On Nov. 4, Harpswell will vote on several state and local issues, including a request to approve a new comprehensive plan for the town.
The plan has taken almost four years to develop. It is based on public input, the product of more than 50 task force meetings (all open to the public), three public hearings, three meetings with nonresident taxpayers, and dozens of smaller meetings with community groups at various locations throughout town. These meetings were supplemented by regular articles in the Harpswell Anchor explaining various aspects of the plan.
Since November 2021, when the Select Board established a Comprehensive Plan Task Force, 15 members of the public have served on the task force, most for the entire four-year period. Task force members represent a cross-section of the community, both geographically and in terms of relevant background and expertise. Members have come from the fishing, real estate, small-business and nonprofit sectors, while others are retirees with extensive planning and leadership experience.
While two topics attracted the most attention — affordable or attainable housing and future land use — 11 other priorities were addressed, providing a vision and road map for decision makers to follow for the next 10-15 years. In all, the plan contains more than 250 recommendations for the town and public to consider moving forward.
Following several public meetings earlier in the year, the plan was modified and submitted to the state in September. A state review is required to ensure the plan is consistent with state guidelines for comprehensive plans. The task force hopes Harpswell’s plan will meet this objective. Of note, the plan was accompanied by a request for an exemption from a state requirement to designate growth areas.
The Comprehensive Plan Task Force, which I chaired, recommends this updated plan, as does the Select Board. Why should the public support the plan? First, because towns with a certified comprehensive plan have access to significant state funding for a range of beneficial programs, and second, because it will help unify town decision-making and provide potential solutions to challenges the town will face in the years ahead.
The draft plan represents a substantial effort that captures the town’s goals in a balanced, thoughtful manner. Those wishing to review it prior to voting can find it on the town website at harpswell.maine.gov. Paper copies are available at the Town Office, the Cundy’s Harbor Library, and the Orr’s Island Library.
