Dear Editor:

Last week’s Boothbay Harbor Planning Board (PB) meeting was the last session ahead of its final decision on what, and how, to advance recommendations to the Selectmen regarding code changes on the east side of the harbor.

Unfortunately this meeting was not recorded due to availability of our local filming crew – and as a result two interesting discussions might be missed by the viewing public:

First, the PB debated and the public spoke on the pros and cons of dividing any proposal advanced to the selectmen into separate questions or one comprehensive recommendation. After attending most of the meetings and witnessing the spirit of concessions that moved the process along, I would agree with those who propose one comprehensive recommendation. Advancing a divided plan upsets the integrity of the proposal as well as the spirit of the process that created it. Dividing the proposal also risks passing a “3-legged horse,” which would deter investment; a prospect not lost on those opposing the entire idea.

Second, I was struck by a conversation among the PB members regarding the risks and rewards of moving forward with this plan. During this discussion – uniquely – all of the members agreed that restoring Mixed Use (MU) designation to MU properties was not the greatest threat to the harbor. Rather, they pointed out conversion of properties from MU to Residential (waterfront) “McMansions” including a recent example on the west side. They pointed that neither the new, nor the old code protects the town from that happening though they agreed that the risk of conversion on the east side was minimal. The irony of that discussion was not lost on this taxpayer, who, all winter has listened to one of the most strident voices opposed to the restoration of MU zoning on the east side coming from a west side resident who converted a MU Property to a private residence and a private dock.

Virtually everyone in the room praised the PB and their subcommittee for staying above special interest (on both sides) when crafting a zoning ordinance and voters should do the same when lobbied by those same special interests.

Tom Myette

Southport/Boothbay Harbor