Bar Harbor, where passenger traffic has risen 257% since 2003, epitomizes the quandary facing coastal communities: How to weigh economic benefits against a fragile quality of life.
Waterfront noise, traffic debated
SOUTHWEST HARBOR A property owner voicing concerns about increased overnight commercial use of a town-owned lot next to a working dock led to contentious debate at the July 17 meeting of the town’s select board.
Members of the public, many of them working fishermen, spoke in opposition to suggestions from property owner Marion “Missy” Marron who was looking for guidelines from the board on the use of the parking lot known as the Hook Property now that it is owned by the town.
Last October, voters approved a town purchase of the property at a special town meeting. Before the purchase, the town had been leasing it as an extension of the Manset Town Dock parking area for 25 years.
Waterfront noise, traffic debated - Mount Desert Islander mdislander.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from mdislander.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.