I am a former member of the Comprehensive Plan Task Force who needed to resign when the work carried on more than a year after it was intended to be completed.
The community identified three major concerns: working waterfront, housing and water.
The conversation around attainable housing appears clouded by misconceptions, particularly the false narrative that an apartment complex would be built. Housing discussions should be rooted in facts, not fear. I urge you to read the “Housing for Harpswell” report on the town website. Get the facts instead of believing misinformation colored by other people’s fears.
The Affordable Housing Working Group engaged in extensive discussions and research to propose practical, community-driven solutions. They tailored their recommendations to fit Harpswell’s unique needs, including zoning modifications to allow for gentle density increases, incentives for homeowners to create accessory dwelling units, and public-private partnerships to develop attainable homeownership opportunities. These strategies aim to ensure that our town remains accessible to individuals and families of varying income levels while preserving Harpswell’s character — a far cry from the developments that have fueled unnecessary fear and opposition.
When attainable housing is not available, the result is increased gentrification, pricing out longtime residents and limiting opportunities for new families to settle here. The Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association has continued to address gentrification of the working waterfront. Without action, Harpswell will be accessible only to those with significant means. A thriving community depends on a broad range of housing choices — townhomes, duplexes, accessory dwelling units, and other creative solutions that allow for incremental growth without drastically altering the landscape.
Attainable housing is about ensuring that teachers, service workers, fishermen, young professionals, and retirees can all continue to call this town home. It is incumbent upon us as a community to support solutions that address our housing needs.
Julie Moulton, Harpswell
