Naples Waterfront Bridge Controversy Proceeds to Non-Binding Referendum
April 3rd, 2008 categories: Sebago Lakes Region
The latest news out of Naples is that the local populace - business owners, waterfront property owners, and landlubbers alike – will be sounded out via a May 20th referendum on whether they would prefer to see a fixed bridge or moving bridge replacement for the existing, deteriorating swing bridge. The vote would be non-binding, but would help officials steer a course toward resolution with the Maine Department Of Transportation, who only have enough budget for a fixed span.
The other development that came out of the meeting was the acknowledgement of a quiet groundswell of support for the less expensive fixed bridge option. At a meeting in January there was a strong, vocal outcry against the fixed bridge option, with opinion at the meeting running about 80 to 20 against the fixed bridge option. But a local selectman says she thinks there’s a lower key movement in favor of the fixed span and says she thinks the town is running about two to one in favor of the fixed bridge.
Proponents of the fixed bridge option cite not only the lower cost, but the benefits of having uninterrupted traffic flow throughout the summer, when traffic counts can reach as much as 20,000 a day. The current swing bridge brings all that traffic to a dead halt several times a day to allow boat traffic through the causeway.
A lengthy, more detailed article about this issue appeared in today’s Bridgton News. You can read the full article here.
We’ll post more information about this controversy and its effect on waterfront property owners and buyers as developments occur.
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Tom - MrLakefront
