Dear Editor:

I am writing in response to the theatrics that I witnessed at the May 9 Boothbay Harbor Planning Board meeting. As a follow-up to their ad in last week’s paper titled “Another Option,” Susan and George Craig hi-jacked the first hour of the meeting. The Craigs read from a script covering a range of subjects that had nothing to do with the proposed East Side zoning changes. Their statements contained inaccuracies and demonstrated a complete lack of understanding about the impact of the East Side zoning proposal. Susan Craig attempted an emotional plea to thwart any East Side changes by claiming a need to protect maritime usage despite the statements to the contrary by Doug Carter and Tom Philbrick. George Craig droned on and on with a lengthy personal history, rambling and irrelevant anecdotes, berating all waterfront property owners; and finally a completely inappropriate, personal attack on Paul Coulombe.

While the idea of public waterfront access resonates with residents and visitors, the economics of converting highly coveted, private property to public green space is an obstacle that communities rarely overcome. Factually speaking, the East Side zoning proposal does not stop the Craigs from pursuing their dream. I wish them luck and ask them to cease wasting planning board time and take their idea to the selectmen’s meeting. Mr. Hamblin and the planning board have work to complete. The Craigs’ idea is no option but simply diversionary tactics rooted in personal acrimony that have no place in town government.

Patty Minerich

Boothbay Harbor