On Nov. 14, the Harpswell Comprehensive Plan Task Force held a public meeting at Harpswell Community School to gather comments on current land use standards and potential changes for the future. The meeting supplemented an earlier meeting on land use held in October.
A number of specific issues were discussed, including:
– Are current lot size requirements (40,000 square feet for a single lot outside the shoreland zone, 80,000 square feet for subdivision lots) still appropriate, given the perceived need for more affordable housing?
– Are current patterns of development consistent with future goals? Should development be curtailed in any area or areas?
– Do existing development restrictions in Commercial Fisheries Zones 1 and 2 still seem reasonable or should they be modified?
– Finally, should commercial development be allowed anywhere outside the shoreland zone, as currently permitted?
The input collected will help the task force refine land use goals, policies and strategies in the coming weeks as it continues to solidify the comprehensive plan, which is scheduled to be voted on at the annual town meeting in March 2024.
In the meantime, the community can participate in task force meetings on Dec. 13 and 27, held at 6 p.m. at the Town Office. Community members also may contribute to the discussion by going to the town website and navigating to the comprehensive plan hub, or delivering input to the Town Office in person.
The draft vision statement for the plan reads as follows: “In Harpswell, we cherish our rural roots, our flourishing fishing community, and the remarkable natural resources that surround us. We are committed to being a community that is a welcoming place to raise children and enjoy life as an older adult, where businesses can thrive, and everyone has access to our vibrant waterfront.”
