To the editor:
In the beginning I questioned the validity and accuracy of some of the statements of the Bristol Road Community Association, but initially did not comment because at first it seemed primarily a Damariscotta issue. But now the reach and goals of the citizens group have expanded well into the next town (mine) and I feel the need to answer their call for comments to the Maine Department of Transportation. This is, in fact, my written comment to the DOT, shared with the concerned citizens through the vehicle of The Lincoln County News.
First let me say that I respect the concerns and substantial interest of those who live in the immediate area of Bristol Road (Route 130). Their concerns for safety, noise, convenience, and ambiance are completely understandable. Those concerns have been effectively communicated by the group, so the fact that I do not restate them here should not be seen as a lack of respect or recognition of genuine concerns.
However, the expansion of the goals of the group compel me to make several points that I hope will be considered on the other side of the discussion. Route 130 is a state road and provides the only link between the towns of Bristol and South Bristol to Damariscotta and beyond.
Route 130 was never intended to be a neighborhood street. Its purpose has never changed and its existence predates the self-proclaimed neighborhood now complaining. It could be said that residents of Bristol and South Bristol, commuters, tourists, and commercial vendors have a greater claim to the use of the road from Hanley’s Corner to Damariscotta because we depend on it and use more of it than the residents of Damariscotta. Many of us travel the full length of the road daily.
One of the stated goals of the Bristol Road Community Association has been to reduce speed limits. In my opinion, the existing speed limits are entirely appropriate to the purpose of the road and reducing them would be an unnecessary and even unfair imposition on the primary users. If speeds are excessive, Damariscotta residents should discuss enforcement with their police department. Speed limits should not be artificially reduced in the absence of enforcement.
My personal, though anecdotal, observation is that speed limits are mostly adhered to. At the risk of being facetious, the current poor condition of the road acts as an extended speed bump and imposes its own limits on potential speeders.
I agree completely with the group about the need to improve and repair this neglected road. Perhaps when that happens, the group’s complaints about speed will become more of an enforcement issue, but will not change the appropriateness of the present speed limits.
To summarize, I ask the Maine DOT not to reduce the present speed limits while encouraging it to make the repairs necessary to make it safe and hazard-free.
