To the Editor:
This letter is to encourage a positive voter turn out on June 8. Not only are there important candidates to elect, deciding a DOT bond issue that potentially affects the Wiscasset waterfront is paramount.
Question 3, which I am referring to is one of a three part process necessary to flow federal dollars to Maine for much needed road, bridge, and port repair or reconstruction.
The first part passed as Question 6 last November.
Wiscasset has an active commercial waterfront, hosting 50-60 worm harvesters, 12 shellfish (clam and oyster) harvesters, one seaweed harvester, three mooring companies, three Maine Guides, two marine mechanics, four boat hauling companies, 11 lobster men, the US Coastguard, not to mention the activity of many recreational boaters, and the Wiscasset Yacht Club nearby.
The affect it would have on Wiscasset directly is a long overdue reconstruction of the commercial pier to update the working waterfront. The application is in process and is moving right along. Money set aside by voters and matched by the State has allowed Wiscasset to hire an engineering firm to draw up a suitable design. Monies for the construction of an approved design could be available, with town approval and statewide support of this DOT Bond, Question 3.
Further into the future, a BikePed Plan, by the Lincoln County Planning office, suggests a boardwalk connecting the downtown piers and wharf. This idea, prioritized by a survey of townspeople, is being taken into consideration by the commercial pier design. A separate plan to create necessary parking along the waterfront on Railroad Avenue, is also waiting to be followed up upon.
This is a very exciting opportunity for Wiscasset, however boardwalks, parking lots and piers don’t build themselves. The process is long and arduous.
A yes vote on Question # 3 is the next positive step. Attention to this issue is crucial to keep the ball rolling. A lot of leg work is already complete. There is obvious potential for Wiscasset. If we don’t pay attention and take advantage, another community surely will.
Let’s keep Wiscasset as the “Prettiest Village in Maine.”
Please vote yes on bond Question 3.
Susan Robson
Chair, Wiscasset Waterfront Committee
Wiscasset
