When I first joined the Comprehensive Plan Task Force, I was excited to help shape Harpswell’s future, particularly by ensuring the working waterfront and commercial fishing were prioritized. However, early meetings were disorganized, lacked a clear timeline and had minimal outreach efforts. Frustrated, I eventually left the committee, but I was glad to see two fishermen step up and engage, and they’ve done a great job.
Unfortunately, the plan still suffers from a lack of process, transparency and organization. Despite my initial involvement and continued attention, much of the plan remains unclear to me.
A comprehensive plan is an opportunity to plan for Harpswell’s future — and it’s been squandered. One selectman even dismissed it, saying, “It’s just going to sit on a shelf anyway.”
If we’re going to do this, it should be done right. This plan hasn’t been. (And, if it’s just going to sit on a shelf, why did we spend $93,000 on a consultant?)
I encourage Harpswell residents to read the plan carefully. We can do better.
Monique Coombs, Orr’s Island
