Earlier this year, the Boothbay Planning Board was appointed to serve as the town’s interim comprehensive planning committee to propose new language integrating the new state legislation into the town’s ordinances. On Aug. 26, planning board members Bruce Bowler and Lucian Laurie Jr. reported about potential changes to the comp plan based on the state's actions.

New state laws would create more growth areas within local  municipalities. Boothbay wants to promote growth in areas with water and sewer. So, the comprehensive plan committee is proposing limiting growth in areas which don’t have access to town water or sewer.

In other action, Laurie proposed a town survey to gauge whether properties have access to enough groundwater. He told selectmen often times he wonders if a proposed project has adequate water capacity. "When a four-unit proposal is before the planning board, I often wonder if there is enough water,” he said. “I ask about doing a groundwater survey and people get kind of nervous.”

So Laurie asked selectmen about doing a voluntary paper survey to gauge local water availability. Selectman Steve Lewis favored the proposal. “I think that is a real good idea because you would at least have an idea about what the situation is like," he said.

Town Manager Dan Bryer reported Crooker Construction of Topsham is preparing Pleasant Cove Road for fall paving. Bryer said the company “has done a bang-up job in preparing the road for paving.”

Selectmen held a public hearing, and afterwards approved a “Permanent Modifications of Premises” permit for Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens which begins in 2027.  Bryer told selectmen the State Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages made the request. 

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2 in the conference room.