CAPE ELIZABETH — The Town Council unanimously approved spending up to $40,000 to update the Fort Williams Master Plan and to develop a study of the park.

The funds will be appropriated from the general fund undesignated surplus for the Fort Williams Capital Fund.

Councilors agreed Wednesday that a conceptual study that would identify the parameters, limitations and range of possibilities for revenue-generating ideas at the park would be necessary before a business plan is developed.

Town Manager Michael McGovern said the master plan update is estimated to cost about $25,000 and the study could cost about $15,000.

The master plan update will address maintenance needs and the upkeep of the park. The so-called “scoping” study will outline possible revenue-generating ideas and how to address parking issues, sewer and water needs, land regulations, setback limitations, alcohol restrictions and the logistics of planning, restocking provisions or servicing an event.

Council Chairwoman Anne Swift-Kayatta said the Fort Williams Advisory Commission has already created a list of ideas based on policies and parameters related to the park. She said while the advisory commission is an organization that can make recommendations, the Town Council is the policy-making body and will ultimately approve the plan.

McGovern said the master plan update and study will be developed concurrently and that the council will receive regular updates from the advisory commission.

The next council workshop will be Monday, Nov. 1, at 7:30 p.m.

Amy Anderson can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 110 or aanderson@theforecaster.net

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