‘I’m good now’

I believe I know my place in Harpswell: alien/not from here. That said, I have had the good fortune of being part of the town's Affordable Housing Working Group and providing the group's report, which has been approved by the Select Board, to the Comprehensive Plan Task Force.

As members of the Affordable Housing Working Group, we met with community members at locations throughout Harpswell. The most common sentiment was that housing is needed at several moderate price points: housing for young families who wish to put down roots; year-round housing for the fishing, hospitality and public service sectors; and opportunities for older residents to downsize.

I am writing regarding the proposed additional fire station. What may not be fully appreciated are the trends, identified more than 10 years ago, that have led the town to face the reality that a new station is the most practical, economic and flexible solution to a problem that threatens to leave the town with an inadequate response to a structure fire, major accident or wildfire. These risks are significant and cannot be wished or studied away.

Thank you to the eight or more good Samaritans who stopped to help me get back up after I fell to the ground on Aug. 31 at my oceanside cottage on Bailey Island. I only remember one name: Mindy. Thanks to all of you for stopping by!