Boothbay Region YMCA asked Boothbay Harbor selectmen's help Feb. 10 to put up a digital sign in front of the Y's Townsend Avenue location.

CEO Andy Hamblett said the organization had removed its marquee sign and wants to install a digital one similar to the Community School District's across the street. However, he said the Y would need an exemption from current ordinance. 

Hamblett said the sign would be used for organizational messaging and higher-priority public service announcements. He said the Y is working with the Red Cross and has signed an agreement with Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency, committing to providing community access to shelter, water and other essential resources during and after disasters.   

“What would happen if we had this in place, we'd be able to post storm warnings, shelter in place, (if) there's an accident, warming center, cooling center,” he said about the sign. “We just hope that we could consider changing the language so that it could be incorporated."

Selectman Mark Osborn expressed concern that, if an exemption is added for the Y, local businesses may request similar exemptions for advertising. It was noted that the ordinance includes several existing exemptions including the school sign and the First National Bank’s time and temperature sign. 

“That would be my one fear. How do we say yes to you and no to everybody else who wants to do promotional items for their business?” Osborn said. He later added, “How do we make an exception for one and not go down the path of having a whole line of people either upset at us or looking for the same service.”  

The board did not make a decision but agreed to review language when they decide on proposed ordinance changes in April. Town Manager Julia Latter said she could work on language to accommodate the YMCA’s request.   

In other business, the board unanimously accepted a performance guarantee by Edgewater Plus Inc. for improvements to the Campbell Cove subdivision off Lakeview Road. According to Latter, town ordinance states no building permits can be issued for this project until the selectboard approves the guarantee for the completion of required improvements.   

Surveyor Nicholas Plumer, who represented the applicants, said the planning board approved the project but there are improvements that need to be made, mostly around a water line and fire hydrant. He said Bath Savings Bank has given the development a $60,000 line or credit for the work, which exceeds the costs.