The town hosted a meeting July 7 at Harpswell Community School for nonresident taxpayers to ask questions about the draft comprehensive plan, an ongoing townwide property revaluation and other issues.
Select Board Chair Kevin Johnson told the meeting’s roughly 75 attendees that Harpswell is almost split down the middle between resident and nonresident property owners. About 2,200 parcels are owned by nonresidents, while 2,800 are owned by people who claim Harpswell as their primary residence. “It’s basically 44% to 56%,” Johnson said.
The meeting kicked off with an update on the town’s efforts to place a new comprehensive plan before voters on Nov. 4. The process of updating the plan has stretched nearly four years, said Comprehensive Plan Task Force Chair Allan “Al” LeGrow.
The plan covers a wide range of issues that could affect Harpswell’s future, including land use, housing, economic development and environmental stewardship. LeGrow said the task force has stripped out a few recommendations intended to promote housing affordability after some residents objected.
LeGrow told attendees that approving the plan, which nonresidents can’t vote on, would help protect their property values. A public hearing on the revised plan is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16, at the Community School.
Attendees also asked questions about Harpswell’s property revaluation. In September, the town chose Massachusetts-based Vision Government Solutions to conduct Harpswell’s first full revaluation in two decades, in concert with the town’s assessing department.
Town Assessing Agent Debbie Turner said Vision’s field inspectors are trying to conduct as many interior inspections as possible while nonresidents are in town for the summer. While not required, in-home inspections contribute to a more accurate revaluation, she said.
“If you’re only here for a short time, contact us to schedule a visit,” Turner said.
