letter to the editor

Let the residents vote

Mon, 07/23/2018 - 4:30pm

Dear Editor:

The situation regarding the east side of the harbor deserves a response. And because most impediments to the Advisory Work Group’s proposal for rezoning the area have been removed, perhaps it’s now time the city’s voters had their say on the matter. There’s no guarantee a rezoning will result in immediate improvement, but until the status of the east side properties are resolved, their continued deterioration is a given. This deterioration negatively affects prospects for tourism development and use of the harbor to everyone’s detriment.

The original zoning the harbor’s east side was made more than 30 years ago and is now antiquated, restricting new commerce and the types of development the area can now support. The purpose of good zoning is to ensure the best use of city lands to maximize their benefit to the citizenry.

On the other hand, when a neglected district starts to improve, showing signs of recovery and growth, it sets off a positive cycle as people begin to envision new possibilities and bring them to life. Civic pride and enthusiasm soon follow, and years of neglect could be swiftly overturned.

As the industry, infrastructure, and economic base of the harbor have all changed over the past years, rezoning this area to “mixed-use” makes sense and is supported by the studies, expert advice given to the Advisory Work Group, and public input. The entire package of recommendations should be put on the ballot and submitted to the voters for an up-or-down decision.

When people think of New England coastal towns, some imagine picturesque fishing villages, charming harbors, waterfront dining, and bed and breakfast inns. That could be what we present to the region and the voters deserve the opportunity express that desire. As the saying has it, “If you build it, they will come.” In this case, we need to make the building part a viable option. It’s time for a vote.

Thank you.

Joe Doyle

Boothbay Harbor