Wiscasset selectmen gave no indication of whether or not they’ll require a certificate of appropriateness for the Maine Department of Transportation’s downtown project as recommended by the Wiscasset Historic Preservation Commission. On Tuesday night, John Reinhardt, commission chairman, asked that notification of the requirement to be sent to MDOT officials in writing.

In a May 16 letter, the commission told selectmen the preservation ordinance applies to the project since the planned Main Street sidewalk widening and removal of the Haggett Garage building are within the town’s historical district. The letter stated, “under the ‘home rule’ provision, MDOT is required, as with all parties undertaking major demolition and/or construction work within the Wiscasset Historic Preservation District, to prepare and submit Certificates of Appropriateness for review and approval before any such actions may be taken.”

After reading the letter verbatim, Reinhardt asked the recording secretary that it be entered into the record. He returned to his seat to round applause from over two dozen residents who crowded into the hearing room.

There was no comment from selectmen, who quickly moved on to the next agenda item. Reinhardt’s address followed a lengthy statement read by fellow commission member Susan Blagden. Her comments were in response to a recent controversy over a certificate of appropriateness for a fence erected at a Fort Hill Street residence.

Blagden took issue with comments made by select board chair Judy Colby at a previous meeting including possible charges being drafted against commission members.

“My attorney subsequently wrote to the Select Board requesting a copy of the written charges,” stated Blagden. “Following an executive session with the Town Attorney, Colby announced that the (Historical Commission) Public Hearing scheduled for May 9 had been cancelled.” Blagden went on to state, “Selectmen do not necessarily have to agree with the actions of any Town body or employee, they do have a responsibility to listen to both sides of the story.

“I have waited for over a month in hopes that there would be the slightest indication from any or all of the selectmen that this whole proceeding has been illegal, unfair and unnecessarily hurtful to people who have given a great deal of their time and energy to supporting this town and its ordinances … not one select board member has ever asked any of us for our side of the story,” she added.

Colby thanked Blagden for her comments, also greeted with applause, and moved on to the next agenda item.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Ron Phillips, former head of CEI, asked if he might share comments concerning the downtown project. Phillips, of Waldoboro, asked to address selectmen concerning removal of Haggett Garage. The Water Street building is the former home of CEI and currently leased to Midcoast Conservancy. MDOT recently bought the building and plans to demolish it and build a parking lot as part of its $5 million project.

The board declined Phillips’ request. In response, Seaver Leslie, a member of the town’s MDOT Public Advisory Committee, approached the lectern, saying he and other residents wanted to hear what Phillips had to say.

Colby said the select board was involved in litigation concerning the project. At this point in time, they won’t engage in any dialogue related to it, she explained.

Phillips gave the Wiscasset Newspaper a copy of his statement. He noted he was not speaking for CEI having retired as director last July and is no longer on the board of Midcoast Conservancy, so as to avoid any confusion about his advocacy for preservation of Haggett Garage.

“I’ve been listening and watching the MDOT plan unfold. Option 2 is, on balance, not a good solution for Wiscasset. We need a better one – and it’s not too late,” he wrote. Phillips urged voters to vote YES on Article 66 at the town election, June 13. Doing so will bring MDOT and the select board back to the negotiating table, he added.

“The Haggett Garage is a viable, well-constructed building with excellent air quality; a functional, open and friendly environment for office work, public meetings, and community gatherings, a building with historic value, celebrated as part of the Museum in the Streets,” he continued. “There’s no need to destroy the Haggett Garage. I know from many decades in business it’s possible to make adjustments; it’s prudent to keep exploring options until you reach an agreement that satisfies everyone’s needs. I am asking you, the Select Board, to meet the challenge and seize the opportunity to make the best deal you can for the Town of Wiscasset,” wrote Phillips.