Harpswell voters will decide whether to update the town’s floodplain management ordinance, approve a handful of ordinance amendments, and authorize the rebuilding of a commercial wharf at a special Town Meeting set for 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 15.
Voters will be asked to decide on five articles at the meeting in the Harpswell Community School gymnasium, including three proposed land use ordinance changes intended to create more housing options for residents:
- A proposed repeal of Harpswell’s current floodplain management ordinance and adoption of a new ordinance that incorporates updated flood insurance rate maps. Passage would allow the town to remain eligible for federal flood insurance and disaster relief.
- A proposal to authorize a multiyear lease with Francis Bichrest for a commercial wharf on town property on Holbrook Street in Cundy’s Harbor. Passage would enable a wharf destroyed by recent storms to be rebuilt.
- A proposal to allow any single-unit residential lot owner to add an accessory dwelling unit without having to meet the minimum lot size per dwelling unit, provided that it meets certain standards.
- A proposal to allow existing single-family homes in non-shoreland areas to be converted into two dwelling units, subject to certain limitations.
- A proposal to allow the town’s Code Enforcement Office to retain outside help to oversee the construction of larger projects.
More information is available on the town’s website at harpswell.maine.gov.
