INTRODUCTION

Lincolnville shares several natural resources, public facilities and services with surrounding communities. As the planning process developed, the comprehensive planning committee recognized the importance of coordinating issues of regional concern with surrounding communities. Lincolnville is fortunate that three of the five surrounding towns are still in the process of developing their comprehensive plans. This should provide maximum opportunities for developing interlocal cooperation.

LAND USE

Lincolnville shares borders with the towns of Camden, Hope, Searsmont, Belmont and Northport. Land Use Controls vary greatly within these communities. Camden passed their most recent Comprehensive Plan in 1990. Based on the recommendations in the Comprehensive Plan, a land use committee is revising Camden’s zoning ordinance. Camden’s existing ordinance has 11 districts. A substantial administrative staff is necessary to administer and enforce this ordinance. The town of Hope passed their comprehensive plan in November of 1992. Hope has town wide zoning, although over 95% of the area is presently designated a rural zone. Searsmont is also working on their comprehensive plan. Although Searsmont has no town wide zoning it does have a minimum lot size ordinance. Northport does not have town wide zoning. Belmont, the smallest of the surrounding communities, has no town wide zoning.

Recommendations

Lincolnville should work closely with the towns of Northport, Hope and Searsmont as they develop land use standards based on their comprehensive plans. Cooperation and communication between these communities can result in smooth transitions in land use from one community to another.

Lincolnville may want to consider creating a manufactured housing district with Hope or Searsmont.

Natural Resources: Lincolnville shares several significant water bodies with surrounding communities. Megunticook Lake is shared with the towns of Camden and Hope, Levensellar Pond is shared with Searsmont and Pitcher Pond is shared with Northport. Ducktrap stream runs through Belmont and Northport.

Recommendations

Lincolnville should work closely with the town of Northport to develop an appropriate management plan for Pitcher Pond.

Lincolnville should work with the town of Searsmont to develop a management plan for Levensellar Pond.

Lincolnville should work with the towns of Hope and Camden to develop a management plan for Colemen Pond and Megunticook Lake.

Lincolnville should work with the towns in the Ducktrap watershed to develop a wildlife corridor along appropriate sections of Ducktrap Stream.

Solid Waste: Lincolnville participates, along with Camden, Hope and Rockport in supporting the transfer station in Rockport. All four towns passed recycling ordinances in 1989. This ordinance, along with public participation and the efforts of the transfer station staff have resulted in a substantial recycling effort. Although Lincolnville’s solid waste budget for the 1992-93 fiscal year is $85,000, it is the best alternative available.

Recommendations:

Lincolnville should continue to support and participate in the Four Town Solid Waste Cooperative and the Mid-Coast Solid Waste Cooperative.

Transportation: Transportation issues concern all residents in the Mid-Coast area. The possibility of a Mid-Coast bypass created a storm of controversy in the spring of 1990. As the result of the public outcry, MDOT commissioned a Route One Mid-Coast Transportation Study. Lincolnville residents have been active on the steering committee of this group. In July of 1992, this group published a draft paper of suggested strategies which Mid-Coast communities could use to direct growth along the Route 1 corridor. The Lincolnville Comprehensive Planning Committee has been working on many of these same strategies during the comprehensive planning process.

Recommendations: Lincolnville should work with the towns of Camden and Northport to implement some of the suggested strategies recommended in the Mid-Coast Transportation Study.

Lincolnville should work with surrounding towns to develop “transportation enhancements”, (possibly a bike trail) through the Federal Intermodal Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991.

Marine Resources: Lincolnville Harbor is the main debarkation point for Islesboro and the surrounding islands. The new fish pier at Lincolnville Beach is used by islanders for many purposes. At times, this has created problems with parking, dock space and related issues.

Recommendations: Lincolnville selectmen should continue their dialogue with their counterparts on Islesboro to find mutually agreeable solutions to common problems at Lincolnville Harbor.

Education: Lincolnville operates its own school system with a principal and superintendent. Lincolnville high school students attend Camden Rockport High School as tuition students. Increases in school enrollments in all five communities whose students attend Camden Rockport High School have resulted in severe overcrowding. This affects the communities of Lincolnville, Appleton, Hope, Camden and Rockport. All communities must develop strong lines of communications for future educational planning.

Recommendations:

Lincolnville should actively participate in the regional debate over the future of consolidated educational facilities.

CONCLUSION

In an era of tight budgetary constraints, Lincolnville must participate with neighboring communities to find innovative and cost effective solutions to common problems.