By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

NAPLES — This year, serving on the Naples Planning Board has grabbed the interest of more people than there are available seats.

There will be three people competing for two seats.

The two incumbents are Robert Fogg and Martina Witts.

Jason DiTucci is a newcomer to local boards. However, during his 44 years of life, he has lived in New England and been connected to the Lake Region through various family members. DiTucci has five biological children and has helped to raise other children. Four of his children are enrolled in the Lake Region school district.

“My strong connections and belief in our great community is what led me to the decision to run in this election,” DiTucci said.

Robert Fogg, age 64, has lived in or near Naples for his entire life. He and his wife Christy have been married for 47 years. The couple has two children and three grandchildren.

Fogg has been the president of Q-Team Tree Service for 39 years. The business in based in Naples. A portion of the property is being used to generate solar energy.

Witts has a 60-plus year connection to the Lake Region, starting when her parents brought the family to the area to camp, sail and hike. These activities instilled in her a respect and love for this part of Maine.

Witts earned a bachelor’s degree in Art (BA) from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and an MBA from Rivier University. Although she is retired now, Witts was employed in the higher education field at a major university as a director, instructor and career advisor.

She has been married to her husband Bruce for 39 years. The couple has two adult children. The Witts have been Naples homeowners since 2004 and became permanent resident in 2018.

“When the stars aligned and my husband and I were able to make Naples our permanent home I took every opportunity to give back to the place that has given me so much joy,” Witts said. 

Currently, she serves on the Lakes Environmental Association (LEA) Board of Directors and is the president of the Tricky Pond Lake Association.

B-News: What work is there left to do on the affordable housing law in the Town of Naples?

DiTucci: “1. Zoning Ordinances Update: The town needs to amend local zoning ordinances to align with the new state requirements. This includes allowing the increased density and ensuring ADUs are permitted in residential areas. 2. Compliance with State Guidelines: The state has provided guidelines and rules that municipalities must follow. Naples must review and incorporate these guidelines into their local policies, particularly concerning water, wastewater, and shoreland zoning. 3. Public and Municipal Input: Engaging with the community and town officials to gather input and address concerns about the new regulations. This step is crucial to ensure local needs and perspectives are considered while implementing the state law. 4. Addressing Specific Local Challenges: The town must address specific local issues, such as parking requirements, lot sizes, and infrastructure needs, to facilitate the smooth integration of new housing developments.

By focusing on these areas, Naples can progress towards meeting the implementation deadlines and contributing to the state’s goal of increasing affordable housing availability.”

Fogg: “If you are referring to the Accessory Dwelling Units (ACU) law the state has mandated, I believe our town’s version has been finalized and is ready for a vote.”

Witts: “An Act to Implement the Recommendations of the Commission to Increase Housing Opportunities in Maine by Studying Zoning and Land Use Restrictions, commonly referred to as LD 2003, has an affordable housing component. Naples has amended its land use ordinances to comply with the entire act and voters will have the opportunity to accept those amendments at the June 11 election. So, at this time there is no additional work to be done related to the original act. As vice chair of both the Planning Board and the Ordinance Review Committee, I attended the Department of Economic and Community Development workshops on LD 2003 to learn how Naples would need to amend its Land Use ordinances and brought this information back to the boards and committees in Naples. My timely initiative gave Naples ample time to amend our ordinances which are now before the voters.”

B-News: What ordinances or ordinance amendments are top priority for this town?

DiTucci: “Infrastructure Improvement: Addressing ordinances related to the town’s infrastructure, including roads, public utilities, and community facilities, to support growth and improve residents’ quality of life. Economic Development: Creating ordinances that support local businesses and attract new investments while maintaining the town’s character. This might involve zoning changes to facilitate mixed-use developments and enhance the town center.”

Fogg: “One of my top priorities would be a ‘Blighted Property Ordinance.’  When a property starts to look like a town dump, it has a negative effect on, not just the neighbors, but the whole town.”

Witts: “As vice chair of the Planning Board and the Ordinance Review Committee (ORC) I initiated a discussion with members of each board/committee regarding the need for potential ordinance amendments and new ordinances and brought those suggestions to the Select Board. As a result, the Select Board prioritized and instructed the ORC to draft ordinances and related definitions that address property maintenance, and boat storage. While short term rentals and “dark skies” ordinances were on the list of potential ordinances suggested by the Planning Board and ORC, they were not deemed a priority by the Select Board at this time. Since the housing shortage is a persistent concern throughout Maine it is likely that the state will continue to require municipalities amend ordinances that help increase housing development and remove barriers; so, this will remain a priority. For example, the ORC will be working on making some ordinance amendments to bring Naples into compliance with LD 337 which addresses mobile homes and manufactured homes. Overall, with the increasing development pressures that Naples is experiencing, that sometimes seem to be at odds with the vision laid out in our Comprehensive Plan, it is reasonable to assume that it will be a priority to draft new and amended land use ordinances to ensure that a balance between the needs of citizens and developers is maintained.”

B-News: What skills and/or knowledge do you have that will be applicable to doing a good job on the planning board?

DiTucci: “I have been a business owner since the age of 18. I learned very early in life the importance of planning and strategy. I have been fortunate in my life to learn from some tremendous mentors who helped me to grow my first business from one truck to a fleet of thirteen over the course of eighteen years. In addition to my hands-on experience in running a business, I have attended many workshops and seminars and begun taking college courses to further the educational aspect of my business knowledge. I have studied and read numerous authors, elected officials, and business leaders to gain perspectives from as many outlets as possible in order to better prepare myself to tackle any challenge that may arise. After I moved on from my trucking business, I moved to the Lake Region area and was able to help build relationships in the local community before helping to open and grow multiple businesses in both Bridgton and Naples over the last eight years. This gave me the opportunity to begin meeting people in the community. From there I was able to start working in Naples. Through my work here, I have helped grow a business that has brought in significant tourism and financial success to the community. I have been part of many fundraisers, including working with the Chamber of Commerce to help sponsor the Christmas in July boat parade. I have also worked with community leaders in being a sponsor and assisting with being the exclusive retail partner for the annual antique boat show. I also co-own a gift shop on the Causeway that for the last four years has helped local artists, including many Naples residents to showcase and sell their products.”

Fogg: “I have personal experience in buying and selling property, developing property, and preserving property in and around Naples. I also have experience as a current member of the Naples planning board.”

Witts: “My three years of experience on the Planning board and five years of experience on the Ordinance Review Committee has given me a solid understanding of our ordinances and the process by which planning board decisions are made. I’ve attended the Planning Board and Board of Appeals training conducted by Maine Municipal Association and sought out additional knowledge on shoreland zoning and storm water laws by attending workshops offered through Lakes Environmental Association and the Maine DEP. I’ve demonstrated diligence and skill in preparing for Planning Board meetings by thoroughly reviewing the applications and the related ordinances. I am by nature collaborative and hard working. Planning Boards are quasi-judicial boards; our decisions must be made based on ordinances and statues. I value and respect that process and for three years have demonstrated my commitment to treating all applicants fairly and judiciously.”