Dear Editor:

The group calling itself Wiscasset Thinks Forward (WTF) would like you to think that the business community is behind the Option 2 - MDOT project. We’re not. We’re the ones that keep pointing out that only three of the businesses are in favor of it. We favor Option 1.

WTF would like you to believe that wide tree-lined sidewalks will increase the number of pedestrian shoppers. It won’t. There are many studies that dispel that theory.

Robert J. Gibbs, a recognized expert in “urban” retail planning and author of “Principles of Urban Retail Planning and Development,”  in 2012 cites that: “A common planning mistake is to remove on-street parking so that sidewalks can be widened to accommodate street trees and furnishings. The theory behind this practice is that wide tree-lined sidewalks enhance a downtown’s walkability, thus increasing the number of pedestrian shoppers. While street trees are important, planting trees at the expense of on-street parking is almost always detrimental to the commerce of retailers and restaurants.”

Maine Preservation agrees. In their March 1, 2018 Affidavit, they write that: “Parking is the key component of successful downtowns. By eliminating on-street parking between Water and Middle Streets, all these businesses will be extremely vulnerable to failure over time as potential customers frustrated by the absence of on-street parking steadily decrease.” They go on to forecast a bleak future for the town.

Additionally, the planned parking lots are too far away. Based on MDOT’s own studies, for off-street parking to be considered convenient, it should be within 300 feet of the businesses it serves. Only half of the Haggett’s lot will be within that distance. Railroad Avenue doesn’t even come close.

WTF would like you to believe that as a resident, you’ll have to foot the bill for the lawsuit. Keeping our ordinances from being undermined is so important that private citizens have stepped forward to cover all costs of the lawsuit.

In summary, please help defend Wiscasset and protect the historic downtown. Vote yes on April 17 in favor of the lawsuit. Let’s find a sensible solution.

Ann Scanlan

Wiscasset