Community Characteristics
What characteristics are important to you in a community? This could be related to physical characteristics, services, sense of place, travel/entertainment options, sense of community, etc.
Do these apply to Harpswell? What is special or unique about Harpswell?
Allan LeGrow Mon 28 Nov 2022 10:36PM
Harpswell is at a crossroads; it is becoming a prime retirement location for many successful individuals from surrounding states, but at the same time, remains a pastoral, rural community with deep roots to the fishing industry. Blending expectations from both groups is a major challenge.
Amy Haible Sat 19 Nov 2022 10:12PM
Harpswell has a unique sense of place, and unique sense of "belonging" among citizens. This is changing as "new" people move in, although I've found most of my "new" neighbors very eager to fit in and contribute. On the other hand, many of these new residents don't have knowledge about Harpswell's fishing community, and its place in our history. Some want all the conveniences of a suburban community without understanding that part of what makes Harpswell, Harpswell, is that we "do" for each other and ourselves. For example, during the last big snowstorm when we lost power everywhere, our VOLUNTEER fire and rescue worked tirelessly to help clear roads, maintain safely and get power back. Our town leaders went door-to-door to check on people. We KNOW each other here. We will risk losing that if we grow too fast or too big.
David I Chipman · Thu 9 Mar 2023 9:27PM
Whatever we do we need to preserve our sense of community, our caring for each other and our neighborly bonds. These things are what have made Harpswell what it is and has created a great place to live.