By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

Comments planning board members across the Lake Region regularly hear when a project is proposed is, “It is the wrong fit” and “It will ruin the neighborhood” or “It threatens the quality of small-town life.”

Those remarks were made as town officials weighed the merits of solar farms, storage units, gravel pits, as well as commercial building projects.

Planners will listen to public concerns, however, their hands are often tied by standards and regulations currently in place which to judge whether a proposal can be approved or rejected.

How should a town be regulated and developed? It is all about planning — in advance — as well as developing standards — passed by voters and used as review tools by planning boards.

Step One in the planning process is the Comprehensive Plan.

Bridgton is currently working on creating a new Comp Plan, and is seeking public involvement.

What is a Comprehensive Plan? “A Comprehensive Plan is a document designed to guide the future actions of a community and provides a legal basis for certain land use ordinances. It presents a vision for the future, long-range goals and objectives, and an implementation strategy for how to achieve the community’s vision over time. Planning helps to ensure that future growth and policy decisions are consistent with the town’s vision and that the community is prepared to respond to potential changes, including economic shifts, environmental impacts, and technology innovations.” These words come from the town’s Comp Plan website.

By adopting a Comprehensive Plan that complies with Maine’s Growth Management Act, the Plan will also make Bridgton eligible for certain state funding. 

The site adds, “The comprehensive planning process provides a community with the opportunity to reflect on its past strengths and areas for improvement while also creating actionable steps to address current priorities. The new plan will be a guide for future growth and development, covering subjects such as, but not limited to, land use, zoning, capacity and expansion of utilities, economic development, transportation, housing, recreation, capital budgeting, municipal services and facilities, and regional coordination. The plan will also formulate a direction for effective public policy, master planning, and land use decisions for the future.” 

Bridgton’s Comp Plan is in Phase 2 — community engagement — of a five-phase process. This phase includes a community survey (it takes about 15 minutes to complete), which can be taken online or a paper copy can be picked up at the town office.

The online link: https://berrydunn.mysocialpinpoint.com/.../communitysurvey/

Survey questions asked:

What are your top priorities as Bridgton continues to grow and change (Select up to 4):

Creating more housing options

Developing a vibrant downtown

Growing the workforce

Limiting new development

Limiting sprawl along corridors

Maintaining and improving level of public and community services

Maintaining and increasing recreation opportunities

Maintaining public infrastructure (roads, sidewalks, wastewater, etc.)

Preserving natural areas (lakes, rivers, conservation lands, etc.)

Preserving historic and cultural resources

Public safety

Other (describe)

What changes would have the greatest positive impact on your quality of life (Select up to 4):

Better access to healthcare and community services

Better access to open spaces

Improved walkability and pedestrian connectivity in the downtown

Lower cost of living

More and improved recreation facilities and programs

More job opportunities

More housing options

More opportunities for community and social interaction (gathering spaces, events, programs, etc.)

More or expanded educational opportunities

More restaurants, shops and entertainment amenities in downtown

More transportation options (bus, ride share, etc.)

Better infrastructure for walking and biking (bike lanes, sidewalks, etc.)

Other (describe)

What positive changes have you noticed in Bridgton in the past 10 years?

This question contains a block to write in your response

If you have not lived in Bridgton for 10 years, share any positive changes you have noticed since moving to Bridgton

What negative changes have you noticed in Bridgton in the past 10 years?

Instructions — same as previous question

What type of development, land uses and amenities do you think Bridgton should focus on creating, attracting and retaining? (Select all that apply)

Arts/culture (galleries, museums, performance venues, etc.)

Entertainment (movie theater, bowling alley, etc.)

Hotel/lodging

Housing

Industrial/manufacturing

Small retail stores

Large retail stores

Parks/community spaces

Personal services (hair/nail salon, dry cleaner, etc.)

Professional offices

Recreation center/facilities

Restaurants

Other (describe)

How do you typically get around your community (Select 1):

I exclusively drive

I mostly drive, but also walk, bike or take public transit

I mostly walk, bike or take public transit

I most use ride share, carpool or taxi

Other (describe)

How do you see your (and your family’s) transportation needs changing in the next 10 years (Select all that apply):

I will likely need to walk, take public transportation or use a ride share service to access parts of town

I will likely need to drive more/further to access employment or services

I would like the ability to walk or bike to services and amenities in Bridgton

I would like the ability to walk or bike to school/work or for my child to walk or bike to school

I would like increased public transportation options to access parts of town and the region

I would like increased ride share or other shared mobility options to access parts of town and the region

None of the above

Other (describe)

How do you see your housing needs changing in the next 10 years (Select all that apply):

Larger home to accommodate a growing family

Larger home or additional dwelling for multi-generational living (to care for aging relatives or to support adult children, etc.)

Smaller home/downsizing

ADA accessible housing

Transition to seasonal residence (part-time in Bridgton and part-time elsewhere)

Transition to full-time residence in Bridgton (currently part-time)

Home that is closer to services and amenities

Home in a walkable neighborhood

Transition from homeowner to renter

Transition from renter to homeowner

Transition to assisted living option

More affordable home than current residence

None of the above

Other (describe)

What types of housing do you think are needed in Bridgton (Select all that apply):

Note: An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a secondary home or apartment that shares the building lot with a larger, primary home. The unit cannot be bought or sold separately, but may be used to provide additional income through rent or to house a family member

Accessory dwelling units

Attached single-family dwellings/townhomes

Cluster or cottage court developments (smaller homes on smaller lots in more densely populated developments)

Detached single-family dwellings

Energy efficient housing options

Income-restricted affordable housing

Low-rise apartment buildings (2-3 stories)

Mid-rise apartment buildings (4-5 stories)

Mid-rise to high-rise apartment buildings (more than 5 stories)

Mobile homes

Senior housing/age restricted housing (multi-family structures)

Two family homes/duplexes

None of the above

Other (describe)

How do you think the community should address the needs of the vulnerable populations, such as low-income households, older adults and people with disabilities (Select all that apply):

Expand community outreach and education initiatives to keep residents informed of Town services and programs.

Expand programming and services for young people.

Expand programming for older adults.

Expand ride share and transportation options.

Increase ADA accessibility of public facilities, parks, and trails.

Increase opportunities for community gathering (e.g., public spaces, events, activities).

Support nonprofit initiatives and programs.

Support the development of more affordable housing.

Work with community and regional partners to develop a strategy to support the unhoused population.

None of the above

Other (describe)

How would you rate the availability and quality of the following community facilities and services in Bridgton?

(Ratings: Excellent, Good, Fair, Needs Improvement, Don’t Know)

Community center and community programs

Healthcare facilities

Library

Maintenance of roads, sidewalks, and other public infrastructure

Public safety (police and fire)

Parks and recreation facilities and programs

Transfer station/sanitation services

Arts and cultural institutions

Public schools

What other community facilities or services are needed in Bridgton (or should be improved/expanded)?

A box is provided to enter your response

What public or community facilities or services do you think the town should eliminate or reduce funding for?

A box is provided to enter your response

If you had to live in a nearby Maine community other than Bridgton, where would you live and why?

How will public input be reflected in the Plan? According to the Comp Plan website, feedback collected during community engagement activities will focus on broad community priorities and values. This information will be compiled and summarized. The community will have an opportunity to review and provide feedback on the draft vision statement which will then serve as the foundation for the Plan’s policies and strategies. The community will also have an opportunity to provide suggestions and feedback on policy and strategy recommendations. 

So, here is your chance to help shape Bridgton’s future — and it takes just a few minutes to do so!