Close to 60 people attended a meeting at Great Salt Bay School Tuesday night to hear the final presentation of the Damariscotta Heart and Soul Design Charrette.
Tuesday night’s meeting was the culmination of close to two years of visioning work for the town, during which community members shared input about their hopes and dreams for the future of Damariscotta, particularly around issues of growth and development.
Key topics discussed were preserving the character of the downtown area, increasing both parking and green space, slowing traffic on Bus. Rt. 1, and increasing pedestrian and bicycle access throughout town.
Attendees received copies of the 152-page charrette report, which presented a draft vision statement for the town, based on input from the approximately 400 people who have participated in the charrette process since 2008.
The report was developed in partnership with the town, Friends of Midcoast Maine, The Orton Family Foundation, and B. Dennis Town Design. It was detailed enough that things like downtown bicycle racks were mentioned, not just as a general idea, but with specific proposed locations mapped out.
Other specifics included public restrooms, building a curb around the side of King Eider’s Pub, and tackling several problematic intersections.
The report was presented in three sections, with recommendations for downtown tackled first, and later, for upper Main Street.
After each report section was presented, small groups discussed their reactions, and informal check-ins with several groups indicated several trends.
There seemed to be almost universal support for recommendations related to increased pedestrian and bike access, as well as for creating green spaces, particularly in the downtown area.
One suggestion that got mixed reviews was a downtown hotel and parking garage. Life-long Damariscotta resident Mary Trescot was concerned about suggestions for increasing parking in the town’s back lot, while Mal Gormley was concerned about preserving truck, school bus, and emergency vehicle access.
Overall, though, reaction seemed to be mostly positive. Most of the actual work toward the goals will require further town input, possible ordinance changes, and votes.
Copies of the full charrette report are available at the town office, Skidompha Library, or by visiting the Town of Damariscotta’s website.
