Forty-one Boothbay residents gave a collective “thumbs up” on August 4 to the comprehensive planning committee’s update on its progress. The committee has spent the past 18 months preparing a new document filled with recommendations for managing the town’s future development and protecting its natural resources. This is town’s first attempt at updating  the plan since 1989. The committee gave its initial report on the new plan’s first four chapters last summer. 

On Monday, the committee presented Chapters 5 and 6 of the nine section document. Chapter 5 establishes proposed objectives about the local economy, population, housing, municipal facilities, recreation, open spaces, infrastructure, transportation, natural and marine resources, and education. Chapter 6 looks at land use issues. The chapter deals with how and where the town should grow and develop over the next decade. The chapter also proposes changes to the town’s zoning and land use regulations.

Mark Eyerman, a consultant with Planning Decisions in Portland, gave the public a brief overview of the 19 concepts presented in the two chapters. When Eyerman finished, he asked the public, “What gives you heartburn or concern.” The public seemingly answered in unison that they supported most of the concepts presented. Several residents stated their support for the proposal easing zoning restrictions on current non-conforming properties. The committee proposed this to allow businesses on non-conforming  properties to expand. The public also approved recommendations for preserving the town’s historic heritage and establishing more sidewalks and bicycle paths.

However, the public believed several recommendations could be improved. The participants requested the community use more specific language. The public believes specificity would enable municipal officials to better enforce the proposals.

One provision needing clarification pertained to allowing service stations in prohibited zones. One participant believed the recommendation restricted service stations to repairing vehicles and not selling fuel. While another believed the proposal had no such restrictions.

“That’s not the way it’s written,” said Planning Board member Fran McBrearty. “I think some of these recommendation need more specificity. The way this is written allows for all automotive services. And it doesn’t place any restrictions on gas or oil operations.”

Other residents liked proposals about attracting a younger population. The forum supported Concept No. 8  which alluded to making the community a more “vibrant, innovative environment.” However, the public felt the proposal’s statement lacked details. The concept states “the draft recognizes the importance of a quality educational system to the future of the town. It supports improving the schools and promoting its success.”

Several members indicated that the community needed to take a more active role in the educational system.

“We need to encourage more involvement in the school-system management,” said Comprehensive Planning Committee member Nathaniel Wing. “We like the concept, but we felt the proposed statement was rather weak.”

Eyerman said the forum was part of an on-going process. The community’s goal is to draft a plan that receives community support at the polls. Once Boothbay adopts an updated comprehensive plan, it makes the town eligible for state and federal grants. The committee hopes to finish its work in time for the November election. The committee meets twice a month in the municipal room. The committee’s next meet is at 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 18.