Dear Editor:

In the Lincoln County News April 20, Editorially Speaking – Give It a Chance, the comments on Wiscasset’s downtown project include four lines that I believe sum up the issues:

“To the preservation purists, Wiscasset today doesn’t look like Wiscasset 100 years ago or 200 years ago. Why do we want to freeze it in this time – 2017?”

“But there is a difference between a desire to respect the past and a wish to freeze-dry the present, and the balance in Wiscasset is tipping toward the latter.”

“But something needs to happen to address the traffic issue, which affects the entire region – not just Wiscasset.”

“We are confident there is no perfect solution. But let’s work with the DOT, not against it, to make this effort as effective as it can be.”

Although the project is technically a MDOT effort to move traffic through the village area safer and quicker, the MDOT is coordinating with the town of Wiscasset. A very committed, diverse, judicious advisory committee of residents have been working with the project manager in determining, securing and balancing the needs of the town and businesses with the goals of the MDOT.

While there are some residents and some businesses that are vocal and active in stopping this project, there are many other residents and many other businesses that support the project. The latter, including me, care deeply about our town’s historical significance.

My support continues to be based on the safety issues and consideration of what will be best for our community.

Judy S. Flanagan

Wiscasset