Wiscasset’s Historic Preservation Commission had a tepid view of the Maine Department of Transportation’s plans for improving downtown. Option 2, which would eliminate all Main Street parking by razing the former Haggett Garage and replacing it with a parking lot, got a frosty reception.

A good deal of the two-hour discussion Monday night in the hearing room focused less on traffic and more on the proposed aesthetics. Concerns were raised regarding the design of the sidewalks, landscaping and street lighting along with the addition of park benches, tables and directional signage.

Several commission members cringed when MDOT Project Engineer Gerry Audibert said the improvements would give Wiscasset’s downtown an appearance more akin to Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston, Church Street in downtown Burlington, Vermont or Freeport’s Main Street.

Chairman John Reinhardt summed up the commission’s feelings best. “People that come here to visit our downtown tell us this is the way it used to be. It’s part of the reason why they stop in the first place. My concern is what you’re trying to do isn’t going to work,” he said.

The commission members were also concerned about the possible loss of the Haggett Garage built in 1916 and home to one of New England’s first Ford Motor Company automotive dealerships. When asked if Option 2 could continue without tearing down Haggett Garage, Audibert said MDOT chose the Water Street property because at the time it was on the market. He added if another property suitable for parking were available MDOT might consider it.

Megan Hopkin, MDOT historic planner, said the Haggett Garage building might not qualify as an historical site. “It’s been greatly modified and architecturally has lost its historical integrity,” she said. The building’s present owner Coastal Enterprises Inc. had done extensive remodeling to its exterior including altering the building’s roof.

Paul Mrozinski, a downtown business owner, said a group in town had been looking at the building as a possible site for a grocery store and pharmacy. He also expressed concern about the elimination of parking on Main Street and the impact this would have on businesses.

Audibert said under either option, the town was getting more not less parking. Rather than remove the CEI building, he said it might be possible to connect a smaller parking lot on Middle Street with one on Water Street. “We’re still looking into that idea to see if that’s even feasible,” he said.

Commission member Gordon Kontrath suggested MDOT leave the CEI building and explore the possibility of enlarging it and converting it into a parking garage. Kontrath shared pictures of a similar brick building converted for that purpose.

Reinhardt felt Wiscasset’s historic preservation ordinance might require the state to receive the town’s permission before removing the building.

Because the project falls within an historic district and the state is relying in part on Federal Highway Administration (FHA) funds, MDOT must adhere to requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act, Cassandra Chase, environmental engineer with the FHA’s Maine division said. These requirements included the recent conducting of an architectural survey of the downtown from Big Foot Alley to Shin Bone Alley. Hopkin said 106 historic buildings were found in the project area, adding the Maine Historic Preservation Commission was aware of both of MDOT project options.

The town’s commission and other residents with concerns could request “Consulting Party Status” and submit comments concerning the project on MDOT’s website.

MDOT has requested a non-binding, town referendum question on a proposed $4 million to $5 million downtown traffic improvement project. Voters are asked to choose between three options.

Both Options #1 and #2 include adding two traffic signals, widening Main Street sidewalks by eliminating or reducing parking and constructing a sidewalk and parking lot at the north end of Railroad Street. The third option leaves the downtown as it is with no MDOT improvements.

MDOT believes either option #1 or #2 will reduce summer traffic snarls as well as make the downtown safer for pedestrians. Option 2 eliminates all parking on Main Street and calls for razing the former CEI building on Water Street (Haggett’s Garage) constructing a 29-space parking lot there.

An MDOT open house and public hearing on the options is set for Tuesday, May 10, at Wiscasset Community Center. The first half of the meeting from 3 to 5 p.m. will allow one-on-one discussions with traffic engineers. A public hearing will then follow from 6 to 8 p.m.

The town clerk said new residents can register to vote at the town office during business hours or at the polls on the day of the election.