Solar project hearing May 24
SARAH WHITFIELD, News Contributor
Cole Peters of POWER Engineers presents on behalf of CMP. Zoom screenshot
Stephen Barrett presents for MSD Wiscasset LLC. Zoom screenshot
Due to multiple parts needing more information, the Wiscasset planning board Monday night found Central Maine Power’s application incomplete. A complete one is needed before there can be a public hearing on the proposed transmission line upgrade.
Another site plan reviewed in the Zoom meeting was from MSD Wiscasset LLC on the proposed solar project at Wiscasset Municipal Airport. Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission’s Emily Rabbe reviewed both applications for completeness and presented detailed memos stating items to address.
Wiscasset still gearing up for marijuana ordinance talks
SUSAN JOHNS
File photo
Wiscasset Monday night moved closer to a possible sidewalk policy, and to learning about, and drafting, marijuana rules. The ordinance review committee voted to send the sidewalk policy onto selectmen. The committee proposed merchants would go to the town clerk for a permit to use sidewalk space; all others would ask selectmen for a permit.
In another decision Monday, the panel proposed giving applicants two options for showing the town the proposed sidewalk use: Either a sketch or a marked up photo.
Also in the Zoom meeting, Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Mary Ellen Barnes said Maine Municipal Association told her it is too busy to do a Zoom session with one town, but would answer questions. Barnes was still trying to land a Zoom meeting with Maine’s Office of Marijuana Policy (OMP). Barnes and members reiterated they want to learn as much as possible, including wh
BILL PEARSON Fri, 05/07/2021 - 8:45am
Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Mary Ellen Barnes presents the 2021-26 strategic plan May 4. BILL PEARSON/Boothbay Register
In Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission’s five-year plan, broadband, housing and intergenerational community building were three of the six primary goals. Executive Director Mary Ellen Barnes submitted the plan May 4 to county commissioners, who unanimously approved the document.
The plan outlines county strategic planning goals from 2021 to 2026. The three other primary goals submitted were sustainable economic and community development, transportation and environmental sustainability. Barnes told commissioners the plan was created by the six-person board. The plan is designed as a guiding document in creating yearly work plans, formulating budgets and assessing progress. The commission is made of representatives appointed for their community and land use planning kno
SARAH WHITFIELD, News Contributor
Cole Peters of POWER Engineers, Inc. presents on behalf of CMP via Zoom. Zoom screenshot
Amy Burchstead explains the location of her property. Zoom screenshot
Monday evening’s Wiscasset planning board meeting drew what Chair Karl Olson called a “record” turnout of 20 attendees. Permitting specialist Cole Peters of POWER Engineers, Inc. represented Central Maine Power to propose a new transmission line on 6.3 miles of existing CMP right-of-way land. The line would run 2.9 miles from the Maine Yankee substation to Woolwich and then back into Wiscasset 3.4 miles northeasterly into Alna.
Peters said there would be work in the Maine Yankee yard, as well as the construction of two types of poles that will require board approval. CMP Manager of Permitting and Compliance Gerry Mirabile said the project is related to, but separate from, the New England Clean Energy Connect project and will be a network upgrade owned and operated by CMP. Mirabile
SUSAN JOHNS
File photo
Wiscasset may want details when shops, event-holders, or anyone else asks to take up space on Main Street’s sidewalks. On Zoom Monday night, the ordinance review committee continued drafting a policy for selectmen to consider. Talk turned to the permit application.
ORC members said they would want applicants to say when and how long they would use the space, the number of tables and chairs, if any, and the tables’ size. That would keep everyone informed and avoid date conflicts among users, said committee members and Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Mary Ellen Barnes.