Dear Editor:

The Boothbay Harbor Planning Board Advisory Workgroup that was formed in December to assist the Planning Board with reviewing potential changes to the East Side has finished its work and submitted a recommendation to the Planning Board. During the April 11 Planning Board meeting, a discussion on next steps occurred that prompted this letter.

First, I believe the process utilized to surface, discuss and socialize potential zoning modifications deserves recognition. The work group, public input, published updates and access to meetings through BBRCTV was invaluable and allowed residents amazing visibility. (The recordings are available on BBRCT’s Facebook page). A big thank-you to Cody Mitchell and his team!

Throughout Wednesday’s planning board meeting, I heard a number of “what abouts” — what about the business district height limits, Union Street, mandatory first floor business use, the Chamber, Y and school district voice, waiting for summer residents’ input — to name a few. While numerous items could be added to the scope of the East Side recommendation, we must stay the course, keep focus and stick to the original goals. The 2015 Comprehensive Plan has lots of potential elements to consider but each zoning district should receive the same focus as the East Side. The East Side proposal should stand on its own merits. Let’s complete the process but utilize and leverage what we learn to continue work on the west side of the harbor and beyond.

Paul Coulombe’s desire to revitalize areas of the East Side has been the much needed catalyst for community action on the Comprehensive Plan. It is great to see community engagement and passion but it is also important to recognize potential conflicts. On a fundamental level, any resident who owns property in the affected zone has bias. If an East Side property owner is in a leadership position on the Planning Board or Board of Selectman, that individual should recuse themselves from any vote related to the East Side zoning proposal. Hundreds of hours of work have been invested in this process so let’s not contaminate the outcome by ignoring obvious conflicts of interest.

Patty Minerich

Boothbay Harbor