I am writing as a member of the Mitchell Field Committee and as a frequent volunteer for ongoing maintenance projects and events at the field. I wholeheartedly support the 2024 special November Town Meeting warrant regarding proposed funding for the boat launch at Mitchell Field and encourage a yes vote.
While it is unfortunate that we must issue bonds for such a large amount, doing so will permit us to complete the construction of an essential piece of the town’s infrastructure that will serve town taxpayers, residents and nonresidents alike, after more than a decade of planning and many setbacks.
The boat launch at Mitchell Field will be the most effective launch and marine support system in the town of Harpswell and the only all-tide launch in the town. It will serve commercial fishermen, commercial boat haulers, and private recreational boaters, whether those with moorings at Mitchell Field or day-trippers. Commercial fishermen and boat haulers have told the Mitchell Field Committee that they need and want to get the boat launch built and operational.
Had the launch been in place earlier this year when the devastating storms did such damage to waterfront properties and enterprises, those who needed to quickly haul boats onto shore for safekeeping would have had a first-class site to do so regardless of tide, and countless hours would have been saved by many boaters in getting their boats secured from the storm.
Vote yes!
Mose Price, Harpswell Neck
