Residents of Boothbay Harbor recently dealt with the possibility of a parking lot being built in the middle of their neighborhood, at 25 and 27 Campbell Street. The organization planning it decided against building the lot, but residents are concerned that if it happened once, it could happen again.

Due to this, residents of Campbell Street and concerned citizens brought a petition to the Boothbay Harbor selectmen on Monday, May 12 asking that the zoning ordinances be reworded to disallow the building of new parking lots in residential areas.

Selectman Bill Hamblen said that when this first came up, he carefully read the ordinances and found they could be interpreted four different ways.

“The code is unclear, and fixing it would be a good idea,” Hamblen said.

The selectmen explained that ordinance changes actually start with the planning board, not the selectmen, and promised to pass the petition along to them.

According to Boothbay Harbor Code Enforcement Officer Geoff Smith, members of the planning board discuss possible ordinances changes and comes to a consensus. They use input from both the CEO, the selectmen and town manager, but final wording rests with the planning board.

Once they are in agreement, a public hearing is scheduled to get the public's input. Once any changes are made, if it is found necessary, the plan passes to the selectmen. They also hold a public hearing and tweak the language if necessary, and then place it on the town warrant for the town meeting in May.

“As far as the parking lot issue was concerned, it is easy to read the ordinance different ways and ambiguity in the ordinances don't do anyone any service,” Smith said.

“This kind of public involvement and interest in zoning laws is outstanding,” Planning Board Chairman Mike Tomko said. “I love when people come forward with ideas and concerns, that is true government for the people by the people. I look forward to working with the group.”