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.
A well-attended community meeting was held at the school. We heard many of the same comments from those in attendance, including comments that any proposal for housing should be in keeping with the nature of the town.
We prepared a report that included our findings and proposals. This was submitted to the Select Board and unanimously approved. As of this writing, the Affordable Housing Working Group’s report will not be included in the revised comprehensive plan, per the Comprehensive Plan Task Force, and it should be included.
Our report only includes general ideas for the town to consider once the plan is approved. Should our report be included in the comprehensive plan, it would provide a road map for development of needed housing.
Any development in Harpswell is difficult! Land is expensive; zoning restrictions on lot size preclude many types of development. Water and sewer issues need to be addressed. People’s concerns that large structures would be built here are unfounded. Without public water, there is no way the State Fire Marshal’s Office requirements for sprinkler systems could be met.
The comprehensive plan is a remarkable document that incorporates much more than just housing. The Comprehensive Plan Task Force has worked long and hard and should be commended. However, it is only a master plan. Voter approval will be needed before any implementation can take place.
I urge approval so Harpswell can move forward as a strong and vibrant place to live.
Steve Normand, Orr’s Island
Architect and developer
Member, Harpswell Housing Committee
