Dear Editor:

Last week, a petition to change Alna’s Shoreland Zoning Ordinance was made public at the Alna Select Board meeting. The proposed change would allow “permanent structures” in the shoreland zone, including below the high water line on the Sheepscot River, which are currently not permitted.

Alna’s shoreland zoning ordinance has been in place since 1993, enforced by Alna’s Planning Board since then with no complaint. The timing of this proposed change makes it obvious that its primary purpose is to allow Jeff Spinney’s proposal for a permanent motor boat launch on the Sheepscot River, a proposal that has been denied twice by the Alna Planning Board and by the Alna Board of Appeals. 

If approved, an amended shoreland zoning ordinance would not just allow the Spinney project to do an end run around the Planning Board and Board of Appeals’ denials, it would also alter the future character of the Sheepscot River with new permanent motor boat ramps, docks, and other structures allowed along the entire river, resulting in increased motor boat traffic on the river — especially in areas that today are most pristine and least appropriate for such uses. These changes are sure to adversely affect Alna and Newcastle residents alike, as well as all those who value and enjoy this natural gem.

The Selectmen have scheduled a special town meeting and referendum vote on this proposed change in just a month. At the very least, such a major change to Alna’s shoreland zoning ordinance should be afforded an open hearing and then, after careful consideration, decided by the entire town as part of the regular town meeting in March, as allowed by law, rather than being rushed through at a special town meeting, particularly given the current spike in coronavirus cases in Maine.

A major change to the river’s character deserves full and deliberate consideration, including the public hearing required for amendments to the Shoreland Zoning Ordinance, rather than a quick rubber stamp.

Tom Aldrich

Alna