Residents of Wiscasset and Edgecomb expressed confusion, alarm and indignation, at a public meeting at the Wiscasset Middle School June 22 regarding the recent selection of N8c as the likely route for a Rt. 1 bypass around Wiscasset.
The meeting followed the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) announced selection of N8c as the Least Environmentally Damaging Practicable Alternative (LEDPA) for a bypass.
Some of the attendees own property in the path of route N8c and many appeared to favor a “no build” alternative.
Jay Clement, a Senior Project Manager with Army Corps of Engineers, explained that, from the government’s perspective, “social impacts cannot trump or outweigh the environmental impacts,” including impacts on the Sheepscot River and nearby streams, wetlands, vernal pools and deer wintering areas.
During a recent period of public comment, Clement said, ACE received 24 letters in favor of route N8c, 2 for N2f, 21 for N2a, 18 for “no build,” and six for “don’t care or other comments.” Clement reaffirmed, however, that the Corps’ decision-making process was “by no means a popularity contest.”
Clement acknowledged that the Corps’ decision differed from that of Maine Dept. of Transportation. “Usually that endpoint is a common one. In this case, it is not,” he said. DOT initially recommended route N2a.
Ken Schuler voiced the most strident criticism of the Corps’ decision. “This is the stupidest thing I’ve ever seen,” Schuler said. “I don’t believe anything you’ve said. In the end, whoever makes the most money off this bridge, I’ll know who you were dealing with.”
“Your government agency is still so concerned with the quality of our water, how about removing that nuclear waste like you promised?” Schuler asked.
Matthew Gordon said the “no build” option would have the least environmental impact. Gordon, with his wife, Deanna Gordon, owns Gordon Properties, a real estate company. According to Deanna Gordon, the Gordons not only live in the path of route N8c (in Wiscasset subdivision Bayview Heights), they also have a number of clients who would be affected.
Clement said the “no build” option is “not off the table by any means… even with a LEDPA, it doesn’t mean we’ll issue a permit.”
Gerry Audibert of DOT gave an overview of N8c. The audience asked several questions about the route’s implementation in Wiscasset. Audibert expressed confusion regarding the location of various entrances, exits, ramps and intersections, but said the DOT and the public will work out the finer points of design as the project progresses.
Audibert and DOT consultant Carol Morris contradicted Clement’s claim that the no build option remains viable.
“The purpose of the study is to reduce congestion,” Morris said. The no build option would not serve that purpose, she said.
“The plan today is to move forward with the N8c plan,” Audibert said.
Margaret Schuler said route N8c was inefficient. “This would be akin to [the Damariscotta/Newcastle bypass] coming in on top of Yellowfront instead of going all the way around,” she said.
Ron Lupton asked the DOT to provide a map with superimposed images of existing structures. Several people present complained about the lack of clarity in maps on the DOT’s website.
Audibert assured those present that “There will be a whole series of public meetings once we get into design.”
Audibert also addressed financial concerns. “This will not be affordable in our routine programming,” he said. “We will need to look for special sources of funding.”
Audibert drew scornful laughter when he said, “We’re looking at a 25-year plan here for full build-out.” He corrected himself moments later. “The plan is to address needs for 25 years,” he said. The DOT does, however, “expect this to be a fairly long-term project,” he said.
Other questions revolved around route N8c’s capacity. Ed Hanscom heads Transportation Analysis for the state. “The bypass is designed to handle 30,000 cars a day,” he said. Currently, during summer, car counts along Rt. 1 approach 25,000 a day, he said.
Residents were eager to hear about property acquisition. “At what point will there be a concrete list of properties that will be taken,” asked John Blagdon.
Blagdon, who said his home stands in the way of route N8c, said he intends to enlist others in similar situations to fight the DOT. “Back when I was a selectman there were 32 houses that were going to be taken,” Blagdon said. “I want that list of people so I can mobilize those people. I think we’ll fare a lot better as a group.”
DOT representative Bill Pulver said some residents have already contacted the state to arrange the sale of their property.
Scott Avore, DOT Chief Property Officer, made a presentation about property acquisition. Hardship cases will get priority, he said. Owners will receive fair market value and have recourse to contest the DOT’s appraisal of that value.
“We’re required to find you a comparable home that’s decent, safe and sanitary,” Avore said. If the amount MDOT pays for a property isn’t enough to place the owners in such a home, they’ll supplement that amount, he said.
Currently, only about $2.5 million is available statewide for property acquisition, Avore said. The funds will allow MDOT to start the process, but more funds will not be available until the 2012-2013 fiscal year, he said.
In response to questions about visual and aural impacts to property value caused by proximity to the bypass, Avore said, “If we have no acquisition on your property, generally there’s no consideration… noise abatement is generally part of the Environmental Impact Statement.”
