HARPSWELL — After almost seven years, the town’s vision for the Mitchell Field waterfront could become a reality now that the removal of the pier is complete.

While walking down a paved road on the empty Mitchell Field property on Nov. 11, Gordon Weil, a former selectman, offered his vision of how the 12-acre waterfront property could be used.

“I’d like to see this land developed more for recreational purposes,” he said. “We can put in trails, soccer fields.”

Several other Harpswell residents weighed in during a forum Nov. 8, when Jane Covey, chairwoman of the Mitchell Field Committee, presented a phased plan for development.

Like Weil, several residents suggested recreational activities that could include kayaking, paddle boarding and fishing. Others suggested amenities that would take advantage of the bandstand and include food vendors.

A survey by the Maine Coast Fisherman’s Association discussed at an Oct. 22 meeting concluded that fishermen see a need for a commercial and recreational boat launch, as well as a mooring field with a place to clean and do minor repairs to traps and boats. 

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Parking would be available for people using the waterfront, Covey said at the previous meeting, for which the town could decide to charge a fee.

Phase one in the waterfront vision, planned for 2020, would include building a dock, which would cost an estimated $292,000-$293,000. The dock would be open seasonally and include a ramp.

The town would have to come up with close to 50 percent of the cost to qualify for a Small Harbor Improvement Program grant from the Maine Department of Transportation.

However, if the town accepts a SHIP grant, the use of the waterfront would be open to everyone, not just Harpswell residents.

One resident asked if funding for the town’s portion could be made up with private donations, as was the case with the bandstand that was built in 2012, because she felt residents had more ownership in the park when private funds were used to build it.

If the town chooses to only accept private donations, the waterfront could be used for Harpswell residents only if the town chooses to “go down that road,” Covey said.

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Covey said “any money raised up to $123,000 would reduce the town’s burden.”

The town currently has $175,000 in the Mitchell Field reserve account.

The second phase would not take place until 2021 if the town chooses to build a boat launch. The cost is expected to be around $394,500. The town could also apply for a SHIP grant, again having to match nearly 50 percent of the funds.

The Board of Selectmen endorsed both phases of the Mitchell Field waterfront vision.

In addition, Running Tide Oyster is also interested in utilizing some of the area of the field on the north side of the dock.

According to Covey, the town does see some revenue potential in that they could charge fees for the launch, parking, mooring use and dingy storage that could generate close to $18,000 per year.

However, some residents, including Weil, say the town doesn’t need the economic benefit; they would rather see the land used for recreation without money in mind.

“I’m concerned that when we do this we do it right,” one speaker said. “I think there is a need for a boat launch down there, but I had envisioned landscaped parking, skating rink, picnic area, things like that, but my overall impression is an industrial development down there at the field and I don’t see much room for recreation.”

Covey said the committee is beginning its review of the overall master plan and combining recreation and commercial uses will be high on the priority list.


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