Mark your calendar for the upcoming public engagement meetings. This is another opportunity for you to provide input in this important process as we plan for the future of our town. The four recurring themes emerging from the data gathered so far – village/downtown area enhancements; bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure; recreation opportunities; and housing – will be grouped into three interactive meetings.
A meeting titled “What Makes a Thriving Village?” will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 16 at Skidompha Public Library in Porter Hall.
“Housing Issues and Opportunities” will take place at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 25 in the Damariscotta town office meeting room.
Finally, “Active Living,” which will involve discussion about bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and recreation, will take place at 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 9 at the Coastal Rivers Denny Conservation and Education Center at Round Top Farm.
Data and background information on each topic will be shared, including results from the recent community survey and other public outreach events. Then we will divide into small groups to provide more detailed comments and feedback. All in attendance will have an opportunity to share their ideas and voice their concerns related to the topic being discussed.
The first meeting on Oct. 17 will be focused on the village/downtown area, including topics such as streetscape improvements, attracting and retaining small businesses, addressing parking needs, creating a downtown that is inviting and a place that people want to spend time, and increasing arts and cultural amenities.
More than that, we are interested in hearing what constitutes a thriving village in your mind. Does Damariscotta have those amenities? What might be our downtown’s strengths and weaknesses? We are listening and want to hear from you.
And don’t forget to share your photos! We are inviting community members to submit their favorite images of Damariscotta for use in the updated comprehensive plan. Our goal is to collect photos of your favorite places in Damariscotta to highlight all that makes Damariscotta a special place to live, work, and play. Submit your high-quality images/photos via the link on the town of Damariscotta’s website in the “News” tab.
There are multiple ways to stay up to date with the comprehensive plan committee’s progress and future public engagement events. Subscribe to the town of Damariscotta e-newsletter. Watch for Public Notices from the Town of Damariscotta. Follow updates here in The Lincoln County News. Check out the comp plan project website at bit.ly/damacompplan.
The comprehensive plan will provide a new, shared vision for the community for the next 10 years, and provide policy guidance on a wide variety of topics, including housing, natural and historic resources, economic development, recreation, transportation, and more. It will also guide future budgeting decisions.
A draft of the document is expected to be released for public review, comment, and feedback in the spring of 2024.
