Boothbay selectmen want more opinions from public safety experts before enacting a Route 27 municipal parking ordinance. On March 10, selectmen discussed the parameters of a potential ordinance before deciding to seek Fire Chief Dick Spofford’s, Maine Department of Transportation’s and Boothbay Region Water District’s opinions. 

Selectmen began considering a parking ordinance after receiving several public safety complaints Feb. 19 about parking on both sides of Route 27 near Boothbay Ice Palace and food trucks. Selectmen decided to hold a March 10 public hearing about a potential ordinance which reflects provisions in the comprehensive plan.

“Just because we post it, doesn’t mean we have to approve it,” Chairman Steve Lewis said. Prior to the selectmen’s meeting, the hearing drew one resident. Lester Spear, who owns the property where the ice palace and food trucks are, told selectmen he would not host the ice palace there next year. Even though Spear is moving his location, he believes Route 27 provides an excellent opportunity for Boothbay to promote economic growth. Spear encouraged selectmen to seek MDOT’s advice on Route 27 traffic safety. He believes a lower speed limit and improved lighting would solve perceived safety problems. 

“I’m doing what is legally permitted, and I’m not breaking the law,” he said. “This is an exciting time for our town. I think we should be looking for solutions for our town to expand.” 

Lewis and fellow selectmen Chuck Cunningham, Dale Harmon and Mike Tomacelli disagreed. The four believed Spear’s event has outgrown the Route 27 location which is zoned for limited commercial business. Selectman Desiree Scorcia recused herself from discussing the ordinance. She described Spear as her “life partner” and “husband.”

Lewis described his property as being “only an acre” which made it difficult for off-street parking. Tomacelli read from the comprehensive plan which outlined zoning goals for the Route 27 corridor. Tomacelli pointed out sections calling for limited economic activity to protect the watershed district. “The comp plan’s major component is increased protection of the water supply. Route 27 is zoned to protect these water sources and limits the size and scale of approved uses,” he said. “Off-street parking must be located on the same lot unless the planning board makes another arrangement.”

Spear told selectmen he shut down the ice palace when parking became a problem. He also challenged selectmen to list laws his businesses violated. “Tell me what laws I’ve violated and I will write them down. This is a knee-jerk reaction,” he said.

In other action, selectmen nominated Town Manager Dan Bryer to the Community School District’s Boothbay Region School Building Committee which originally called for a Boothbay and a Boothbay Harbor selectman as members. Lewis recommended Bryer because school board members requested him. “I’m not sure if he has time, but they asked for Dan,” Lewis said. 

Selectmen meet next at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 13.