Dear Editor:

On November 5 we are being asked to adopt a new vision for how Boothbay should grow. We are being asked to “… provide funding for road, traffic and parking improvements in the Boothbay Village, the Commons and adjacent properties, and for expansion of water and sewer infrastructure along Route 27 to the Boothbay Industrial Park.”

Because the golf course, Boothbay Harbor Country Club, does not like the existing access from Country Club Road, we are being asked to finance a $2,500,000 access through the Village. This would include a rotary around the Civil War Memorial, center barriers along Route 27 and reducing the size of the Commons by about 10 percent to provide 44 paved parking spaces. In addition, the proposed changes in the Zoning Ordinance would allow signs in this area and in most parts for town to be doubled from the current maximum of 32 square feet, the size of a 4-foot by 8-foot sheet of plywood, to 64 square feet. All signs would also be allowed to extend up to 10 feet above the roofline where currently no extension is allowed.

The Tax Increment Financing, TIF, requires information on “Goals for Job Creation and Job Retention.” The new vision includes $5,000,000 for future financing to extend sewer and water lines along Route 27 to the current Industrial Park District and $500,000 for an Economic Development Director, planning studies and administrative expenses.

Instead of focusing on improvements to help the current businesses and attract new ones in the Industrial Park District where it is reasonable to expect well-paid year-round jobs can be created, the proposal is to change significantly the Village District to help create low-wage seasonal jobs at a recreational facility.

The current vision for the future of Boothbay as stated in our Comprehensive Plan and in the Zoning Ordinance is, in part, “The Town should assure that the small town, rural character of Boothbay is maintained by protecting the scenic quality of the Town along the main roads.”

I do not believe the TIF or sign proposals are consistent with the objectives we have adopted. I urge all citizens to join me in voting no on all November 5 warrant articles.

Kenneth Hanson
Boothbay