Boothbay Harbor selectmen on April 24 approved Boothbay Harbor Oceanside Golf Resort’s request for the pier system’s reconfiguration and new floats. The resort, formerly known as the Rocktide Inn, was purchased by Paul Coulombe in January.

Consultant Lauren Stockwell of Stockwell Environmental Consulting, Inc. represented the applicant. She explained that the pier, which includes a deck that accommodates outside dining, has a cut-out gap in the middle of it. The applicant was asking to close the gap to make the flow on the deck continuous. The runway will be moved to the south end. Two new 10-by-15-foot floats will be added at the end of the runway.

Stockwell said the applicant also wishes to change the current T-shaped float system to three sets of ‘fingers,” or straight floats perpendicular to the pier. The lengths of the three floats are measured at 84 feet, 98 feet and 82 feet. Nick Upham, Boothbay Harbor's harbor master, asked Stockwell to check port regulations to determine the setbacks with the channel in relation to the ends of the floats. The applicant hired Leighton Associates to survey where the channel was, according to regulations. Upham asked the applicant to leave 75 feet from the end of the pier for boat maneuverability before reaching the channel, which Stockwell said was 75 feet wide.

There was some concern from selectmen about the number and configuration of moorings on the other side of the channel. Denise Griffin, select board chair, wondered what would happen during a westerly wind, when they could be pushed toward the resort. Also, Griffin said, “At low tide, any moorings are going to move.”

Stockwell explained that one mooring will be removed for nonpayment, and that some of the other moorings could be “juggled around,” which would alleviate that issue.

Selectman Wendy Wolf asked if the plan was approved, would other businesses on that side of the harbor follow suit and seek permission to alter their float configurations.

Upham responded, “They're already abutted up to the channel. Over on the east side, it's the same thing. You've got the Lobster Dock and the Boothbay Harbor Inn. Brown's Wharf and the Carousel (Marina) are also in that area of the channel. It's a lot more distinctive when you're going in and out of that area than it is when you're up in the north end of the harbor.”

Selectmen approved the plan, with a caution from Griffin. “I'll take the liberty as chair to make this comment while everybody's present. I mean what I said. I will be looking this summer to see if there are any problems with the moorings.”

Stockwell also represented clients Terry Seaman and Heidi Seidelhuber at 53 Townsend Avenue. They had applied to put a small pier in the inner harbor. “It's seven stairs down to a 6-foot-by-6-foot platform, a 30-foot-by-3-foot pier, and a 10-foot by 16-foot float. The shore is rip-rapped,” Stockwell said. After noting that this pier would be similar to a neighbor's pier, the selectmen approved the project.

Wolf reported that Boothbay, on behalf of the Joint Economic Development Committee, had sent out requests for proposals for planning consultants to help develop a master plan to identify opportunities for regional economic development.

Selectman Mike Tomko announced that on May 3 at 5 p.m., the Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission will sponsor a workshop featuring the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Presenters will focus on projects in the Midcoast. “It's an opportunity to speak with someone from the federal government about which programs might benefit the area,” Tomko said. The commission's offices are located at 297 Bath Road in Wiscasset, across from Big Al's. The talk is free and refreshments will be provided.

Town Manager Tom Woodin reminded those present about next week’s town meeting. On May 5, polls are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Boothbay Harbor town offices. A town meeting on the budget is set for 9 a.m. Saturday, May 6, at Boothbay Region Elementary School.