Dear Editor:

I find it very disheartening that so many people in this community have decided that the Boothbay Harbor select and planning boards are “the bad guys” regarding the possible east side ordinance changes. Many of the “People for Positive Change” group were not in attendance at the special planning board workshop meeting in November when this was first discussed, yet some were quick to believe one side of the issues without hearing the other.

It appears to me that the main issue is not that change isn’t wanted, it’s how change is accomplished and who will benefit. Any change should be put through the proper channels with input from all members of the community and a clear understanding of how the changes will help our community as a whole.

It’s been stated that new restaurants and hotels will bring more year-round tourism to the area and year-round jobs. Really? In February?

Another proposed “improvement” will result in residential housing in the middle of the working waterfront. This would probably bring people who spend a few months here, who would not have children in the school system, who would be the first to complain about the noise from lobster boats at 4:30 a.m., the smell of bait and the noise from local restaurants. Why build housing on our unique waterfront land when it can be built anywhere? There is much that needs to be improved upon on the east side, such as a safe walkway and public access to the water.

What the town really needs is to bring year-round jobs and opportunities to the area outside of tourism. Why not think about a community college with special programs for culinary arts, hospitality, marine resources, etc? Imagine if there were dormitories, where summer workers would have rooms. This might really boost the economy, bring more year-round people, keep our young people here, and grow the school population. Endless possibilities!

Keeping an open mind is necessary. Let’s let the town officials do their job to the best of their ability and be respectful of the time and dedication they bring, for little or no compensation.

They only want what’s best for the whole community.

Monica Kantor

Boothbay Harbor