Woolwich selectmen rejected the Gateway I proposal in a 4-0 vote at their meeting Monday evening.

The selectmen had asked Clark Granger, the chairman of the Comprehensive Plan Committee, to look over the proposal and report back to the board with a recommendation.

Granger told the selectmen the proposal would take away local control, not just in roads, but land use, housing, lot size, growth, and much more.

"It would mean a complete overhaul of our comprehensive plan. We just spent $15,000 to complete a plan that the voters accepted almost overwhelmingly. I don’t think we should tear it apart," Granger said.

"It looks like funding for another study," Granger said.

Newly re-elected Selectman David King, who will take his seat on the board the first of the year said, "If you are a consultant, Route 1 is a gold mine to you."

Gateway I Corridor Coalition will be a newly formed regional planning entity open to 21 towns along Route 1 from Brunswick to Prospect. Its purpose according to the Maine Department of Transportation website, is to support implementation of the Gateway I action plan, a collaboratively developed plan that recognizes the links between land use and transportation needs.

The plan will ask the communities to make over long term, specific changes in their comprehensive plan and ordinances that are designed to increase housing and commercial density in key growth areas.

As of October 31, 15 towns and cities along Route 1 have voted to sign the Gateway 1 Cooperative Start-up Agreement. Twelve towns were needed to participate in order for the Maine Department of Transportation to release $500,000 to be shared by the signed towns.

Wiscasset selectmen also rejected the plan.

In other business the board had a moment of silence for Roland Bailey, a long time resident of Woolwich, who past away November 15.

The selectmen voted to transfer the Bailey Cemetery Funds of $663 to the Bailey Cemetery Association for maintenance and upkeep of the cemetery.

Linda Hoch, Woolwich’s Patten Free Library trustee reported to the selectmen that the trustees will begin working on next year’s budget in January. Hock said they would be preparing the budget keeping in mind the difficult economic times.

Joan Jordan was appointed to the Conservation Commission as a voting member. She previously served as an alternate on the commission.

Code Enforcement Officer Bruce Engert reported he had been contacted by a representative from the state fire marshal’s office regarding the interior of Ed’s Stuff on Route 1 in Woolwich.

"I believe that I will have a favorable solution to that problem real soon," Engert said.

Fire Chief Jeff McCarren told the selectmen there were five car accidents since their last meeting in Woolwich. He also reported the department received a grant for two sets of turn-out gear.

There will be a craft fair at the fire station, Saturday, December 5, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The town’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and Christmas carol sing-along will be held Sunday, December 6, at 6 p.m.