Community Vision

As I read the comments and the summary of the meeting, they seem to fall into two categories- things people personally like (water, quiet, etc.) and things people wish particularly for others- especially affordable housing and working waterfront. In reply to Doug Warren on raising the tax rate, I don't follow how that gets affordable housing- it could make living in Harpswell more expensive not less. In my opinion the large minimum lot size remains and the large minimum water frontage based on the neighbors are major barriers to affordable housing and preserving working waterfront,. Our family has three original lots with 80 foot water frontage each, which once would support three dwellings, but with a total acreage of just under one acre it is nonconforming for even one house (grandtathered in). Families can't divide property and let the kids build a house-- which goes against the other often mentioned goal of keeping young families in town.

Thanks!

The natural beauty, the pace of life, the people.

Thanks Doug for sharing your thoughts. What do you like best about Harpswell?

Affordable housing and town support for fire and rescue services are among my main concerns. I'd be willing to let go of the second-lowest tax rate in Cumberland County to address these and other pressing concerns. That will potentially alter the nature of the town, but that is already happening.

Share what's special to you about Harpswell with your fellow community members! You're also welcome to comment on other people's posts and start conversations.