Archive for the 'Lake Community News' Category
LEA a Great Resource For Maine Waterfront Property Owners
March 1st, 2008 categories: Lake Community News
One of the priorities we established when we started this blog about a month ago was to share great information with people who own or want to own Maine waterfront property. We think we have made a good start down that road, but know that the news and information that is available out there and the need of interested parties to stay informed is an ongoing pursuit.
With that thought in mind, I went through my mail today and saw the latest newsletter from the local Lakes Environmental Association. Headquartered in Bridgton, the LEA has been a consistent watchdog and protector of the lakes and ponds in the area for over 30 years. Their ongoing programs to educate and involve the local community in issues surrounding the conservation and cleanliness of area lakes and ponds has been impressive. They also strive to bring a general awareness of the natural world around us to all who care to read and listen - and participate!
Anyone who has an interest in Maine waterfront real estate should take a look at the LEA newsletter. This particular issue talks about the upcoming milfoil summit on March 7th, the effects of high levels of phosphorus and nitrogen on amphibians, and new educational programs starting up for kids 10 - 15 years of age. (Environmental awareness needs to start at an early age - don’t you think?!) There’s also a table listing 38 area lakes and ponds that are monitored by the LEA for things like water clarity, phosphorus levels, ph levels, and risk levels.
Check out the latest LEA Newsletter. Maybe you’ll even become a member!
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Naples Swing Bridge Fix May Affect Local Waterfront Real Estate Owners
February 28th, 2008 categories: Lake Community News
The Naples Causeway Bridge controversy continues to generate a lot of discussion in this lake region community.
The Maine Dept. of Transporatation has now scheduled a meeting to promote their fixed bridge plan, which has many Naples waterfront business owners and area residents up in arms. The local board of selectmen is urging everyone to keep an open mind, but there seems to be a groundswell of opposition to replacing the current swing bridge with a fixed bridge. The cost of the project, whatever happens, plays a large part in what the state is proposing as funds are short and many projects need attention.
The main bone of contention is that a fixed bridge, as proposed, would not be high enough to allow the Songo River Queen II or tall-masted sailboats sufficient room to pass under the span, thus confining them to one side of the bridge or the other.
There could also be a ripple effect in the local waterfront real estate market. Any change in the status quo is bound to affect current and potential waterfront owners’ perceptions regarding access to the 45 miles of contiguous waterway by certain types of boats. If you’re a sailboat owner who wants to sail on all three bodies of water - Long Lake, Brandy Pond, and Sebago Lake - and find you can no longer pass through the swing bridge in Naples, it might have you going elsewhere to purchase that special waterfront property that suits your sailing needs.
In today’s Bridgton News there is a full report on the latest developments in this ongoing issue. You can read all about it in our Maine Lake News.
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Naples Causeway Bridge Plans “Slowing Down”
February 22nd, 2008 categories: Lake Community News, Sebago Lakes Region
A week or two ago I posted an article about the ongoing controversy swirling around several new proposals for the repair or replacement of the Causeway Bridge in Naples on Rte. 302. A news article today in our local Bridgton News tells me that the whole project is being put on hold pending further study.
There are currently three active proposals attracting consideration and the Maine Department of Transportation felt that it would be better to get more public input before choosing an option and proceeding with a schedule. The long and short of it is that nothing will be happening with the bridge in 2008.
I have posted the full article from the Bridgton News in our Lake News on our website and you can see it here.
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Naples Winter Carnival Cancelled
February 13th, 2008 categories: Lake Community News
I just got a notice from the local Chamber that the Naples Winter Carnival, scheduled for this weekend, has been cancelled. It may seem hard to believe with all the snow we’re having, but ice formation on the lake has been mediocre making it unsafe and undesirable for snowmobiling. Here’s what the release said:
Hello Everyone,
I regret to tell you that the Winter Carnival Committee as well as the officers of the snowmobile club have decided to cancel this years events. We feel that the lack of good solid ice as well as all the slush on the lake this year, makes it almost impossible for us to have a safe and enjoyable function. The track is half slush and half snow, the plows can’t plow the slush, and water keeps popping up creating a mess.
The Save Sebago Cove function will still be on for Friday night at Shakers Lounge but all other functions are now cancelled. Please enjoy yourself on your sleds this weekend for one of the snowiest winters in many years. Trails should be in pretty good shape other than a few water holes so please drive carefully.
Thanks to the committee members and all who helped try to make the Carnival a reality. A special thanks goes out to Dawn and Dan Allen for hosting all the meetings at their home.
For more info go to www.mainelakeschamber.com or call the Chamber in Bridgton at 207-647-3472
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Lake Region Businesses Fear Impact of Proposed Naples Bridge
February 8th, 2008 categories: Lake Community News
A recent hearing conducted by the Maine Department of Transportation on the viability of a new, fixed bridge proposal struck fear in the hearts of several business people in the Naples area.
The old swing bridge that spans the waterway that joins Long Lake to Brandy Pond needs replacing. An original estimate of $11 million to replace it had been seen as “doable”, but now that cost estimate has ballooned to $18 million - an amount the state doesn’t have. A proposal for a fixed bridge, at a cost of $8 million, would fit the DOT budget, but has many critics and detractors in the Lakes Region area.
Local marina owners, the owner of the Songo River Queen, and other area business people all voiced their concerns at the recent hearing citing history, local economics, and image as reasons for not favoring the fixed bridge route.
A fixed bridge would limit the amount of boat traffic that could navigate the full extent of the 45 mile waterway that connects Harrison, in the north, with Standish, in the south. Boaters have travelled that distance - by way of Long Lake, Brandy Pond, the Songo River, through the Songo Lock, then into Sebago Lake - since 1830.
You can read the full text of the article here, then stay tuned for new reports as this story develops.
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Tom - MrLakefront
