Residents expressed skepticism about the validity of the Route 27 Redevelopment Plan during the May 11 Boothbay selectmen’s meeting. The plan includes a roundabout located between the municipal building and Boothbay Common for improving traffic flow along Route 27.  Southport businessman and Boothbay Harbor Country Club owner Paul Coulombe who also owns several properties along the Common paid for the study.

Boothbay resident Bruce MacDonald said he was a “skeptical optimist” about the proposal, but he believed the study didn’t explain why the roundabout was needed. He also preferred the information come from an independent source.

Another Boothbay resident agreed. Fred Kaplan questioned Maine Department of Transportation’s State Traffic Engineer Steve Landry why the roundabout proposal is being debated so soon after a similar proposal was rejected. In 2014, Boothbay voters rejected a proposed roundabout at a different location.

Kaplan also challenged DOT consultant Mark Lenters’ study which concluded a roundabout was the best traffic control method for maintaining traffic flow and safety along Route 27.

“It’s a pre-cooked decision. I’m skeptical of the findings because I don’t see any figures about accidents at the four-way stop in the report,” Kaplan said.

Earlier in the meeting, a resident urged the selectmen to fund their own study. Landry advised another consultant would likely deliver the same findings. This resulted in the resident asking who is paying for the consultant. Landry answered, “Mr. Coulombe.”

The third informational session’s intent was to explain the project’s financing. The selectmen are considering entering into a Business Partnership Initiative with the DOT to improve Route 27 traffic flow. The plan has an estimated $3.3 million price. The state would pay $1million. The town would pay $1.15 million and Coulombe would pay $1.15 million.

But the forum quickly descended into roundabout supporters and detractors monopolizing most of the 95-minute meeting. East Boothbay resident Pete Ripley is a former planning board member and worked on the original comprehensive planning committee. He believes the roundabout is essential for the Boothbay region’s economic development. He said the Corey Lane four-stop intersection has been a safety and traffic flow problem for years.

He likened the community’s opposition to when a bicycle path along Ocean Point was suggested during the 1980s.

“This is a great opportunity for the community that doesn’t often come around,” he said. “This discussion reminds me when (former Boothbay town manager) Russ Peplaw suggested the bike path. Who’d want a bike path out to Ocean Point? Everybody asked, but looking back, it was a pretty good idea.”

Ripley is concerned Boothbay’s economy can’t continue as a retirement community. He believes the roundabout is part of an overall plan toward economic development which will attract more businesses and a younger population.

The forum began discussing how the Route 27 Redevelopment Plan would be financed. Town Manager Dan Bryer explained a $1 million to $1.5 million bond for 20 years would pay for Boothbay’s portion. The selectmen are proposing using tax increment funds for making the annual payment. The TIF district includes Boothbay Harbor Country Club, Route 27 and Industrial Park.

Bryer assured residents the TIF district could easily fund the town’s portion. The third portion would come from a private source. Coulombe has already committed to paying $1.15 million.

Coulombe has also entered into a land swap agreement with the Boothbay Region Ambulance Service. Coulombe would receive the property where the service is located. He would build a modern facility on a new parcel. 

Selectman Dale Harmon said the BRAS-Coulombe deal is not contingent upon the town approving the roundabout.

Selectmen will explore pursuing entering into a BPI (Business Partnership Initiative) agreement during their next meeting. Any agreement would need voter approval. Selectman Steve Lewis estimated November is the earliest a vote would occur. The selectmen’s actions won’t commit the town to participating in the project. If the selectmen don’t enter into an agreement, the town risks losing the money to another community.

Landry said the decision lies ultimately with the voters.

“If the people don’t want it, then it’s over,” he said.

The selectmen will meet next at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25 at an undetermined location, according to Bryer.