Damariscotta’s engineering contractor estimates Phase I of the implementation of the Damariscotta Shore and Harbor Master Plan will cost $900,000.
The “rehabilitation” of the municipal parking lot, at $500,000, accounts for more than half of the figure. Storm water infrastructure improvements, relocation of overhead utilities underground, replacement of private sewer service pipes or “laterals” and water and sewer service for future public restrooms round out the project.
A handful of residents attended an Oct. 19 public hearing on the project before the Damariscotta Board of Selectmen.
A $20,000 grant, with $5000 in municipal matching funds, paid for Wright-Pierce to engineer the project. The Topsham firm estimates the cost for full implementation of the master plan, including the construction of a $4,000,000 “multi-modal facility” to include a bus stop, parking, restrooms and other amenities, at $7.4 million.
Wright-Pierce landscape architect Travis Pryor presented the firm’s work at the beginning of the hearing. Following the presentation, Pryor opened the floor to questions and comments, specifically requesting input on the location of public restrooms.
The town seems to have narrowed the possibilities to two – the Great Salt Bay Sanitary District pump station adjacent to the town landing and the present location of Bruce Soule’s barbershop.
During the public process leading to the creation of the plan, Damariscotta Planning and Advisory Committee Chairwoman Robin Mayer said residents objected to the town landing site.
The residents expressed concern about a structure’s impact on the view from existing buildings and the site’s location at the far side of the municipal parking lot.
The concern, Mayer said, was that “folks that are shopping in town would not walk that far to use the facilities and instead would continue to use the stores that they use today.”
The participants preferred something “as close to the town center as possible,” Mayer said.
Rick Hirsch, co-owner of the Damariscotta River Grill, said the barber’s shop building is for sale. “It really is a great location,” he said.
Pryor fielded a number of questions on other topics. The rehabilitation of the parking lot will not result in the creation of more (or less) parking spaces, he said, and the trailer parking, near the town landing, “is being left alone.”
The drainage improvements will include the installation of duck bill-style valves. The valves automatically close to prevent tidal backflow through storm drains, which currently create flooding in some areas of the municipal parking lot.
A second public hearing will follow at a date to be determined. The town has not established a timeline for construction to begin.
