition, removal of the motel buildings not only dramatically increased green space but afforded the Doyles an unobstructed view of the harbor and park lawns.

Nonprofit Status

BBHWP is fully compliant as a nonprofit, operating as a free park and providing short-term public dockage. However, like many nonprofits, we generate limited revenue through fees and programming to help sustain operations. Our property is zoned Limited Commercial/Maritime—the same as the Doyles'—and generating revenue does not jeopardize our 501(c)(3) status. Finally, legal counsel has fully apprised us of our fiduciary responsibilities. Thus, we have no intention of deeding away development rights in a way that would undermine the value of our donors' contributions.

Board of Directors

Boothbay Harbor Waterfront Preservation