Browsing Category

Letters

240 posts

Striper population falling fast

The striper tourney postponement because of a lack of fish ("PTO reschedules inaugural striper tournament after anglers strike out," June 20, harpswellanchor.org) is a sad state of affairs, but the reasons an organizer gave for lack of stripers are incorrect.

The value of compromise

Kudos to the Comprehensive Plan Task Force for their hard work. At their public meetings, they have listened to Harpswell citizens and continued to tweak the plan to reflect feedback.

More than just housing

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 better option than demolition

In 2022, the Mitchell Field Committee conducted a survey of more than 500 residents, which found that more than 55% were in favor of repairing and repurposing the administration building. The town commissioned the Midcoast Council of Governments to review the evidence and produce recommendations for the future of the building. After confirming that the building is structurally sound, the organization conducted a series of interviews and workshops. Finding a high level of support, it recommended inviting nonprofits to submit proposals to repurpose the building.

Chance to create valuable asset

Having listened to both sides of the ballot question about the building at Mitchell Field, I think I understand the merits of both sides. I urge a no vote to allow the group of interested citizens a chance to create a valuable asset for the future of Harpswell.

Give the repurposing group time

If you are one of the hundreds and hundreds of people who enjoy times at Mitchell Field throughout the year (summer bandstand series, bike riding, hiking, dog walking, swimming, snowshoeing), we urge you to vote no on June 10 for the ballot question concerning the demolition of the Mitchell Field administration building.

Free up the waterfront

On June 10, the voters of Harpswell have the opportunity to weigh in on whether the administration building — the large, Cold War-era building at the Mitchell Field waterfront — should finally be removed. The question on the secret ballot calls for the removal of hazardous materials in the building, including lead, asbestos, arsenic, PCBs and other toxins, before demolishing the building and hauling away the debris.

Thank you for your interest in receiving emails from the Harpswell Anchor! It may take a couple days for you to start receiving emails. If you have any questions, please contact info@harpswellanchor.org.

Sign up to receive email updates from the Anchor

← Back

Thank you!

Thank you for your interest in receiving emails from the Harpswell Anchor! It may take a couple days for you to start receiving emails. If you have any questions, please contact info@harpswellanchor.org.