Dear Editor:

Doug Carter’s letter in last week’s Register is sensationalism, completely erroneous and a disservice to the community.

Fact: At the Sept. 7 public hearing, both sides of the proposed east side rezoning changes claimed a desire to collaborate on a win-win solution.

Fact: In the Sept. 13 edition of this paper, Paul Coulombe rescinded his desire to pursue condos, a controversial component of the proposed zoning changes that even Selectboard Chair Wendy Wolfe has publicly opposed.

Fact: At the Sept. 12 planning board meeting, Bill Hamblen presented a framework that, per the town attorney, will be in compliance with the 2015 Comprehensive Plan and is not spot zoning.

Fact: Coulombe’s team presented their plan late last year, not last week.

Fact: Cap’n Fish Motel is, as the name states, an existing motel that is a non-conforming use.

Fact: Coulombe is seeking to rebuild the Cap’n Fish Motel which will generate ~$200k in new, annual tax revenue and provide for view corridors to the water that do not exist today.

Fact: Mr Carter has sold his business and property to the Boothbay Harbor Maritime Foundation with the funding of two “anonymous” donors.

Fact: Mr Carter is on record, via BRTV video of earlier planning board meetings, of supporting mixed use on the east side.

Fact: Neither the planning board, the board of selectman or Coulombe’s team can approve this plan for the voters. Only the Boothbay Harbor voters can approve a zoning change.

Patty Minerich

Boothbay Harbor