Protecting Maquoit Bay
The Nov. 7 Brunswick Town Council meeting was unexpectedly thrilling. Concerned citizens packed the chambers; over a hundred more participated by Zoom. All expressed worry for the current and future health of our beloved Maquoit Bay and spoke from a variety of perspectives — scientific, commercial, familial, poetic. Needing to protect the entirety of the Maquoit Bay watershed in order to protect the bay itself was the urgent message.Thank you to our councilors who voted unanimously to enact another 180-day moratorium, so committee members on the Comprehensive Plan, zoning, housing, and other relevant committees would have time to carefully review and make necessary changes in our ordinances. Thank you to neighbors from all over town, from many walks of life, for showing up and communicating your heartfelt and keen observations about the threats to our forests, watersheds and bays.News near the meeting’s end elicited gasps of delighted surprise. The Town is negotiating to purchase from developers the 283-acre “Maquoit Woods” parcel of most immediate concern. We hope the Town can follow through, tapping into multiple available funding sources. We also hope that the ecological importance of this particular parcel for both Maquoit and Casco Bays will be fully recognized, so that only minimal development in the Growth zone section will be allowed if it is scientifically determined not to harm the Maquoit watershed nor reduce the numerous biomass and wildlife benefits of the verdant, dense forests. In our modern era of stress and climate change, we especially need the refreshment of body and soul that nature provides in places like Maquoit Woods. Many residents at the meeting spoke gratefully of how they and their children regularly walk and play in these beautiful woods.May the Town Council, boards, committees and staff heed the alarming concerns of its citizens, provide reliable environmental information, and secure the necessary funding and regulations to renew and protect the waters, fisheries, wildlife, and plants of Maquoit Bay and all of its interconnecting bays, marshes, and forests.
Bruce and Barbara Kantner,
Brunswick
I am in full support of the purchase of the acreage bordering the Maquoit Bay watershed by the Town of Brunswick. I hope citizens will speak to this purchase November 21 at the public hearing to be conducted by the Town Council. This purchase will ensure the future of this area and protect the fragility of the land and the waters. I urge the Council to purchase this land. I applaud the present owners who are willing to negotiate with the town in this matter. I believe there are citizens willing to donate to this project. Please, buy this land for posterity.
Faith K. Moll,
Brunswick
On public serviceI strongly recommend that everyone read Dan Ankeles’ letter in the Nov. 11 Times Record (Dan Ankeles: Grateful to Brunswick). It illustrates the fact that public service is one of the highest callings in our representative democracy. Without individuals willing to serve the common good as elected members of our Town Council, our State Legislature and higher offices, our society could not function. Dan Ankeles epitomizes those who seek to support the common good through public service. In addition, you excel at keeping in touch with your constituents. Congratulations on your election to the Maine House and thank you for your willingness to continue to provide wise guidance in our town government.David S. PageBrunswick
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