Nearly 50 Boothbay residents packed non-airconditioned fire station on July 15 to offer input on the town's comprehensive plan. Despite the stagnant air, lively conversations took place concerning the future of the community.

Mark Eyerman of Planning Solutions and Town Manager Jim Chaousis led the discussion before a diverse audience that included dirt contractors, lobstermen, hotel owners, single mothers, retirees, boatbuilders and seasonal residents.

After taking a shortsurvey, residents broke off into small groups to discuss what mattered most in the community.

Although the meeting adjourned earlier than scheduled because of the heat, Chaousis said he was impressed with the turnout so far, and implored more people to get involved in Boothbay's planning process.

The comprehensive plan is a grassroots document to be voted on and adopted by the townspeople as soon as May of 2014. The plan serves to resolve conflicts, reflect the interests of its citizens and provide a clear vision for the community's future.

Census findings

Based on the 2010 Census, Eyerman said Boothbay has experienced a population growth in the last 20 years from 2,648 residents in 1990 to 3,120 residents in 2010; a population growth rate faster than both Lincoln County and the state of Maine.

Eyerman also acknowledged that in 20 years there have been about 400 more deaths than births, the median age increased from 38.1 to 51.7, and the number of young people under the age of 25 decreased by almost 15 percent.

On a daily commute, Boothbay brings in about 400 workers from out of town, and sends 800 residents out of town to work. While the median house hold income rose to almost $53,000 in 2010, roughly 20 percent of residents under the age of 18 were living in poverty; more than double the rate a decade ago, Eyerman said.

For a complete breakdown of the census findings visit www.boothbayregister.com.

Community survey

The comprehensive planning committee circulated a survey asking Boothbay residents to rate community issues based on a level of importance. As of July 15,  207 people had taken the survey, which is still available here for two more weeks. People can also stop by the Boothbay Town Office to fill out a copy.

The survey consisted of 10 questions covering a gamut of issues such as providing better paying jobs; protecting natural resources; offering more affordable housing; maintaining the coastal New England character and ensuring high-quality emergency medical services.

The survey also includes an open space to submit suggestions for what other issues should be considered in the comprehensive planning process. Of the 207 people surveyed so far, 90 wrote in answers ranging from maintaining a stable tax rate, protecting the commercial maritime industry, tourism, updating the shoreland zoning ordinances and maintaining public access to the seashore.

Town vision for Boothbay in 2025

For months, the comprehensive planning committee grappled with the semantics of the community vision for the Boothbay region. Brainstorming led to discussions, which eventually led to the drafting of six concise paragraphs identifying the goals of the community for next 15 years.

The committee has requested public input of the draft vision, to gauge if its assessment of the community is both accurate and all encompassing.