Dear Editor:

The east side of beautiful Boothbay Harbor has an opportunity for improved prosperity. While some citizens have expressed doubt and concern, I am one of many who sees this opportunity as a positive step toward a better future for the community.

No doubt, the prospect of change evokes emotions, particularly when we don’t arm ourselves with facts. The town and school populations are declining. Families are pulling up roots, seeing few opportunities to build a future. The community hospital is now an urgent care center. Any community must admit that what was once good and wonderful about its past will be lost in the future unless change happens to stem the tide of decline.

Boothbay Harbor must move beyond what the town was like 30 years ago and embrace what can the town be like in 10 or 20 years. How much more decline will this community endure if you fail to act? Boothbay Harbor is at a “critical juncture,” as Friends of the Harbor rightly pointed out. With Boothbay Harbor’s storied connection to the sea, no one will argue that time and tide wait for no man. 

Recent investments yielded a world class botanical gardens, outstanding golf course, and improved roadways. Boothbay Harbor enjoys a foothold in the important commercial fishing and recreational boating industries, a natural and beautiful harbor, and proximity to population centers – all ideal advantages over tourist destinations further down east.  

Tourists, the area’s number one industry, are willing to spend their hard-earned dollars in Boothbay Harbor, and the community should actively market to tourists across the full economic spectrum. Ramping up sustainable activity on the east side with tasteful new residences, well-appointed and attractive accommodations, eateries and other small businesses will augment existing amenities and complement the vibrant activity enjoyed on the west side of the harbor.

Pass changes to zoning ordinances that stimulate economic activity and job growth to retain working-class families and give hope to the community’s youth that they can build their lives and livelihoods here and prosper in their hometown. Don’t deny the youth of Boothbay Harbor this opportunity.

Tom Shannon

Southport