Dear Editor:

Do people know that Boothbay Harbor Waterfront Preservation (BHHWP) asked permission for 62% of its harborside development to be covered by impervious surfaces? The development isn’t open because BBHWP has not satisfied DEP concerns. It’s that simple. From the start, they didn’t seek shoreland zoning approval, even though their entire development sits within the shoreland zone. And now they’re having trouble meeting DEP-mandated restrictions. Hence the delays. It has nothing to do with abutters or anybody else.

The key issue was the amount of impervious surface they had proposed. Pollution carried by runoff can flow into the harbor over proposed pavers, at least four structures, an asphalt parking lot, new construction, and too much concrete. BBHWP wanted up to 61% or 62% impervious surfaces. The local standard is no more than 20%. Why not follow the rules everybody else must? If it’s a “park,” why can’t it be clean and green?

In January, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) wrote a letter to Boothbay Harbor’s Board of Appeals, emphasizing that shoreland zoning standards “must be followed.” In response, BBHWP asked the Board of Appeals to simply ignore the concerns outlined in the DEP letter and urged that its development be declared legal.

Non-compliance has delayed the project. Nothing else. The DEP and the Town should be commended for their commitment to keeping the harbor clean. BBHWP withdrew its application from Planning Board review months ago and did not return for the April and May meetings. Hopefully that’s a sign they’re working hard to bring their application into full compliance.

We donated to BBHWP three years in a row. We share the DEP’s concerns about not contaminating the harbor, and we urge the project’s organizers to return to their original “green” vision for the development. If BBHWP submits plans that meet the crucial shoreland zoning standards that all others must meet, the project can move forward. We know we’re not alone in the desire to see this done correctly.

P.S. If anyone has concerns about this proposal, please visit www.BBHWaterfrontInfo.com for more information.

Joe and Jill Doyle

Boothbay Harbor