To the editor:
On behalf of the trustees, administration, and staff of LincolnHealth, I’m writing today to express our full and enthusiastic support for the No More Delays campaign in Damariscotta. This citizen-initiated effort was created to strongly encourage state leaders to make the completion of the Bristol Road sidewalk project (between downtown Damariscotta and the LincolnHealth Miles Campus) a priority.
Since the town voted to set aside funds to complete this project in 2013, it has unfortunately experienced a few delays. Individuals who live in downtown Damariscotta (who need health care services), residents who live along the Bristol Road, and residents on the Miles Campus are anxious to see its completion. We expect traffic to our campus will only increase when our new, outpatient health center opens this summer.
In addition to the patients we serve at the hospital, the LincolnHealth – Miles Campus is home to about 173 residents who live in our retirement community, assisted living, skilled care, and long-term care facilities. We are the largest employer in Lincoln County, and whenever possible, we strongly encourage our residents and employees to get the exercise they need to get and stay healthy. This project will not only improve access to our facilities from town, it will be a great resource for our residents, visitors, and employees.
While the project is currently in the right-of-way phase and is expected to be completed in 2019, we are concerned that further delays are a very real possibility. We also understand that the Maine Department of Transportation has many priorities and limited funds. That’s why we want everyone to know that we consider this project a priority for our community and our organization, and we hope it will receive a level of attention that will see it to its completion in 2019.
Jim Donovan, Newcastle
President and CEO, LincolnHealth
