In 1989 a growth management questionnaire was mailed to 500 randomly selected households in Lincolnville. Seven questionnaires went unanswered, returned as undeliverable or because of incapacity of the respondent. Of the remaining 493 questionnaires, 273 or 55.4% of the questionnaires were answered.

The survey was divided into two categories, demographics and land use. Issues were tabulated and cross tabulated. Full survey results were printed in the 1989 annual town report. A summary of some of the more important issues follows.

Rural Character: Almost 60% of the respondents felt Lincolnville was in danger of losing its rural character.

Enforcement of Land Use Regulations: Over 60% of the respondents felt Lincolnville should improve enforcement of existing rules. (By 1991 enforcement of land use regulations was more consistent.)

Larger Building Lots Around Lakes and Ponds: A large percentage of respondents, particularly those who lived along lakes and ponds, wanted larger lot sizes. (In June of 1991, the revised Shoreland Zoning Ordinance increased lot size to 40,000 sq. ft.)

Larger Building Lots in the rest of Town: Most respondents felt that existing lot size was adequate for the rest of Lincolnville.

Home Occupations: Over 70% of the respondents felt the town should encourage home occupations. (The comprehensive plan has acknowledged this strong sentiment.)

Standards for Home Occupations: Over 90% of the respondents want the town to develop performance standards for home businesses. (This wish has developed as a central theme to the comprehensive plan.)

Affordable Housing: A majority of the respondents felt affordable housing is important for Lincolnville. (Lincolnville now has an Affordable Housing Committee. The comprehensive plan has suggested some remedies to this situation.)

Mobile Home Parks: Most respondents do not want the town to encourage the development of mobile home parks.

Siting of Business: This question received a mixed response. Approximately half the respondents want standards on where business should be allowed, while an equal number were opposed.

Regulation of Business: A majority of respondents felt there should be more regulation of business in Lincolnville. (The comprehensive plan suggests varying performance standards be developed to make new business compatible with the particular area in which it is sited.)

Demographics: This section of the questionnaire contained 15 questions covering such areas as age, gender, marital status, level of education, income, employment status etc. of the respondent. The answers to these questions were cross-tabulated with the land use questions.

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