Dear Editor:

This Wednesday night (Dec. 9), Alna’s Planning Board will once again deliberate the merits of an application for a motorboat launch on the Sheepscot River two miles above the Reversing Falls in Sheepscot Village. I urge Planning Board members to deny this application as they have denied previous applications that would make permanent and significantly harmful changes to the character of the Sheepscot River.

In 1993, the residents of the town of Alna knowingly and purposely voted to approve a Shoreland Zoning Ordinance that was stricter than the basic requirements. In our 2005 Comprehensive Plan, we affirmed our commitment to protect the Sheepscot River and in 2010 we reaffirmed our commitment to the stricter SZO. These votes clearly illustrate the high value Alna citizens place on the Sheepscot River as it flows today and our strong desire to safeguard it for generations of residents to come.

The ordinance states “Applications need to be consistent with the existing character of the river.” It also requires the town to “protect the natural beauty of the river.” Thanks to Alna residents and our strong Shoreland Zoning Ordinance, the character and the beauty of the Sheepscot River has thus been preserved. Please, deny the latest application. Thank you.

Honor Sage

Alna