Dear Editor:

Much of the talk concerning the changes for Boothbay Common and the Center appear to be premised with the idea “build it, pave it, develop it, gate it, jobs and prosperity will come.”

No where have any economic returns been provided to support the expenditure of 1.5 million dollars of taxpayers’ moneys. The whole plan was developed with the self interest of one private person and no input from taxpayers until after the fact.

Yes, sidewalks and bicycle lanes are nice but as part of the grand scheme proposed, there will be very little gained economically or socially. Route 27 is hardly a place to take a walk! Traffic is heavy, exhaust from trucks and cars are hardly what visitors to the region come here for. As negative as it sounds, we don’t walk anymore. Besides, why would anyone trade the smells of the forest and salt air for burnt diesel fuel and gas. We are lucky to have hundreds of acres preserved with mile of trails for walking both along the shore and forested tracts adding to the enjoyment of the region.

People should carefully view the available drawings online for the subtle changes not easily seen in the proposed traffic plan and “new” Boothbay Center.

Careful viewing reveals one Boothbay Center landmark losing all of its Route 27 parking. Furthermore, a median will prohibit left hand turns in that business.

Further study reveals head on parking along Common Drive, which will reduce the size of the Common. Also, making Common Drive two way traffic will impact the area of the Common even more. Between two lanes of traffic and head on parking, some 20-plus feet along one whole side of the Common will become asphalt. Again, do we need more asphalt sidewalks cutting up the Common? Grass is much softer and more environmentally friendly.

It is interesting to note that lack of housing, and the high cost of rentals, are detriments to the region’s growth. How ironic that at least five or six rental units have been purchased or will have been bulldozed. Are there any plans made to replace the lost housing?

Finally, I wonder how many local contractors have shared in the massive development. I can only think of one.

Cyrus Lauriat

Boothbay