By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

Work is progressing on a new Comprehensive Plan, but new Community Development Director Nicole McKeith and Plan Task Force sees a need to seek more time to finalize the document.

McKeith sought, and was granted, a six-month extension. The town’s contract with its consultant, Berry-Dunn, runs to July 2025.

“We don’t need an extension for that,” McKeith said. “There’s a lot of work to be done. It’s a very heavy lift for the town and for the task force. We just need some more time to get it done and do it correctly.”

The original delivery date for a new plan was Dec. 11 of this year. The extension pushes that date to June 1, 2025. McKeith expects a draft ready for task force review early next year followed by several meetings and a public hearing. The plan would then land on the Select Board’s table, and finally moved to the November 2025 ballot for voter action. If it passes, the plan is then sent to state officials for review (compliance) and approval.

“Our goal is by the time it gets to the public hearing, there won’t be a lot of public comments. It might be new to the voters who haven’t been involved or have known about the public process, but we’re really hoping that with this extra extension and extra public engagement, there won’t be a lot of additional feedback,” McKeith added. “Hopefully, everybody will be very pleased with the final product.”

A “community engagement mailer” was recently sent to residents, and early response has been good. Some folks attended a recent land use workshop, while others ventured online utilizing the Comp Plan website to identify “preferences” and leaving comments.

Quarry concerns aired. On several occasions, June Sleeper and Debbie Ogle raised several concerns to planners about a proposed quarry operation filed by Rex Rolfe in West Bridgton.

They aired those concerns to the Select Board Tuesday night during the public participation segment.

Sleeper, who resides on Kezar Heights, questioned the appropriateness to place an industrial operation in a residential area with hundreds of homes.

Under current Land Use Codes, a quarry is an allowable use in this district. However, Sleeper suggested a moratorium be enacted to give the town time to research, consult “third party independent experts to ascertain the facts” and possibly change that designation.

“It would be due diligence for the town to be engaged in this kind of process,” Sleeper said. “We believe it (the quarry) is going to be extremely negative on the area and the residents that are there now. It’s going to change the whole way of life they have there. Their quality of life is going to be severely degraded. The quietness will disappear. The beauty is going to disappear.”

The Select Board can call for a moratorium, which would require a town vote. Town Manager Robert Peabody questioned whether enough time exists to get the question onto the November ballot, since absentee ballots will soon be available. He will also research whether a citizens’ petition calling for a moratorium is a viable legal path to follow at this time.

Code Enforcement Officer Brenda Day clarified that since the Planning Board has deemed Rolfe’s quarry application “as complete,” any moratorium would not affect that plan’s status.

Both Sleeper and Ogle spoke of the dangers related to silica dust and possible impacts of those already battling asthma and heart issues.

Ogle questioned whether adequate public notices was given regarding the project, which is still in the public hearing phase, which planners will take comment and information. The next meeting on the quarry is Sept. 18 at 5 p.m.

Ogle argued that courts have “already determined that proposals can be denied by the town simply based on the fact that they’re not in character with the location that they’re being placed.” She added, “This is a residential and recreational area…I’m 2,000 feet from where they are going to be blasting. It’s like having little earthquakes all year round. I’ve been told by realtors we can lose 50% of our property value as soon as this thing opens up.”

She asked if the Select Board is prepared to reduce property values if the quarry is approved. She noted the average price of homes in that area is $450,000.

“I want to know if anybody can do anything about it or if this is a done deal and the only way to do something is to file a class action suit,” she asked. “What do we have to do?”

Peabody responded, “You have to make those presentations to the planning board because they’re the appropriate body — they are the elected officials (charged with reviewing such projects).”

Plenty of interest. Generally, when the town seeks out volunteers to serve on a committee, less than a handful apply for the job.

Whether to hire a harbormaster and whether to create a mooring ordinance are two topics that are drawing plenty of interest.

Town Manager Bob Peabody reported that 12 individuals have applied to serve on a committee to research and make recommendations to the Select Board on these topics.

The committee will be composed of a Lakes Environmental Association rep, two from different lakefront associations and four from the general public. Colin Holme, executive director at LEA, is interested in serving, but how will the Select Board choose the remaining members?

Officials clarified that individuals from other lakefront associations will be considered for two seats, but if they fail to make the cut there, they will not be candidates for the general public seats. They would, however, be encouraged to attend meetings and offer input, but they would not be voting members.

Tom Carabine, who is the Denmark Planning Board chairman, has voiced interest in taking part in these discussions, as a liaison. However, he would not be placed on the committee as a voting member.

Peabody suggested the board hold a workshop to go over candidate applications. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 4 p.m., prior to the Select Board meeting. Applicants will be notified of the meeting and invited to attend.

How it works. Just how does code enforcement work? Brenda Day wants to give Bridgton Select Board members a clearer picture. Day proposed holding a workshop session to go over procedures, process, cases that are currently open, what roles Day’s assistant plays and what do local ordinances and state statutes require.

Board members responded, great idea.

The workshop will be held prior to the Sept. 24 board meeting at 4 p.m.