YORK - As the term for the current Board of Selectmen nears its end, the most recent meeting meant a long list of business for the board to address.
Working Waterfront
Selectmen have agreed to endorse the Museums of Old York's application for the state's Working Waterfront Access Pilot Project.
Charlie Steedman described past requests by local lobstermen and Harbor Master John Bridges to look at ways to allow working waterfront access via Old York's John Hancock Wharf.
While those earlier discussions did not materialize, he said, Old York has since discovered the pilot program through which the state will pay successful applicants the difference between the fair market value of a property and the value if its development rights are ceded to the state and the property preserved for waterfront access. In Old York's case, he said, that would be a difference of $255,000.
The wharf would be equipped so that up to three lobstermen would be able to use it for their boats.
The guidelines for the proposal specifically request indications of support from the town's governing body, and the board agreed to submit a letter of endorsement for the plan.
Where is the line?
The town may be delving into the issue of town boundaries in the not-too-distant future.
Town Assessor Rick Mace brought forward the issue of a boundary discrepancy with the town of Ogunquit that is affecting a local resident. Using Geographical Information Systems technology to locate the monuments that mark the boundary, and with the assistance of the engineering firm of CLD, Mace said it is clear that an issue exists and said it is important for the town to make sure the boundaries are accurate.
Mace added there are also questions about the Kittery boundary, referring in part to the longstanding discrepancy regarding the town line in the area of Domino's Pizza and the Landmark Hill property on Route 1.
The selectmen asked for more detailed information at a future meeting, and Chairman Mike Estes said the board will then be able to decide what additional action should be taken.
Route 103 parking
Public Works Director Dean Lessard updated the board on the plan to create a parking area in the vicinity of the Wiggly Bridge and Steedman Woods to improve safety in the area. The board has voted unanimously to move forward with the plan and the hope is that the project may be completed by July 4.
York Beach Zoning
Town Planner Christine Grimando recommended that as the town looks at how to address the issue of new zoning for York Beach, the selectmen meet with the Renaissance Committee and Planning Board, as well as various town departments, to discuss future goals. A meeting will be scheduled in late May or in June.
In the meantime, the Planning Board is seeking applicants for a subcommittee to work on the zoning. Contact the town planner for more details.
In other business
The board received a presentation on an application for an EPA Smart Growth Assistance Grant Application; agreed to schedule a special meeting to address outstanding appointments to boards and committees, and requested amendments to a memorandum of understanding between the towns of York and Kittery related to emergency services at a Kittery subdivision to be located off of Woodside Meadows Road in York. The board is scheduled to take action on that issue May 12.
