Commentary

Time to move zoning initiative

Mon, 06/25/2018 - 3:30pm

I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all members of the planning board to refocus on the recommendations put forth by the planning board’s “Advisory Work Group” regarding the rezoning of the east side of the harbor and move this initiative forward to a vote to the people of Boothbay Harbor to decide.

We can move forward beyond the recent distractions of “another option” at the Captain Fish location as that property has been sold. We can now direct our attention to the initial purpose which began with the recognition that the east side zoning needed to be updated to allow for mixed-use as one of the unintended consequences of the current zoning — which was put in place over 30 years ago — was that it made the preexisting hotels and restaurants in the east side of the harbor nonconforming. This nonconforming status prevented the owners of those hotels and restaurants from making any meaningful updates or improvements to their properties and as a result many of those properties have significant deferred maintenance that needs to be addressed. I think we all agree Captain Fish’s Motel is in dire need of renovations.

The Advisory Work Group recommendations were carefully and thoroughly vetted over several months of meetings, public input and expert consultation with experts including DEP to arrive at the best possible outcome. Compromises were made along the way with the best interests of the town in mind. The final recommendations were made with sound zoning policy in mind with the expectation that the various components that were decided upon would be presented as one comprehensive package as the elements of the package are interdependent and most effective as a whole — not in parts.

The advisory group’s recommendations cannot and should not be considered in isolation of one another as this could result in additional unintended consequences. For example: if the well thought out warrant was divided up into four parts and the voters were to object to all but the developer’s fee then this would further stifle the much needed reinvestments on the east side of the harbor. Another possible unintended consequence could be that the multi-family development could be allowed but not hotels and restaurants which would defeat the entire purpose of this entire process.

Please be cognizant of all the time and energy that the town and region have spent with Camoin Associates on an economic development plan. Given this, it would make good sense to ask Camoin for their input on the zoning package, its elements and approach moving forward. To divide the warrant into parts would make it extremely confusing for the voters. It could result in unintended consequences ... is that what we want?

I understand that there are many opinions about the zoning amendments — there have been several months of public input. We must take a holistic approach, have faith in the carefully crafted zoning package and let the voters of Boothbay Harbor vote on a comprehensive economic package that will benefit the entire community.

Thank you for listening.