Dear Editor:

I’m writing in regard to a proposal under consideration by the town of Boothbay Harbor to delay, for a month or two or more, turning on the summer water system for use by residents of seasonal homes.

Normally the summer water is turned on April 15 each year but sometimes, due to unseasonably cold spring weather, that is delayed due to possible freezing damage to the above ground pipes.

The proposal, as I understand it, is due to fears of inundation by New York City residents fleeing the coronavirus epidemic. Apparently this is already happening in town. If so, it certainly doesn’t have much to do with the summer water since that won’t even be due to be turned on until April 15. The summer residents of Boothbay Harbor take great pride in the town and we consider ourselves to be a vital part of it though we certainly don’t have the right to vote. We do, however have the obligation to pay property taxes, utility fees and other expenses in support of the town and its schools and other services. That’s fair and we accept that responsibility.

Refusing to turn on our water on April 15 seems to be a direct slap in the face telling us we should just stay away until the powers to be see fit to lift our banishment.

Many of us summer residents have long histories in BBH. I, for instance, have owned my cottage here for over 27 years and prior to purchasing it in 1992 it had been in my family since 1950. We summer folks support local schools, give to local charities and we know how to behave ourselves. We love BBH, that’s why we have these properties here in BBH rather than in Las Vegas, NYC or even Kennebunkport.

I do not see us as any sort of threat to the community. I think a gentle request from the town to owners to be extra careful screening renters would suffice.

We summer residents really enjoy BBH because it is welcoming and feels like old-time America. I have often mentioned this to both year round locals and visitors. I don’t want to have to change my tune!

Terry Seaman

Boothbay Harbor