Town of Machiasport action plan

[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Town of machiasport

TiON
PLAN

ITT series of ideas about the future.
168
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1989
pt. I

If CqUrhU-MF=j
0) PLANNING BOARD
LIBERTY HALL, MACHIASPORT, MAINE, 04653. Telephone: (207) 255-4516

July 1989

TO: The People Of Machiasport

FR: The Planning Board
RE: a series of ideas about the. future.

This "Action Plan" contains a series of specific recommendat ions for discus-
sion and consideration by the people of the Town. We believe if they are
followed our Town will become a better place to live, work and play. We
realize that all of the pro'DOSaIS can not all be done at once. Some can be
done immediately, others in the future. It is !moortant for the people of
the Town to be aware of the possibilities. To d-iscuss 'them, and to decide
how the future will be - not just lei' it happen.

One of the maps in this re'oort shows 1-he village one huhdred years ago. it
has changed since then and will continue to change. "Planning" is one way
that the people of the Town can guide change so that the Town stays (or
becomes) the way they want it.

Douglas Campbell, Chairman

Barbara Beatty

Frank Foster

Betty Grant*

L.C. Nick Greer

Al Thomoson

Mi I I ard Urquhart

Judy Wood
90-M

*Resigned 4/89

PXOPerty of CSC Library
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Town of Machiasport

ACTION
PLAN

CONTENTS

PART ONE

1. SUMMARY I

1 1. BACKGROUND 7

A. "Fast Facts" 8
B. History 11

Ill. GOALS is

IV. RECOMMENDED ACTIONS 21

A. Projects 22
B. Ordinances 60
C. Future Planning 72
V. TOWN ROADS, WAYS, AND ACCESS POINTS 78

APPENDIX: 90

- Bibliography of Prior Plans and Studies 91
- Local Planning Considerations, 197Q Report 92
- Natural Areas Inventory 95

PART TWO*

A HANDBOOK OF STATE LAWS AND TOWN ORDINANCES

PART THREE*

PRIOR STUDIES

PART FOUR*

STATISTICS AND DATA

*Parts Two, Three and Four are in separate volumes.

Town of i\ilacniiasport
ACTION
PLAN

a series of ideas about the future.

Is SUMMARY
JL;

MACH I ASPORT AS I T WAS....

Once a proud part of the United States coastal defenses, Fort 0'Brien is now an
attractive tourist stop. A hundred years later, the Bucks Harbor Air Force
Station was constructed. In the early 1980's the Air Force left and the facility
was converted to a prison. MachiaSDort now has no military installations.
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MACHIASPORT AS IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN ....

@Iondominiums are now being pro'Dosed in many parts o4l the State. Back in -,he 1970'@
this plan for conversion of the old factory was DreD.ared -,:, Krumbhaar and Holt,
Architects, Ellsworth. The conversion was not made and @he -1actory below been
torn down. There are no aPartment's in Machlasoort today.

. .. . ....... ........ . . .

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MACHIASPORT AS IT CAN BE.
Action for a Better Future
Machlasport has changed in the past. In the future it will also change. This
report contains a series of ideas about how that change can be guided so the
Town becomes a better place to live.

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

This Machiasport "Action Plan" contains a lot of histor[cal and background
information. But most importantly it contains actions recommended for the
future. They are summarized here and explained in detail in the rest of this
report. They can not all be done at once but some can be done at this year's
town meeting.

There are several new projects which have resulted from this studyand there are
a number of projects which have been proposed in the past but have not been
completed because of lack of funding. These have been reviewed and it is recom-
mended that the Town continue to seek the financial assistance necessary in order
to undertake the following (they are not necessarily In priority order):

1. Bucks Harbor.

a. Amend the Town's Shoreland Zoning Ordinance to protect commercial
fishing activities from unfair competition for-the limited space
there by "condo" builders and builders of facilities for exclusive
use by recreational boaters.

b. Public (town-owned) pier should be constructed at Bucks Harbor.
The town could contract for its operation. Ice, fuel, crane, etc.
should be available here.

c. The Harbor should be dredged.

d. The Corps of Engineers should construct a breakwater to protect this
important harbor.

2. An ordinance should be adopted to protect the pristine drinking waters
in the town's aquifers.

3. The town's unique natural areas should be protected by educating their
owners (and the people in the town in general) as to the value of these
areas, by placing some of these areas into the Shoreland Zoning Ordinance's
Resource Protection District, by helping the owners prepare easements for
these areas, and by acquisition of certain of them by the town or conservation
organizations.

4. Start a recycling program in the town immediately. This will conserve
valuable resources and also will extend the life of the town's landfill.

5. Access to the town boat ramp (and protection of the Gates House and Miller
Store historical sites). Access is becoming difficult due to erosion. Rip-
rap and fill should be placed here to stop this. It would also protect the
historic buildings and provide some parking.

6. Acquisition of parcel to south of Miller Store for parking for ramp and
historic house. A project related to 1) above, the project would Provide
needed parking for both uses. This land was "high and dry" but has eroded.
Again, rip-rap and fill is required.

7. Restore town Pier or-construct bulkhead. The photographs on a following page
show the pilings which once supported the town pier and related facilities.
This was an important and useful focal point for the town until 19 when ice
took it out. It should be replaced.

The pier option is more expensive, but is environmentally-more acceptable than
a bulkhead (the pier is also less durable.). A decision will need to be reached
as to which to pursue.

8. Improvements to Route 92.

a. The Maine Department of Transportation (with town cooperating) should
undertake the following improvements in the center of town:

1) Sidewalk (one side only - either side) from Factory Parking Lot, past
historic Gates House parking area, to Congregational Church parking lot.

2) Re-design culverts in front of Liberty Hall.

3) Rip-rap (or othertechnique) to prevent erosion of roadway.

4) Cut to improve vertical alignment and create acceptable sight -
distance at Congregational Church.

5) Replace damaged and missing guard-rail posts.

b. Other improvements (ditching, repaving, etc.) the length of Route 92
should continue.

9. Restoration of historic Liberty Hall should continue as described in detail
in this section. Work also should include creation of adequate town office
space from the storeroom on the south side of the ground floor and opening
the old doors on that side for hand!-capped access.

10. Improve Sanborn Park with nature trails and picnic areas.

11. Protect the Church Hill Cemetery from erosion which -is threatening some of
the graves.

12. Construct new firehouse.

13. Develop road-side rest area on town owned lot south-east of Foster Bridge
(a I so known as "The Dyke").

14. Prepare an-improvement plan for town roads and a schedule showing year-by-
year which roads will be improved.

15. Prepare a complete comprehensive plan when state funds for this becomes
available (probably in 1991).

16. Major improvements should be made to the Kennebec Road. This would be for
convenience. But also - and more importantly - to provide a second access
into and out of town emergency situations.

17. Locate a septic sludge disposal site: State law requires that the Town must
provide a site for disposal of residential and commercial septic-tank waste.

18. Develop a long-term.solution for the solid waste disposal problem.

19. Make clear to all which roads, ways, and access points are Town.(public) ways.

20. Take immediate action to protect the Town's most important natural areas.

21.

(insert your "pet" project here and send a copy to the Planning Board or
Selectmen for inclusion on future lists).

Town of ilvlachias@n

ACTION
PLAN

a series of ideas about the future.

BACKGROUND

A* "Fast Facts"

B. History

A. "Fast Facts"

Town of machiasport

Incorporated in 1826 Population 1,108

e
Machlasport, is deeply rooted in historic significanc
and offers many panoramic views. Three communities
Larrabee, Bucks Harbor, and Starboard are part of the
municipality.
The site of Fort O'Brien (caotured and burned by the r L9
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British during the War of 1812) offers a view of the
location of the Machias River where the first naval
battle of the Revolution was fought between the British
schooner "Margaretta" and the victorious American sloop
"Un ity. "
The Gates House Museum located here is the home of the Machlasport Historical
Society and is open to the public during the summer.
Bucks Harbor is an active Down East fishing village. Its excell.ent harbor
provides mooring for a fleet of over sixty fishing boats. A few moorings
are also available for visiting mariners and gasoline and deisel fuel may
be obtained at the Lobster Co-op dock. Fresh lobsters are also avaiable
at the co-op.
Jas'Der Beach, also in Bucks Harbor, is distinguished from other gravel beaches
by almost one half mile of barrier spit fronting a tidal inlet. Wave tumbled
and polished pebbles of jasper and rhyolite give the beach a distinctive color.
The beach is listed by the State as a critical area, and is under the protection
of the Federal Coastal Barrier Program. Machiasport acquired eleven acres of
beach fontace in 1985 with access to a parking area has been improved and a
pathway to the beach provided. A large sign on Route 92 identifies the entrance
to the Park. Visitors are requested to be considerate of the private properties
also fonting the beach.

Starboard offers stunning ocean views. A gravel bar that is exposed for a few
hours during low tide reaches across the bay to privately held Starboard-Island.

Other Machiasport points of interest include: the Rim Memorial Bridge,
connecting East Machias and Machias 'Dort; Liberty Town Hall (an 1873 structure
of mid-victorian architecture); the Machiasport Packing Company, an active
sardine cannery; the First Congregational Church, built in 1828; and the
Machias'Dort Baptist Church constructed in 1824, and the Bucks Harbor and Larabee
Baptist Churches.
Recently the attraction of its natural and scenic qualities has led to the
private development of exclusive subdivisions along the Machias and Little
Kennebec Bay shores.

ANNUAL EVENTS:

Homecoming Celebration sponsored by the Historical Society is held in July. A
Clam/Lobster Feed, tour of the Gates House is held in August. An old-fashioned
Christmas Open House is also held in early December.

BOAT ACCESS SITE(S):

The Town Landing behind the Gates House, Starboard Island Road, the Bucks Harbor
Co-op and Pettigrow's Boat Yard are all salt water facilities.

EATING PLACES:

Mic Mac Farm is located off- Route 92 and open year round by reservation only.

HISTORICAL SITES:

Gates House (home of the Machiasport Historical Society) is located on Route 92
and the Town Hall which is also located on Route 92. Fort O'Brien, Congregational
Church and Baptist Churches.

LODGING PLACES:

Mic Mac Farm has new cabins available. There are three units. The telephone
number is 255-3008. Bed and Breakfast facilities are also available in Starboard
at Marion Davis' home. Reservations may be made by calling 255-4426. "Gutsy Gull"
B&B, Telephone 255-8633.

MUSEUMS:

Gates House located on Route 92 is open summer weekdays from 9 to 4 and by
arrangement. The Historical Society also maintains extensive geneological records.

PARKS AND PICNIC FACILITIES:

Fort O'Brien State Park in Machiasport features scenic views and historical site
of a Revolutionary Fort. Machlasport Jasper Beach Park offers ocean views of
offshore islands.

SCENIC VIEWS:

Many vantage points along Route 92.

WILDLIFE PRESERVESMATURAL AREAS:

Larrabee Heath (Nature Conservancy) features wild raised bog. Offshore islands
feature bird refuge. Private boat access only.

OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST:

Sight-seeing: Many old homes
Geological Attractions: Shore ledges, Jasper Beach
Bird Watching: Anywhere in the area
The fishing boats at Bucks Harbor
East Side Church is one of the oldest in the State

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Machiasport and East Machias were originally part of Machias, the forty-second
town to be incorporated in what is now the State of Maine. This was the first
municipal corporation to be established between the rivers Penobscot and St. Croix.
This organization 'look place in 1784. The meaning of Machias"is "a bad run of
water" or "bad little falls," first applied to West Falls, on the (Mechises)
Machias River.

Machias attracted the attention of explorers and traders at a very early date,
John Rutt, an Englishman, master of the schooner "Mary of Guilford" in 1527,
penned with his own hand a map of the "Island just West of West Quoddiell and
also "erected a cross thereon." Befor the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth, there
were French and English trading posts on Cross Island as well as on Birch Point,
now Clarkeys Point in Machiasport. Cross Island was preferable as a trading
post, since no organized attempts could be made by the Indians to capture the
storehouse, and traders left here were secure from attacks because the island
could only be approached by canoe.

Here,'in the latter part of the seventeenth century, in the days of feudal Acadia,
was located one of the seigneurie� established by the French at strategic points
to secure valuable fur trade of the Indians, as well as to arouse the red men
against the English. Mechises, the terminus of canoe routes from the Penobscot
Valley on the west and the St. Croix on the east, was an ideal spot for such a
rendezvous.

Indisputable evidence in the heaps of clam shells, arrows, pipes and tomahawks
along Holmes Bay at the mouth of the Machias River and toward the mouth of
Chandler's River in Jonesborough attest the gathering by hundreds of Indian tribes
from the north and south each autumn.

In 1633 the Plymouth colonists established a trading house here under Richard
Vines. This was destroyed by LaTour. The French attempted to settle here in 1644;
Governor Andros said that in 1688 there were three families here.

It was not until 1763, after the eastern section had become safe for English
occupancy, that permanent settlements were made. During the years 1761-62 an
extraordinary-drought-and extenslv6'fires had resu.Ited in the visits of residents
of western Maine to the marshes of the rivers east of the Penobscot in searcn of
hay for their cattle. Encouraged by their findings, sixteen men from the settlement
of Black Point, Scarborough, embarked in a large whaleboat on a cruise eastward for
hay. They also were looking for a place to set up an establishment for timber.
At length they arrived at Machias where they found extensive tracts of salt marsh
lands covered with invaluable grass. Here was also a pine wilderness and untouched
forests of timber, with water power of a most unlimited capacity. They made a
clearing and then a double log house.was built, for the Berry and Larrabee families.
Then they built their mill. The women and children who had remained in Scarborough
came in August. The names of these early comers to West Falls in 1763 in addition
to Berry and Larrabee, were Scott, Libby, Stone, Hill, Fogg, Foster, Buck, Carleton
and Jones.

*Based upon "Maine Place Names and the Peopling of its Towns" by Ava Harriet
Chadborne, 1957.

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The Town has changed in the past 100 years, as can
be seen by comparing the present-day Town with this
1881 map from George N. Colby & Co.'s Atlas of
Washington County.

The Town is still changing and will continue to
Change. "Planning" is one way that the people
of the Town can guide change so that the Town
stays (or becomes) the way they want it. 12

During the year 1764 the inhabitants sawed nearly 1,600,000 feet of lumber. The
colony increased in 1765. The names of those coming at this time were: Elliot,
Holmes, Libby, Foster, Seavey, Munson, Balch, Getchell, and Foss, all from
Scarborough; John Underwood who came from Kittery and was the first trader or
storekeeper; and Jonathan Longfellow who came from Conwallis, Nova ScotTa.

In 1765 Morris O'Brien and his sons built a double saw mill on.,West Falls.- The
winter and spring of 1767 was one of widespread famine. Some called it "Cl.am Year."
Jonathan Longfellow was this year appointed Justice of Peace, the first civil
officer commissioned east of the Penobscot River. After a number of petitions had
been made to the General Court, the tract of land was granted, on April 16, 1770.
By this time the petitioners had become proprietors. They were especially warned
not to cut any of his Majesty's timber.

The first proprietary meeting was held in September, 1770. Stephen Jones was chosen
as clerk, Jonathan Longfellow, moderator; Benj. Foster, Samuel Scott and Sylvanus
Scott were made a committee to call future meetings; Ephraim Andrews, collector;
Sylvanus Scott, treasurer.

By 1770 a larger, more business-like central village had grown up around "West Falls."
Three double saw mills had been built. One statement of the surveyors shows that
bricks were made in Machias before 1773. Tradition tells us that "no salt was
imported to Machias for four years, the factory distilling salt from sea water, the
place of operation being a small island, in what is now Machiasport,-known by the
'residents of today, as well as on the charts, as Salt Island."

The first meeting houses were built in 1774; they had no pews, but ranges of seats
on each side of a narrow aisle with a pulpit at the head.. The Reverand James Lyon,
a graduate of Princeton, came in 1771 and continued in service in both the east and
west villages until his death in 1795.

Machias people initiated the Revolutionary struggle on the sea, as the people of
Lexington and Concord had done upon the land. The "Margarettall was the first
British vessel captured by the Americans. Foster and Jeremiah O'Brien were
commissioned as privateers and were very successful. In 1777 the British under
Sir George Collier came to subdue the rebellious town. When they arrived they
burned a tide mill, two dwellings, tow barns and a guardhouse below the village,
but in the end, beset by both Americans and Indians, the British were glad to reach
the bay again. "To the firmness and intrepidity of their fathers we owe the
preservation of this extreme outpost of the colonies throughout the Revolutionary
War, though so little has been said about it, that the fact is hardly known outside
of the locality itself.11

As the name connotes, Machiasport was originally the port for the adjoining towns.
It has an excellent harbor open all year.

The petition signed in 1784 by the settlers who had improved the land and asked that
their claims might be examined by the General Court had as its first signer
Mainwaring Beal, who stated that John Manchester, from whom he bought the land about
1770, had settled there about eighteen years before (1766). There were seventeen
other signers, including John Coffin Jones, Jonas Farnsworth, William Albee, Joseph
Lebbee, Nathan Lebbee, Peter Coolbroth, Stephen Fogg, Abner and David Leatherby,
Benj. Pettigrew, Stephen Jones, John Sanborn, John O'Brien, Henry Griffiths, Wm. Kelly,
and Widow Larrabee.

About 180'-J, -@@e i I I age COMDri sed -tl- he @ am i I ies o -I' Mr. Mat th i as Fcc)ev and
Mr. Nathaniel Beni. Berry and John an(@ lvft. Sanborn. The L.:,:rr3b'ees and
Petigroves vjer@@ 3-1 Larrabee's Cove and the Colbaths and Libbys at Suck's Harbor,
the Bryan-Is i3nd @'iilers at Little Kennebec.

Buck's Harbor, no,.-., in Machiasport, was probably named forCapt. Thomas Buck of
Plymouth, Mass., carried the first settlers to Machias in .1763.

Machiasport was incorporated as a separate town in 1826.

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HISTORIC BUILDINGS AND PLACES IN MACHIASPORT*

LIBERTY TOWN HALL

Liberty Town Hall was designed and built by Andrew R. Gilson of Machias in 1873.
This large two story c1paboarded structure with a central square tower is an-
excellent example of the ItalTanate style of architecture. The corners of the
tower and first story of the building have woo den quTons. The windows have
heavy ornate lintels, and the tower's denticulated cornice is supported by
paired brackets. Each side.of the tower has a pair of round headed apertures
with a circular opening above. The roof of the bell tower has been remodelled.
Liberty Hall faces east on Route 92, and has served as a center for social
activities and meetings for many years.

MACHIASPORT CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

This Federal style church was built in 1828, and i's located in a spectacular
setting on a bluff overlooking the Machias Bay. The church has two paneled door-
ways for entrance to the building, and has a Palladian window in the center front
of the second story. The church originally had a simple square tower, and the
spire was added in the 19201s. The ornamental wooden pinnacles on the tower
resemble those of the Centre Street Congregational Church in Machias.

GATES HOUSE

Zebadee Mayhew came to 1"lachlas in 1803 and bought the property on which the Gates
House sits. He probably built the housewsoon after this purchase, and in 1813
the house, barn, store and wharves were sold at public auction to Nathan Gates.
Mr. Gates was a trader, and from the mid to late nineteenth century the wharves
were the final stop on the Machiasport-Whitneyville Railroad. The basement facing
the river was always used as a store or trading post. The house remained in the
Gates family until 1929.

Built on the.slope of a hill on the edge of the Machias River, the Gates House has
two main facades of differing heights. From the road it appears to be of two
stories with a projecting wing on the west side. From the river it has three
stories. The building shows Federal period influence in its low pitched hip roof,
fanlight over the doorway, and tall, narrow proportions. The windows have twelve
over twelve lights and the cornice has a very simple decorative molding.

The Gates House is the home of the Machiasport Historical Society and is open to
the public. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

LARRABEE CHURCH

William C. Bowker of Machias was the architect and master builder for the Larrabee
Baptist Church. The exterior was completed in 1874, but the pews were not installed
and interior details finished until 1880. The Baptist Church was dedicated in
June 1880.

This wooden clapboarded church is a simple example of th 'e Itallanate period of
00 architecture. It has double entrance on the gable end facing the street, with
ornamental lintels over each doorway. A square bell tower sits on the gabled roof.
The Larrabee Baptist Church is located on Route 92.

*From: Sunrise County Architecture: Significant Buildings of Washington County.
By Anne Fernald for the Sunrise Institute, 1979.
1 r,

BUCKS HARBOR CHURCH

-Historic Bucks Harbor Church is the centerpiece of this community.

MACHIASPORT BAPTIST CHURCH

The 'church across the river' was built in 1823-1824, and is the earliest existing
church in the Machias area. The wooden clapboarded building has a gable roof with
square bell tower. The belfry has pairs of pointed apertures on each side. The
-stained glass windows, chimmney and belfry were added in 1911. The Machlasport
Baptist Church is used once a year for special @ervices, and is located on the east
side of town.

FORT O'BRIEN

The Machias River saw early settlement. In 1622 and again in 1643 English trading
posts were established in the vicinity, and a small French settlement thrived for a
few years from the 16801s. By the time of the American Revolution Machias was
becoming a center for Anglo-American logging operations, and it was this frontier
community which was to precipitate the first naval engagement of the war in which
the British ship "Margaretta" was captured on June 12, 1775. Anticipating
retaliation, the townspeople hastened to builld a breastwork on the river under the
direction of one Jerimiah O'Brien. The Briatish response was not long in coming
when Sir George Collier with four vessels drove the defenders away.

In 1777 the "Eastern Department" was re-organized and Machias became its military
headquarters. Fort Machias (Fort O'Brien, as it has become known) was upgraded by
Massachusetts and placed under the command of Col. John Allan of Nova Scotia. Allan
was directed to enlist 100 men, a figure increased to 300 later in the year after a
damaging English raid. Armament consisted of new muskets for the troops as well as
two 9-pounders and one 6-pounder cannon. the fort itself was repaired and strenghtened
and barracks were constructed. It was to see no further action during the Revolution,
thus succeeding in protecting Machias from further English depredations.

Practically nothing is known of Fort O'Brien's construction details, but a survey
map drawn in 1964 shows the "site of Old Battery" just to the north of a Civil War
battery. This was a crescent-shaped earth-work, clearly visible in the 19th century,
which was some 90 feet long and 14 or 15 feet thick,

In 1781 Congress took control of Fort O'Brien: "It is ... RESOLVED, That the
Governor and Council of Massachusetts be, and they hereby are empowered, to complete
the company or artillery at the post of Machias, to a number not exceeding sixty-five..
the said company to be under the command of Col. John Allan, and to be raised,
clothed' paid and subsisted, as Continental soldiers, at the expense of the United
States.1?

During the British naval offensive of 1814 Fort O'Brien fared less well. In
September five men-of-war carrying some 900 regulars descended upon the Machias River
and Fort O'Brien, defended by about 100 men, had to be hastily abandoned. Staying
a couple of days, the British burned the barracks and removed the guns.

The next (and last) time that Fort O'Brien was activated was in the fall of 1863
when an entirely new battery was constructed, just to the south of the 18th century
fortification. The Civil War was at its height, and there were genuine fears that
a Confederate raider, such as the notorious "Alabama" might sail up the Machias
River and devastate one of eastern Maine's most important towns. Accodingly, a
new Fort O'Brien was built from designs by Thomas Lincoln Casey and B.R. Green. A
military engineer. Casey was in charge of all Maine fortifications during the
Civil War and was later to complete the construction of the Washington Monument.

The fort consisted of the following components. A small gable-roofed store house
measuring 14 feet by 18 stood to the north-west. In the center of-the complex was
a nearly square timber magazine measuring externally 43 feet by just over 39.
Excavations by Wendell Hadlock in 1965 indicated that this semi-subterranean
structure was built of unhewn logs, varying from eight to twelve inches in diameter,
which sheltered an 18 by 12-foot chamber for powder and ammunition storage. The
battery itself faced east and was a timber-revetted earthwork.-about 150 feet long,
north to south. This work protected five guns. The three entral guns were 32-
poOnder smoothbores which were mounted at ground level and fired through embrasures
18 feet wide at their mouths. The two other guns, one at each end, were 24-pounder
rifled cannon. These seem to have been mounted at a higher level en barbette, that
is, they fired over the parapet rather than through it.

Fort O'Brien, which is now a State Park, is to this day a prominent earthwork over-
looking the Machias River in Machiasport. Its peaceful setting belles the fact that
in-three American wars fortifications were built and defended here with greater or
lesser success to protect one of eastern Maine's major population centers.*

INDIANS IN THE MACHIAS BAY AREA**

For centuries prior to the American Revolution evidence is undisputable that the
Indian tribes from the North including the St. Lawrence and the Narragansetts on
the south.gathered by the hundreds each autumn in October usually at the mouth of the
Machias River with Holmes Bay being the headquarters for rendevous, campfires,
hunting, fishing and sporting. Big heaps of clam shells along the Bay, also west
and toward the mouth of the Chandler's River in Jonesboro near Look's Point where
Indian arrows, pipes and tomahawks have been taken out of these heaps of shells.
Very little remains of these shell heaps.

*From "The For-is of Maine" by Robert L. Bradley for the Maine Historic Preservation
Commission (undated)

"From "Historic Washington County", 1976

1 -7

Town of machiasport

ACTION
PLAN

a series of ideas about the future.

GOALS

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

These Goals and Objectives provide a framework for planning by identifying a
future state of affairs which the Town hopes to achieve. They also can serve
as standards against which the achievements of the Town can be evaluated and
the degree of success determined.

The Goals and Objectives are closely inter-related and to some extent cannot be
separated but have been grouped into several categories for ease of discussion
and consideration.

Goal: Attain an Optimal Quality of Life Within Machiasoort

Objectives: 1. Protect and enhance positive aspects of the character and
values of the community.

2. Prevent pollution of water supplies.

3. Carefully integrate subdivisions, when presented, into the
Town's overall development plans.

4. Provide facilities to meet the special needs of youth and
senior citizens; both at the community and county-wide
levels.

5. Actively encourage residents who are retired or over age
65 to use their experience and abilities in community
programs.

6. Continue to provide access to health care facilities.

7. Provide optimal recreational activities.

8. Promote the development of locally oriented cultural
activities.

9. Preserve historic areas.

Goal: Attain a Better Balance of Local Income Producing Activities
Which Will Enhance Local Employment Opportunities

Objectives: 1. Support the efforts of Machias to encourage development of
new job opportunities *year-round and seasonal) for the
younger age groups.

2. Encourage the development of more diversified maritime
related activities.

3. Protect and enhance Bucks Harbor.

I r)

Goal: Promote Machiasport at the Reqional. and State Levels.

Objectives: 1. Develop local pride in Machiasport.

2. Promote the positive attributes of Machlasport.

3. Establish a sense of unity.

4. Meet the community's soci6l,. civic, and economic responsibilities
with imagination and with voluntary action which will merit-the
understanding and support of all concerned.

Goal: Improve Governmental Services to the Community

Objectives: 1. Provide better communications between town government and
citizens of Machiasport.

2. Determine level of services citizens want.

Goal: Encourage the Development of Low Cost Housing So Young Families
Just Starting Out Can Afford Adequate Housing

Objectives: 1. Provide sites for homes that moderate income people can afford.

2. Provide housing types that moderate income people can afford.

Town of machiasport

ACTION
PLAN

a series of ideas about the future.

IVe RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

A. Projects
B. Ordinances
Ce Future Planning

A. Recommended Projects

The following pages contain excerpts from plans, studies, and reports. The
full reports should be referred to for details of each project.

1.. Protect Gates House and Miller Store from erosion.

Provide access to Town's boat ramp.

2. Acquire site for additional planning to serve ramp (as well as historic
buildings).

3. Restore town pier or construct bulkhead.

4. Improve Route 92 - especially between the factory and Congregational
Church.

5. Restore Liberty Hall, improve Town Office space.

6. Improve Sanborn Park.

7. Bucks Harbor:

a. construct town-owned pier
b. dredge
c. construct breakwater

8. Protect Church Hill Cemetery from erosion.

9. Construct new firehouse or make major improvements to present one.

10. Develop roadside rest area at the Dyke.

11. Initiate a re-cycling program.

12. Make major improvements to Kennebec Road.

13. Stop erosion of historic Fort O'Brien.

14. Protect the Town's most important natural areas.

LOCATION OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
(Other.action proposals are town-wide or do not involve construction)

f EAS-r MACNIAS

10, 5
7.

12
13

0
0
Ix

MACH I AS rrov'u"'RT
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MAINE
23

PROTECT HISTORIC BUILDINGS PROVIDE PARKING FOR BUILDINGS AND RAMP
PROVIDE ACCESS TO TOWN BOAT RAMP 2

Access to the town boat ramp is becoming difficult due to erosion. Rip-rap and
fill should be placed here to stop this. It would also protect the historic
Gates House and Miller Store and provide some parking. Acquisition of parcel to
south of Miller Store would provide space for additional parking for ramp and
historic building. This land was once "high and dry" but has eroded (see photos
on the following page). Again, rip-rap and fill is required.

Aire,_
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SCALIr im PEEr:
5, 1* 30 .90

3 REPLACE THE TOWN LANDING

Restore town pier or construct bulkhead. The photogra'Dhs on the following page
show the pilings which once supported the town pier and related facilities.
This was an important and useful focal point for the town until ice took it out.
It should be replaced. This page shows the pier option which is more expensive,
but is environmentally more acceptable than a bulkhead (the pier is also less
durable). A following page shows the bulkhead. A decision will need to be
reached as to which to pursue.

% MX
V1

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EDWARD C. JORDAN COI, INC
ENGINEERING, PLANNING, ARCMITECTURIE
P'QR?L A APD, IANQ**. &jj* O'QCSQ#Jl ISLI, MA1111 swt:@.:.:2s..-@'04 40
- r"',.

A L
4i
41
F.

The vicinity of the Town Landing as it once appeared. This view is looking north
along Water Street. The buildings on the right have all been destroyed by erosion.
Note the masts of a schooner tied up. at the also gone wharf).

When the Coast Guard manned the Cross Island Light, they used to come to the Town
Wharf and Miller's Store for groceries, etc.

mculow- z

the site of the Town
d
Landing as it is to ay.

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EDWARD C. JORDAN Cn., INC
PISPN
flIGINEERING. PLANNING. ARCHITECTURE
POSILAUG. *An***. AND 0445001 ISLA. ab.al FErrF 66 40
, 7nm 71) C, 1)@Te

Proposed replacement for Town Landing. Alternate B: A Bulkhead.

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lie
EDWARD C. JORDAN CC, INC.

rNGINIEERING, PLANNING, ARCHITECTURE
PORTLAND, S&MG04. AND VQCIQU9 IS69. NAiQI
I

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EDWARD C. JORDAN Co., INC

IE144INEERING, PLANNING, T
AMC M I T E C. Wit 1:
SCA@L Joe 40. ACV. Ia.
in act

4 ROUTE 92 IMPROVEMENTS

State Route 92 is in need of ditching and repaving for much of its length.
However, one section is especially critical: from the factory to the Congregational
Church is in need of major-structural changes. There is quite a bit of pedestrian
traffic along the highway when there are events at the Gates House,.or the Sunrise
Inst-itute or the church, as well as when the factory is working. There is also
routinely heavy traffic to the Town Office in Liberty Hall. As can be seen in the
photo on the cover of this report, there once was a sidewalk on the west side of
the road - it should be replaced.

Sight distances are unacceptable, the guard rail is in a shambles, and one section
of the road Is in Imminent danger of being eroded into the sea!

A^5

C;D

lp-

CORN HILL ROAD

1. Sidewalk (one side only either side) from Factory Parking Lot,
past historic Gates House parking area, to Congregational Church
parking lot.
2. Re-design culverts in front of Liberty Hall.
3. Rip-rap (or other technique) to prevent erosion of roadway.
4. Cut to improve vertical alignment and create acceptable sight
distance at:

a. Congregational Church
b. Liberty Hall

5. Reolace damaged and missing guard-rail posTs.

'Z 1

5 LIBERTY HALL IMPROVEMENTS

Liberty Hall is the most impressive town 11-iall in Washington County (and one of
the most interesting in Maine). It was built by our proud fore-bearers to serve
as a focus for town activities. Would they be proud of it now?

It should be restored - outside and inside. This will not be-inexpensive (see
following pages) but it should be done.

Space should be provided Tn it for adequately carrying on day-to-day town business,
for routine meetings of the selectmen, Dlanning board, assessors, and others. And
for proper storage of town records. The building should also be made accessible
for the handicapped and the elderly. It should have running water and a toilet.

The required office space and storage can be provided on the south side of the
ground floor. The double doors on that side of the hall could provide the needed
access.

Parking for the hall is a critical need which is discussed in the roads section
of this plan.

77
.777_

Yost

Upon completion of the renovation work, a plaque shoud be place on
the Hall stating that it was built in 1873 and restored in 1990 by
the people of Machiasport for their children and their children.

LID
TOWN-OFFICE: LIBERTY HALL
N
As it Is...

Stono Mid dittl"I
60@ - 411dwly
am hft-"& *.PPgd
7

Clark's Office

Inadequate
Large room full of old Mves and other unused stuff 4510"XI310" raw for
working or
storing
Important
records

As It might-be....

Fire Exit For
Dieting R, -
hL A

Irf-I

meet Ing PQM
is.61X131 Clark's Office
T 1786*XI31
Selectmen
Pla I Board Assessor., Adequate room
net "I Work Room
Ar ... sors for working
Etc@, Etc. and storage
8'X9'
Also available
for assistance
conferences

Space should be provided in it for adequately carrying on day-to-day town business,
for routine meetings of the selectmen, :)Ianning -board, assessors, and others. And
for proper storage of town records. The building should also be made accessible,
for the handicapped and the elderly. It should 'have running water and a to! let.

The required office space and storage can be provided on the south side of the
ground floor. The double doors on that. side of the hall could provide the needed
access.
a-
I11-61XI3
U7
Plan "g Board
r
tA
E

April 18, 1989 a visual inspection was performed of Liberty Hall -by an engineer
from the Kimball Chase Company. The purpose of the inspection was to determine
costs associated with updating the facility to current day standards.

The visual inspection of Liberty Hall showed it to be in structurally good shape.
The major problems with the-building, relating to its long-term use as a Town Hall
and public meeting place, are the following:

- no handicap access
- no water supply .
- no wastewater disposal system
- no insulation

The engineer's recommended first step in determining the feas-lbility of upgrading
Liberty Hall is to determine if wastewater disposal can be accomplished on site.
A licensed site evaluator should be retained to investigate the property to
determine the feasibility of an on-site system.

The second recommendation is to determine if an adequate water supply can be developed.
It is possible that a system could be installed, along with a well, under the State's
Replacement System Variance.

From the engineer's report, the Planning Board selected reasonable construction items
and costs needed to bring the building up to current day standards. (The key point
to remember with renovation projects is to budget for contingencies, which.are
often encountered during these types of projects).

ITEM ESTIMATED COST

Foundation drainage along south $ 2,200
and west side

Parking area and retaining wall $ 7,700
in front of building

Handicap access including ramp S 7,500
and new entrance door

Front steps/walkway $ 3,200

Inspection and repair of floor joists $ 2,500

Installation of water well $ 4,100
(within 100 feet of building)

Wastewater disposal system $11,000
(not including cost of land)

Plumbing/Bathrooms including two handicap $' 6,000
bathrooms on first floor, hot water heater,*
kitchen sink

New furnace and as sociated duct work, $ 5,000
commercial 275,000 BTU furnace

7 A

I-TEM @STIMATED COST

Electrical including neww 200 amp entrance $ 2,700
panel, wiring three offices and two bathrooms

Exterior windows/sash repair $ 1,600

Insulation blown in - R19 in the walls $ 9,500
R30 in the ceilings

Floor insulation - 2" rigid insulation laid $ 3,200
under existing first floor

Repair of floors $ 2,500

Three new offices including four interior $ 7,000
doors, sheet rock, paint and trim

Flni@h front entry including sheet rock and $ 2,400
paint

New outside door to new offices $ 500

Weatherstripping of front door $ 200

Chimney inspection and cleaning $ 400

Fire escape including new exterior doors and $ 2,000
new stairs

Sprinkler system, second floor life support $ 5,000
system, (if required)

Tower repair including patching and paint $ 2,300

Painting of building exterior $ 5,000
SUB TOTAL $93,500
Contingencies (15%) 14,020
TOTAL $107.525

Some of these things (for example the tower repairs to keep the rain out) should be
done immediately. However, all of these things do not need to be done at once.,
It also may be that some can be done less expensively than these estimates through,
volunteer help and personnel from the correctional facility. However, quality work,
not "patch-up" should be done throughout. It is likely that matching funds for this
work can be obtained from the Maine Historical Precervation Commission through their
State Restoration Grants Program. It is all but certain that a low-interest loan can
be obtained from the Farmer's Home Administration for this work.

6
SAKIBORN PARK IMPROVEMENTS

The site of this park is truly spectacular. Located high atop Fort O'Brien Point,
it offers views far across Machias Bay. It is adjacent to Fort O'Brien School and
to Fort O'Brien State Park.

At the 1972 Town Meeting it was voted that the "land known as the Sanborn Point lot
on Sanborn's Point, together with the shore, flats and right of way to a town road
be dedicated for the recreational use of the Inhabitants of the Town of Machiasport."
It is recommended that most of the site be preserved in its natural state and that
trails, picnic sites and viewing areas be developed. Access @vould be by foot
although one trail might be wide enough to allow access by an occasional town
.maintenance vehicle.

In keeping with this action, the plan below shows how the site might be developed:

16
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7 PUBLIC ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS AT BUCKS HARBOR

The fishing fleet in 1960 was comprised of five boats that had marine
engines and a few really obsolete vessels. There are now 60 sophisticated
commercial boats, including draggers 'as well as boats tending over 10,000
lobster traps. In 1960 the fleet provided.15 jobs. It now provides 200
(including support workers on shore). Private facilities ha -ve not kept
pace with the growth, yet there is real potential for continued growth in
commercial f1shing which could bring new job opportunities to the town.
Realization of this is being thwarted by the lack of a public dock, landing,
and boat launching facilities at Bucks Harbor. A related need is parking
for fishermen, buyers and visitors. There is also a lack along this entire
section of the Maine coast of a hoist, of ice, and of water. All of these
lacks (and more) could be available at the new pier. The town is certain that
meeting these needs will result in incomes and new jobs, and believes that a
publically owned pier at Bucks Harbor would be the best way to meet the need.

A two-part process is proposed:

1. SITE SELECTION

Considering all of the Harbor's needs,prepare a detailed analysis of each
Potential site and select the best available. Site selection criteria will
Include: a. Size: large enough parcel for shoreside uses and parking;
b. Vehicular and pedestrian access;
c. Soils analysis;
d. Topography;
e. Type of shoreline;
f. Current uses;
g. Wind and wave analysis;
h. Depth of water;
1. Availability of utilities (power, phone, water, septic);
j. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY: AVAILABILITY OF THE SITES.

2. SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN

a. Preliminary engineering studies, including surveys, borings and
soundings.
b. Preparation of plans and specifications.
c. Preliminary cost estimates for proposed facilities including
estimates of annual maintenance costs.
d. Real estate appraisals and surveys of land to be purchased for
public use.
e. Preparation of drafts of necessary state and federal environmental
statements.
f. Obtain an option on the chosen site

_@ -7

Wholebaci
Cove

SMO/Ps Cove

Ile Bar

BUCKS
HAR Bucks
Harbor

ownership map of
Bucks Harbor and
vicinity

BUCKS HARBOR DREDGING

Navigation Improvement Study
Reconnaissance Report

Bucks Harbor
Machiasport, Maine

US Arrny Corps
of Engineers SEP BY
Nc v Engand Di%rsion

NOTE: This is an excerpt from the preliminary report. It was favorable,
therefore a final report is being prepared. It is expected in
Summer 1989.

CONTINUING AUTHORITIES FACT SHEET
BUCKS HARBOR
PRELIMINARY RECONNAISSANCE

September 1987
New England Division

1. Proiect: Bucks Harbor, Machiasport, Maine
CWIS: 87577

Congressional District: 2nd, Rep. Olympia J. Snowe

County: Washington

2. Authority: Section 107, River and Harbor Act of 1960, as amended: Small
Navigation Projects.

3. Location of Study Area: Bucks Harbor is located in the town of
Machiasport on the west side of Machias Bay. The harbor lies approximately
70 miles east of Ellsworth along U.S. Route 1, and 25 miles west of Lubec,
Maine and the Canadian border.

4. Dates of Corps' Action:
Reconnaissance Phase initiated - May 1987

5. Problems, Needs, and Opportunities Identified:' The major navigation
problems experienced by the commercial fishing fleet are anchorage
overcrowding damages and operating delays, tidal delays and damages, and
storm related damages. Local officials have stated that mooring requirements
are double that which is provided by the existing Federal anchorage. A study
of Bucks Harbor, conducted by a consulting engineering firm, substantiates
the above concerns.
Since 1960, the commercial fishing fleet has grown from 5 to
approximately 60 boats. The increased harbor use'and the continued demand
for additional mooring area has created the need for expansion of the
existing Federal anchorage.

By providing navigation improvements in Bucks Harbor, the commercial
fishing fleet will be able to experience further growth and increased
operating efficiencies.
A representative of the Maine Department of Marine Resources stated that
increased quahog landings may result from navigation improvements through
greater operating efficiencies and additional fishing boats.

6. Alternative Plans Considered: Navigation improvement plans considered
for this phase of study were limited to increasing the available deep water
anchorage area for commercial fishing interests. Based on information
provided by local users, problem identification and fleet characteristics
were determined. Using this information, the plan of improvement chosen for
evaluation was developed.

7. Description of Recommended Plan: The improvement plan recommended in
this study phase proposes deep water anchorage area in addition to the
existing Federal anchorage in Bucks Harbor, and an access channel. The
existing Federal navigation project provides 11 acres of open mooring
anchorage at a depth of -8 feet at mean low water. The original project,
constructed in 1974, included allowance for a "maneuvering fairway" for
access through the anchorage. Due to the overcrowded conditions in the
harbor, this fairway is no longer kept clear.
The recommended plan of improvement would provide approximately 4 acres
of 8 foot anchorage and 4 acres of 6 foot anchorage at m1w, and an 80 foot
wide by 8 foot deep access channel running from deep water to the northwest
end of the anchorages. Construction of the proposed navigation improvement
would require the removal of approximately 30,000 cubic yards of ordinary
material. For this study phase, the proposed disposal site for the dredged
material is an open water site previously used in the constuction of the
original navigation project. The alignment of the new anchorage areas and
channel considered factors such as natural deep water areasq exposure to
storm conditions, and access to the fishe=an's Coop pier.
The additional anchorage areas would provide sufficient deep water
mooring space for the expanding commercial fishing fleet, and reduce damagesp
congestion related delays'. and tidal delays currently experienced by the
fleet.

anal

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ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL DATA
RECOMMENDED PLAN
(All costs are in thousands of dollars)

Estimated Implementation Costs: Economic Data:
(September 1987 price levels) (8 7/8%, 50 year life)

Federal $373 Annual Charges: $56
Non-Federal 93 Annual Benefits: $220
U.S. Coast Guard 12 -
TOTAL $478 BCR: 3.9

Non-Federal Requirements: The local sponsor would be required to comply with
the standards of the local cooperation agreement which include:

a. provide all lands, easements and rights of way necessary for project
construction and maintenancet

b. contribute at least 10% of the first cost of construction, to be paid
prior to construction,

c. contribute no more than 10% of the first costt, to be repaid over 30
years, and

Cost Allocation: Avg. Ann.
Purpose Federal Non-Federal Benefits
Commercial Nav.. $373 $93 $220
TOTAL $373 $93 $220

Allocation To Date:
Federal Non-Federal
Reconnaissance $27.5 $0.0
Definite Project Study 0.0 0.0
TOTAL $27.5 $0.0

Remaining Requirements:

Reconnaissance $20.5 $ 0.0
Definite Project Study 72.0 72.0
TOTAL $92.5 $72.0

BUCKS HARBOR BREAKWATER

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ad,

Neck

cks Head

L
X
BREAKWATER OPTIONS

OPtION LENGTH

A 1200'

B 1000,
M C 700'

BREAKWATER OPTIONS

The three breakwater options currently being studied by the Corps of
Encineers were recommended by the 1986 CZM-funded report.

The Corps of Engineers plans for the preferred option and cost estimates
are expected in July 1989. The Town will have to ask the Maine Dept. of
Transportation for financial help to build it.

8 STOPPING EROSION AT CHURCH HILL CEMETERY

Church Hill Cemetery is a public cemetery that is managed by a private board
of trustees. Its location on a high bluff overlooks the tidal portions of the
Machias River. The bluff has a southeastern exposure tha@ is open to Machias
Say. The tidal range in the area is thirteen feet and the incoming waves are
subject to a fetch of several miles when the wind is from the-southeasterly
direction.

Wave action initiates erosion at the base of the bluff. Subsequent
failure and sliding of the upper bluff is caused by wind action and surface
water run-off.

The erosion has progressed to a point where three identifiable unmarked
gravesites are in imminent danger of being undermined. Several marked graves
are located within fifteen feet of the edge of the exposed slope.
Serious erosion is evident for a length of approximately 120 feet along
the bluff's frontage with an additional 180 feet of shoreline affected to a
lesser extent. The height of the bluff varies between 30 and 50 feet.

Among the solutions considered to this erosion problem were stone
revetments, grid-block revetments, wood and metal bulkheads, and concrete
walls. The stone revetment is the most economical solution because all of
the required materials are locally available.

A typical section of the stone revetment is shown in Figure 4, and its
design is based on estimated ten foot wave heights that were observed by the
local officials.

The following cost estimate was prepared for the construction of this
work:

Gravel 1600 c.y. x $15/c.y. - $ 24,000
Stone 7300 c.y. x $30/c.y. - $ 220,000
Granular Fill 12500 c.y. x $10/a.y. - $ 125,000
Top Soil and Seed 3300 s.y. x $ 6/s.y. - $ 20,000
$ 389,000
Use 10% construction-cost contingency 39,000
$ 428,000

The sum reflects the in-place cost of the listed materials and does not
include site specific engineering, design, supervision and administration*

The benefits of an erosion protection project at Church Hill Cemetery
would be equal to the costs associated with the relocation of graves in peril
from the erosionv

It is estima ted that fifty graves would be affected over a 25 year
project life. Total relocation costs for the fifty graves would include the
acquisition of suitable land along with its development cost plus the cost of
the physical relocation of the remains to the new site. Two acres of land
are assumed to be adequate to accommodate the fifty graves, access drives and
walkways, as well as limited future expansion.

*This page and the following page are excerpts from the Corps of Engineers
1988 study.
44

Projected costs were developed with the assistance of the Town of
Machiasport and the Washington County Regional Planning Commission, and the
New England Division staff.

Two acres of land (in central Machiasport) at $7500/per acre**.$159000

Development cost of land for cemetery use at $3500/per acre ..... $7,000

Exhuming of remains, vaults as necessaryS transport
and reinterment within the town at $2500/per graveo*oeo*o.*o*o$125p000

Total Costoo,*09096.$147,000

The entire relocation program need not be implemented at once. However,
to maximize benefit assume that it would be.

The annual benefit of the protection project over a period of 25 years
vould be:
($147,000) x (0.10078) ON, $15,000

The benefit to cost ratio would be:
$15,000/$43,000 - 0.35 to 1

Therefore, the stone slope pro tection plan for Church Hill Cemetery is
not economically justifieda. A finding of no Federal interest is indicated
foi this project.

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The Corps of Engineers study clearly states the problem but (disappointingly)
they are unable to justify federal assistance in solving it.

The Corps only considered a Stone Revetment Plan, since receiving their report,
the Planning Board, with assistance from the District Conservationists of the
Soil Conservation Service's Machias office has been considering less expensive
alternative ways of slowing down (or stopping) the erosion.

1. Posting (or fencing) to prevent children and dogs from dashing up the
slo'Des.(surprisingly both can do-considerable damage by loosening the
soil and trampling plants).

2. Installation of a simple bulkhead at the toe of the bluff.

3. Log-terracing.

4. Establishing vegetation: Grasses and rose bushes are particulary good.

In May 1989 Chuck Mitchell, the District Conservationist, and Ed Snow, Engineer,
examined the situation. They suggest protecting the toe of the slope with rip-
rap approximately 41 high and vegetative control above that. They also suggested
the possibility of putting some type of surface water control at the top of the
slope. They state that it would take some engineering time to come up with a
specific site plan or possibly the data of the Army Corps of Engineers could
use if they modified the design. Mr. Snow states that DEP will not issue a
permit to use the rip-rap stone which is currently within the intertidal area.
With that in mind, he estimates that the project would be somewhwere in the
$150,000 to $175,000 range - with rip-rapping brought in, The sponsor of the
project would have to apply for an exemption to the current regulations in order
to use the stone on site. Even so some rip-rap would have to be brought on-site.

At this point, they would suggest that the cemetery association assess their
financial resources based on a projected cost as quoted. The association may want
to look into getting an exemption for the use of the rip-rap on site. They state
that they would be glad to work'up an engineering design if it appears that
funding for a project has the likelihood of being secured.

FIRE HOUSE
9

The town's dedicated and efficient volunteer firemen operate out of a converted
school house, The building, while old, is not historic. There are two options:
1) replace it with a new fire station and 2) renovate it. Cost estimates replacing
it with a modern, more efficient structure (such as that.shown on the following
pages) are:

Building (shell) 3,600 square feet @ $42.50 = $153,000

Interior finish, partitions, plumbing - $32,000

Land acquisition, 2 acres @ $1,000 $2,000

Site work (includes paved driveway $4,500

Total cost - $191,000

The Farmer's Home Administration has low-interest long-term loans available for
fire houses.

-his size would fit on the present site. The building is large enough
A building 41 1
to allow for addition of a new truck in the future.

April 18, 1989 an engineer form the Kimball Chase Company made a visual inspection
of the present fire house. The inspection indicated that this renovated school
house is in relatively good condition. Problems associated with this building if
it is to continue to be used as a Firehouse include the following:

-inadequate foundation
-no water supply
-no wastewater disposal system
-no insulation

Recommended improvements and their costs are on the following page.

MACHIASPORT FIREHOUSE

The major items of work needed to upgrade the Firehouse are listed below:

ITEMS ESTIMATED COST

Raising the building two feet $ 9,000

Construction of frost walls and $12,000
concrete stab

Installation of a water well and $ 4,100
associated piping

Installation of a septic system $ 2,000
(assuming a location can be found on site)

Two new 101 X 121 overhead doors $ 3,300

Fire escape door $ 500

Blown in insulation - R19 in the walls S4,900
R30 in the ceiling

Storm windows (leaving the existing double $2,600
hung windows in place)

New block chimney $2,000

Electrical including 200 amp entrance $3,400
panel and new bathroom wiring

Bathroom including toilet, sink, wallboard $4,000
door, new stairs, hot water heater

New shingles $2,000

Siding including scraping, painting and $3,100
repair

Sheet rock in garage area $3,000
SUB TOTAL T5-5,900
Contingencies (15%) .8,385
TOTAL $64,285

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10 BI RD AND RIVER VIEWING AREA

The Town owns a parcel of land adjacent to the culvert known as "Foster Bridge"
over Tidewater Stream. ("The Dyke").

This stream (and adjacent flats) have a wide range of birds and bird-watchers
frequently stop on the bridge or its approaches.

If a small parking area were developed on the Town parcel, it would be used a
great deal by birders (and others) and would eliminate-the danger created by
their stopping on the bridge. The Maine Department of Transportation has indicated-
that they can assist the Town with this.

REMSIRAW

T
TOWN PARCEL

RECYCLING WASTE

Reducing waste has many advantages. It helps sustain the amount of available
landfill space while conserving energy and raw materials and reducing pollution.

Avoiding wasteful packaging is one of 1-he first steps to 'lake towards reducing
waste in the home. The packaging and containers that wrap and protect our food
and other consumer products make up at least 33 percent of the-residential waste
stream. Often packaging is unnecessary, overdone or difficult to recycle.
Consumers can take an active role to purchase products such as fruits, vegetables
and dry goods that often use little or no packaging at all.

Selecting products that are packaged in recyclable containers, such as glass or
aluminum, also helps reduce the amount of solid waste that has to be landfilled.

Purchasing reusable items instead of disposable items is another way to reduce the
waste you place at the curb. By using cloth diapers instead of disposable diapers,
you will reduce the amount of trash you generate.

Many disposable items such as razors, pens, and throwaway dishes can be substituted
with more durable or repairable products.

Use of refillable containers also reduces packaging waste. Many food cooperatives
allow customers to bring their own containers to refill. Peanut butter, cooking
oil, honey, shampoo, flour, nuts, and many other products can be purchased in this
manner.

Buying food and dry goods in bulk sizes also reduces packaging waste. Items with
a long shelf life such as laundry detergent, flour and dry pet food, can be purchased
in large-sized containers. Avoiding individually wrapped portions of items suc@i as
cheese, fruit, and juice servings will cut packaging waste.

Another excellent way of reducing waste at the source involves purchasing products
that are more durable or repairable. Selecting high quality brands may cost
slightly more initially, but will save money in the long run if they last longer or
can be repaired.

Many valuable items such as glass containers, news papers and used motor oil need
not become waste. These materials are recycled easily if individuals are willing to
take a few minutes to separate paper, glass, metal, plastic and oil from other
materials that will enter the waste stream. This process, called source separation,
involves minimal organization of boxes or bags in the kitchen, basement or garage,
to contain separated items such as glass jars or newspapers.

Source separation materials are either picked up in a curbside recycling program,
or taken to a recycling drop-off station where they are prepared to be processed
into raw materials or new products.

The Office of Waste Recycling and Reduction, Maine Department of Economic and
Community Development is a source of information on what materials are being collected
in that recycling program and how.they should be prepared for collection. Generally,
newspapers should be tied in bundles or placed in paper bags. Some recycling centers
may prefer that glossy newspaper inserts be removed. Rinse glass jars and bottles
and remove metal or plastic tops and rings. Most recycling centers prefer that
clear, brown and green glass be separated and usually labels do not need to be removed.
Tin cans should have the paper labels and both ends removed before compacting.
Plastic milk and juice containers must be well-rinsed and flattened. Used 6il can be
coll@cted and stored in plastic milk containers.

Technical assistance to implement recycling projects is available from the Office
of Waste Recycling & Reduction, Maine Department of Economic and Community
Development.

No material is truly recycled until it is brought back into productive use in manu-
facturing and production. Consumer preference for products made from recycled
materials can help "close the recycling loop" by increasing demand for collected
recyclables.

For example, cereals, cake mixes and other dry goods are oftern.packaged in recycled
paperboard and identifiable by its grey lining. Used motor oil can be re-refined
and used again and again. Glass jars are recycled into more glass jars or new
products. Numerous paper products are made from recycled paper. Look for the
"Recycled" logo.

Consumers can also choose products that are packaged in bio-degradable or recyclable
packaging.

Composting.

Backyard or municipal yard waste composting is a form of waste reduction that
recycles plant nutients for reuse in the garden or in landscaping. Since yard wastes
comprise up to 25 percent of the waste a community generates, composting on a
municipal scale can reduce disposal quantities significantly. In the backyard,
individuals can compost leaves, grass clippings, kitchen scraps and other yard debris.

QUICK WASTE REDUCTION TIPS

*Buy items which are reusable instead of disposable.
*Buy products made from or packaged in recycled and/or recyclable materials.
*Buy in bulk or large sizes.
*Avoid excess or unnecessary packaging.
*Select product brands that are durable or repairable.
*Donate usable but unwanted materials to friends or charitable organizations.

(Adopted from Extension Bulletin WM(03) New March 1987. Cooperative Extension
Service, Michigan State University. Author: Cathy Chown, Resource Recovery
Extension Associate).

Solid Waste Recommendations which Machiasport can implement immediately:

A. The Selectmen should appoint a Solid Waste and Recycling Board to assist the
Selectmen in the whole range of solid waste decisions which are facing
the Town (closing the present dump, deciding on a future site - alone
or with other towns, composting, etc., etc.). The Bo'ard would work with
the attendant (who would be an ex officio member) and with the State and
with other-communities and study the options and advise the Selectmen.

B. The Board (once established) should arrange for a dealer who will take
newspapers and then arrange for Scouts (or a Fort O'Brien class) to
collect them.

C. The Board could arrange for and schedule removal of tires and white goods.
D. As a related activity, the Board could promote roadside clean up and
abandoned car removal drives held at least annually.

RECONSTRUCTION OF KENNEBEC ROAD
12

Route 92 is the only road which runs the length of the Machlasport peninsula.
There is no other way in or out. In the event of an emergency this could be
cr,it ica I .

Improvement of the Kennebec Road, a dirt road which runs from Sanborn Cove west
to the paved road in Machias would improve thUs situation. However, this will
require much more than "a few loads of gravel" - it will require complete
reconstruction.

This major project may be beyond the fiscal capacity of the Town. Help should
be sought through the Maine Department of Transportation.

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13 STOP EROSION AT HISTORIC FORT O'BRIE N

This important historic site (see site plan in the Summary" section of
this report, and detailed description in the "History" section) is
experiencing severe erosion. The Maine Bureau of Parks and Recreation
should take immediate steps to halt this.

The erosion control methods recommended by the Soil Conservation Service
for Church Hill Cemetery might also be followed at the Fort.

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NATURAL AREAS WHICH SHOULD BE PROTECTED*
14

Machfasport, Maine is a jewel along the Atlantic coast. It has some of the
finest coastline in New England. The town has to date retained a SUDurb
natrual beauty. Along with the rest of Washington County, Machiasport
represents what is finest about the State of Maine. From Eastport to Kittery
the pristine condition of this specific coastal area, the access to the
shoreline with spectacular views of the Bay and its isla'hds, and the rural
character of life all make Machiasport a very very special place. On a -
national level, on a worldwide level Machiasport ranks among the most beautiful
places to live.

During this study an inventory was prepared of all Machiasport's natural areas,
to find out what is special about this town and its islands, and to provide a
basis for planners to better understand the environment of the region in order
to make the most enlightened decisions on how to best manage natural resources
of this unique area for the long term. There is abundant beauty in Machiasport,
varied and diverse wildlife and habitats, and rare and endangered animal and
plant life, all which speak specifically for the pristine character of the town
and its islands.

The percentage of land in Machiasport that is presently in conservation is very
small. Machiasport cannot continue to assume that land which is presently
undeveloped will remain that way forever. The town cannot afford in the long
run to trade off scenic areas, natural areas, and areas of speical environmental
importance with public access* Over the course of the next year Mach i asport
should review the deeds and titles to all town holdings and prepare conservation
easements on the coastline and island parcels which are town-owned. THIS IS
INDEED A VERY SPEICAL GIFT TO THE CHILDREN OF MACHIASPORT. GIVEN THE TIME IN
WHICH WELIVE NOTHING LESS IS ACCEPTABLE.

OPEN SPACE

Machiasport has felt the winds of change. Because of its rural way of life and
its coastline with expansive vistas to the ocean, Machiasport is under critical
review by people who want respite from the pressures of suburban sprawl and from
intense urban development. There is a common element in natural areas that we,
the human race, find attractive and comforting. The unspoiled environment and
rural character of Machiasport represent that common element - open space.

Machiasport planners must' define the townts open space and creatively plan in
a way that maintains the original character of the area, its sense of openness
and public access. Complementary to and at the same time that developers are
constructing houses the town can plan and implement a process that preserves
and develops open space. Undeveloped open space can be a beach, a wooded area,
an open meadow, a marsh, a scenic-turnout, a coastal headland with a view of
the Bay. Developed open space can be a part of a school ground. It can be
publicly or privately owned.

The consultant strongly recommends that the town of Machiasport look at ail
viable approaches to preserving open space and tenaciously hold firm in the
commitment to land use regulation, open space planning and to aggressively
seeki.ng te chn ical assistance to land-@owners who wish to conserve their land.

*This section prepared by Nona Famous, Consulting Biologist.

The townspeople of Machiasport are in a wonderful and powerful position to
preserve the valued and unique character to the region while going forward
with development and positive change. Change is occurring. Town residents
can choose which way they want Machiasport to go In the next few very critical
years. The consultant recommended and the Planning Board strongly supports
eleven immediate actions for the Dreservation and wise management of the town's
invaluable resources.

A. The town owned parcel at Indian Head be immediately declared an undeveloped
Natural Area. AND because of the nature of the Mt. Holly-development at
Indian Head Cove and because of the special place that Indian Head has in
the hearts of Machiasport residents. The Planning Board should insist on a
buffer zone around the parcel (300 feet). This buffer zone should Include
a depth of 300 feet of Mt. Holly's land along the inner cove (see map).

In order for this area to retain its Special importance to the tonwspeople
and the general public there should be no visible buildings along Mt. Holly's
cove side. (Remember the presssures from further down the coast of Maine
and remember that once these buildings go up in view of Indian Head Natural
Area, the peaceful character of that area is changed forever).

B. The town initiate securing additional shoreline along Jasper Beach. (Land
for Maine's Future?).

C. The town protect its own land along Jasper Beach with a "forever" conser-
vation easement. The Maine Coast Heritage Trust will assist at no charge
in the drawing up of this specific conservation easement.

D. The Planning Board request of the Maine Coast Heritage Trust a "Sample
.scenic easement" fo Jasper Beach to be reviewed by the landowners along
Howard Cove. Everyone wants to keep Jasper Beach unspoiled visually.
Individual landowners can make that promise.

E. The Department of Transportation be contacted again to further the plans
for the scenic turnout at the town-owned parcel near Nancy Pettegrewls.

F. Plans for the moving of the sand storage at Sanborn Cove to a more
appropriate site begin. An area at the town landfill is recommended for
that purpose.

G. The present sand storage area to changed,to a Scenic Turnout when the
sand pile is moved to a state-mandated structure.

H. The town-owned parcel "Indian Camp" at Renshaw Lane be reviewed for deed
restrictions and that it be retained as a special undeveloped natural area
for the townspeople. A conservation easement should be pursued at.this
time.-

1. The Planning Board initiate aggressive discussion with Patten Corporation
of Jasper Head Estates on the town's desire for a 200 foot permanent
easement in Lot #5 to provide public access to the Gorge, a traditional
natural area of historic standing and very special importance to the
townspeople.

The town begin to plan for a comprehensive Scenic and Open Space-
inventory in order to insure long-term public access to open space.-

K. The Planning Board begin discussion on the formation of a Machias Bay
Regional Land Trust in the hands of local individuals. The Conservation
Committee seem to be perfectly suited to this undertaking. They have
proven capable of such a challange. It is suggested that the towns of
Roque Bluffs, East Machias, Machlasport and Whiting b6 included.

-The consultant concludes that Machiasport is unique among coastline communi-
ties because it retains much of its historic beauty. While having the
ugliness of other less fortunate coastal towns as a reminder of the results
of short-sighted planning, it has far sighted individuals in importa nt positions
of town planning. Machlasport is a very lucky town.

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NATURAL AREAS WHICH SHOULD BE PROTECTED
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Additional Recommendations Summary

I. Further Natural Areas Inventory and Conservation (1-10)
II. Maintaining Natural Areas (11-14)
III. Recreational Development (15-18)
IV. Historical Inventory (19)
V. Public Access and R.O.W's (20-26)

I. Further Natural Areas Inventory

1. It is of immediate importance that all headlands and islands be given priorty protection
status. During the next three months each island owner should be contacted, advised as to the
unique natural imporance of their parcel, and discussion begun relative to longterm
preservation and conservation assurances.

2. Libby island is now "on the market." Given its unique features this should be the first
island oner to be contacted.

3. A complete shoreline natural areas inventory should begin this fall while the season is still
open, and be carried out on land and by boat. Other areas of importance will arise, at this
moment it would be very good to review Starboard to Point of Main, and the entire western
shore including the Lewis parcel.

4. Address conservation issues with the present subdivision developers in Machiasport.
Contact Mt. Holly, Jasper Head Estates, and the Benson Corporation with a formal statement of
Macniasport's stand on preservation of natural areas. If it is necessary, take each of these
developers back to the negotiating table. Find out through a further natural areas inventory
what places are important to the townsfolk and ask that these areas (all or in part) be given
back to the town as good will gestures and as a show of their commitment to conservation.
Please see attached letter from Harry S. Patten to the Berkshire Natural
Resources Council stating his stand on conservation. This copy was forwarded to me
by the MCHT. Quoting his own words, go for the natural gorge area at Lot 5 of Jasper Head
Estates!!

5. The Federal Government sites on Howard Mountain and on Miller Mountain boast spectacular
scenic access. I suggest the Bureau of Parks be contacted for possible maintenance of the Howard
Mountain site and that the town consider the Miller Mountain site for possible ownership. In the
least, i should somehow be made accessible to the public.

6. Access to Larrabee Heath needs to be clarified. This should be further discussed with TNC.

7. Begin a 5-year plan to visit and and inventory the natural areas of each island. Those
islands are spectacular! and research may be able to be negotiated with the island owners and
various research facilities in Maine and elsewhere. Universities love to write grants to
research in places like Maine islands. Start with Alan Lewis at UMM and consider Harvard,
Swarthmore and others.

59a

8. Form a Garden Club composed of a cross-section of the community for the purpose of simple
natural landscaping of
a) the town pull-off at Mill Creek
b) Liberty Hall beneath the front windows
Use naturally occurring plants: wild lupine, rugosa rose, wild fern and wild iris, for example.
Creeping juniper and azaleas are seen everywhere (Arendt refers to it as Ronald McDonald
planting, or says something like that!). Give residents, local and from away, a taste of Maine's
natural beauty, beautifully carried out. Naturally occurring are, as well, especially hardy if
transplanted and cared for well in the beginning.

9. Find out about the Peace Garden Project for towns. See bibiliography for full address.

10. Provide for formal overlooks, long the length of the road.

II. Maintaining Natural Areas

11. Proceed with present planning to stabilize the hillsides along the Church Hill Cemetery
and Fort O'Brien.

12. Contact the Conservation Committee on their Interest in the formation of a Machias Bay
Regional Land Trust (specifics can be discussed with the Maine Coast Heritage Trust).

13. Come up with neatness standards for the shoreline.

14. Begin to explore fund-raising strategies for town purchasing, or trust purchasing of
Machiasport's natural areas for conservation. There is a lot of money in the world and almost
every human heart has space in it for seeds of conservation to grow.

III. Recreational Development

15. Manage Fort O'Brien Point as a natural area. Contact Dana Urquhart and Barbara Maloy for
input regarding its potential use as an outdoor educational nature area and as part of a cross-
country track and winter ski area. Within the woodland there are old and beautiful majestic
wild apple trees that are breathtaking in the Spring. There are several especially large and
ancient ones right on the shoreline.

16. Publications - the town should begin compiling informational booklet's for the visiting
public on the following: a) breeding birds of Indian Head Natural Area: 2) birds, mammals, and
Plants found in Fort O'Brien (Sanborn Cove) Park; and 3) list of all islands anmes with natural
history notes. This kind of info could be inscribed in overview, perhaps, on some of the
over looks.

17. Maximize use of the correctional facility labor for clearing, planting, and rock moving.

18. Provide for formal overlooks

IV. Historical Inventory

19. Begin to consolidate historic sites information and continue nominating them for the
National Register of Historic Places - initially the East Side Church, the Larrabee Congre-
gational Church, the Congregational Church of Machiasport, all the old cemeteries, the Starboard
School, and the Bucks Harbor Baptist Church. Request the Maine Historic Commission to begin
an Inventory of the area.

59b

V, Public Access and R.OX's

20. Formally confirm agreement with the Benson Corporation for public access to Gray's
Beach.

2 1. R -march the status of the Old Post Road and its access to Starocard Beach. Consicer
conservation and access easements.

22. Contact Randall Point Yacht Club for access to the beach information (Easement?)

*2 3. Check on the status of the land from the Sardine Factory to the Gates House.

24. Check R.O.W. status of the old RR

Check status of the old road from Bucks Harbor to the MI I I Pond

26. Check status of the Hickey Road to Gray's Beach and to Starboard

59c

Be Recommended Ordinances

I. *The Shoreland Ordinance Should be Amended

a. "100 year flood" areas are required by Maine law to be placed in
"Resource Protection" Districts. The map should be amended to
.include these areas.

-b.- The Pettlgrow Boat Yard is in a Residential District. This means
that it is a-"non-conforming use" and can not be expanded without
special permits. The map should be amended to place ill in a proper
district.

c. Certain important natural areas (see map) should be put into Resource
Protection Districts.

d. Waterfront areas which are necessary for use by fishermen should be
protected from competing uses which do not need to be on the water-
front. A suggested ordinance amendment to do this is on following
pages.

In many cities and towns in Southern New England commercial fishermen
and other maritime activities are being forced out of waterfronts by
pressures for non-water dependent uses. For example: condominiums
are being built on waterfronts when they could be located somewhere
else.

It is recommended that Machlasport amend its Shoreland Zoning Ordinance
(which was adopted in 1974) to add a new district: "Commercial
Fisheries and Maritime Activities" to protect and preserve harbor lands
for use by those who must have them in order to survuve. The importance
of this to Machiasport, with its heavy reliance upon the sea, cannot be
over-sta-11-ed.

2. The Town's Pristine Drinking Water Should be Protected

Maine's Sand and Gravel Aquifers contain some of -1-he finest drinking water
in the world. The three in Machiasport are no exception. Steps should
be taken to protect this water from pollution. Only a few gallons of
contaminents can destroy an aquifer.

Groundwater is renewable but not quickly replenished. When it rains, some
of the water runs off into lakes, ponds, etc., some feed roots and is given
back to the atmosphere through transpiration, some evaporates and there is
some loss of water from the soil by evapotranspiration. The remainder
to filter through the sand and gravel or bedrock and collect in the open
spaces between the grains of sand/gravel or in bedrock fractures until those
areas become saturated with water. This level of saturation is what we
know as the water table. This is-the groundwater we all rely on. It is a
renewable but not readily replenished source.

By adopting a aquifer protection ordinance, the town can protect existing
groundwater supplies from contamination and preserve this life sustaining
resource for the future.

The information on this map was considered by the Planning Board when it was
deciding on Commercial and Marl-time kc-tivities District locations.
Water Dependent Use Mapping Initiative Maine State Planning Office

The sites designated an this map do not
have fixed boundaries but are meant to
highlight areas which are prime for water.
dependent uses. The Inlormation may not
be exact and should be field cneelmd. For
additional Information contact your local If
town officials or in* State planning Office]

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SHORELAND ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT

Section 6. Districts and Zoning Map is amended to add:

A. "Commercial Fisheries and Maritime Activities District"

Section 9. Criteria for Establishing Districts is amended to add:

D. Commercial Fisheries and Maritime Activities District.

The Maritime Activities District reserves waterfront areas for
use which are water dependent and which need to be protected
from competing uses which are not water dependent. This District
includes the following types of areas:

a. Areas devoted to commercial fishing activities;
b- Areas used for functionally waterfront-dependent
activities traditionally associated with the
waterfront.
c. Areas devoted to maritime activities;

Section 10. Uses is replaced with a new section dated July 17, 1989.

Section 13. Definitions the following definitions from the Maine Mandatory
Shoreiand Zoning Law are hereby added:

Harbor Terms

T.' Commercial Fishing Activities.

"Commercial fishing activities" means activities directly
related to commercial fishing and those commercial activi-
ties commonly associated with or supportive of commercial
fishing, such as the manufacture or sale of ice, bait and
nets and the sale, manufacture, installation or repair of
boats, engines and other equipment commonly used on boats.

U. Functionally Water-Dependent Uses.

"Functionally water-dependent uses" means those uses that
require, for their primary purpsoe, location on submerged
lands or that require direct access to, or location in,
coastal waters and which cannot be located away from these
waters. These uses include, commercial and recreational
fishing and boating facilities, finfish and shellfish
processing, fish storage and retail and wholesale marketing
facilities, waterfront dock and port facilities, shipyards
and boat building facilities, marinas, navigation aides,
basins and channels, industrial uses dependent upon water-
borne transportation or requiring large volumes of cooling
or processing water that cannot reasonably be located or
operated at an inland site and uses which primarily provide
general public access to marine or tidal waters.

V. Maritime Activities.

"Maritime activities" means the construction, repair,
storage, loading and unloading of boats, chandlery and other
and other commercial activities desTgned 'and intended to
facilitate maritime trade.
A 1)

Suction 10. Oses (July 17, 1989 Amendments indicated with a "V")

Land Uses pofmilled in each District, in conformance with the land use standards of
this Oidinance, are shown below:

K EY. Yes - Allowed (no permit required)
No - Prohibited
BP Permit - Requires permit issued by the Planning 8oard
CEO - Requires approval of Cade Enforcement Officer

DISTRICT
LAND USE V
1. Non-intensive recreation uses not re- RP LRR GO CFMA
quiring structures, such as hunting.
fishing and hiking Yes Yes Yes Yes
2. liotoriz_R--@-etTiFuTar traffic on road4
and trails, and snowmobiling Yes Yes Yes Yes
T. Fst management activiflis except
for timber harvesting Yes Yes Yes Yes
T._T'1WFe_r_Fa_rve_s_ti1
T.-Fi-F-e-prevention act1v! tles
67_VilaTlfi_@@eme i-d-es -s------Y i s
- __._nt 2racl'
7-.SEU-an-d-Witer cons er7a-Tf_oA-pra ct ices Yes
if_.Mi nera exp-T-o-F-a-flon- Yes Ye,. Yes No
and--resource analysis Yes Yes -Yes Yes
_10-.7@emncy opera tiFnTTs-_di-f'15_eT @e_i_y_e_s es Yes
R_.4_rVesUn_q o?-w`Tl_d7_ro5S_ Yes Yes Ns es
No
I . Agriculture* __P es
1"'rincipal Structures*
a. Si le family dwelling units No PB PB Y_es
BF Trw- o am- i 51-ts @a
-pa-pa-
c. RU-ti unTts No _--tia-
nits -------- PB
oninercial structures
7713ift,_@-tri-ii structures No**
q. Governmental structtires
h. I-nsli-fii-ti-o-n-al structures
T-4.t'tructnres accessory to 2ermitted its e s
15 7-Ni TT-5no-5--rei-i ai-ni-i iT-Ta-c'l 11-tTe-s-75-F-
education, scientific or natural inter-
oses PB Yes Yes Yes
T
pretation p2g
ZTTE-ah2 private parks and recrea-
tion areas involving minimal structural
developn!ent PB Yes Yes No
C@T72rotinds** No PB PB No
101-il'L-Aar ni-Fe-Tated activitles
a. Commercial fishing activities No PB PB Yes
-b. Functionally water-dependent uses No- P 9_0 S
c. Maritime activities No PB 'ies
ZO. Piers, docks, wharves, breakwaters,
causeways, marinas, bridges over 20 ft.
in length and uses projecting into, on
or over water bodies.
Temporary CEO CEO Yes Yes.
Permanent 1313 PB PB PB
T-i.9-nad construction* PB PH PB P8
75'-CT.e5-r15j@E0::r eprov@a construcrion- Yes
ii-Rial ser ices accessory to
ermitted uses Yes Yes Yes Yes
24, Wi-vatesew!52e dis osal
2-5-. Ptjb1_1@_UtMt'1es, 7FET-5ding sewage col-
.lection and treatment facilities PS P8 PS PB
= --;j @_
,_, In, ----Yes Y _es______7 e s Yes
F.,i -
21 1 ing or other earth-moving--a-c-Mvi-ty
of less than 10 cubic yards CEO Yes Yes Yes
or other e' moving acti7ity
28. arth-
of more than 10 cubic yards pe CEO CEO CEO
I! -se-s - I
29.. simi ar to permitted uses cFff---7E(T CM-Erb-
30. Us r similar to uses re _uTFing a
CEO_permit CEO CEO CEO CEO
iT Us-es similar to uses requiring a
Po permit PB PB PB PB
*Subject to specific Land Use Standards
"Except as permitted under Item 18 of this Table
63

On the last page of the Ordinance where the lands which are in the various
zones are described, the following ghanges are made:

General Development Zone.

Item 1. is deleted.
(Note: this item is placed under the new Commercial Fisheries and Maritime
Activities Zone).

A new zone is added:

Commercial Fisheries and Maritime Activities Zone.

1. In Bucks Harbor: From the west line of Lot 22, map 17 northerly
around the shoreline to the old bridge thence easterly to the east
line of Lot 18, map 18.

2. In Starboard: From the west line of Lot 12, map 12 easterly 328 feet.

A description of the existing Limited Res!dential/Recreational Zone is added:

Limited Residential/Recreational Zone.

All lands not in another zone are placed in the Limited Residential/Recreational
Zone.

TOWN OF
MACHIASF'U@ I
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MAINE
Clamshelt
I Cove-

Whaleback
Cove

sma/1's Cove

Bu rIsla d
HA Buc*s

Harbor

PROPOSED COMMERCIAL FISKERIES
AND MARITIME ACTIVITY DISTRICT
@j

SCALE 0 5cc. JOCC 200C 3000 40CO 50CC FEET

TOWN OF
MACHIASPORT
SHINGTON COUNTY MAINE

STARBOARD

Starboard

Cove

Starboard Island Ba

arboard
Isla

PROPOSED COMMERCIAL FISHERIES
AND MARITIME ACTIVITY DISTRICT

SCALE a 5cc 10cc 2coc 3000 4CCC 5ccc E E-1

AQUIFER PROTECTION ORDINANCE

Section I:- PurDose

It is the intent of this Ordinance to protect the groundwater resources
from contaminents which can reasonably be expected to accompany certain
adverse uses of the land and thereby to preserve the quantity and quality
of this resource for present and future use by individuals, corporations,
public bodies, and others.

Section 11: Scope and Authority

A. Within the boundaries of the Aquifer Protection Areas, comprising aquifers,
and certain adjacent protective stri-DS, as set forth in
this Ordinance, no land shall be used, treated or sprayed except in
conformity with the provisions of this Ordinance.

B. This Ordinance is adopted pursuant 110 Title 30, M.R.S.A., Section 4962;
Article VIII - A of the Maine State Constitution and Title 30, M.R.S.A.,
Section 1917.

Section III: Establishment and Delineation of Aquifer Protection Areas

For the purposes of this Ordinance, there are hereby established certain Aquifer
Protection Areas, which are delineated on a set of three "Aquifer Protection
Maps". These maps are an integral part of this Ordinance and shall be filed at
the Town Office and at the County Registry of Deeds of Washington County. As
delineated on the maps, the Aquifer Protection Areas comprise sand and gravel
aquifers as identified by the Maine Geological Survey and:

a. the surface of the-land lying above them, and
b. a surrounding protective strip, approximately
250 feet in width, so drawn that its bounds
can be definitly established upon the ground.

Section IV: Regulations

1. Uses which can reasonably be expected to have adverse effects are
prohibited in the town aquifer areas. These uses include-

a. toxic ash dump
b. disposal of solid wastes, other than brush and stumps
c. storage and/or transmission of petroleum or other refined
petroleum products I
d. the disposal of liquid or leachable wastes except one or
two family residential sub-surface waste disposal systems
e. the rendering impervious of more than 10% of any lot

2. Uses which could reasonably be expected to have adverse effects unless
special care is taken will be permitted only with conditions attached
to their approval. Thes uses include:

a. storage of road salt, provied that the salt is kept under cover
and on a pad
b. septic tank, sewage disposal field, or any enlargement or alteration
thereof for one and two family residential dwellings

6 7

c. manure pile and maLre storage pit
d. animal feed lot
e. the flooding or mining of land
f. cemetery
g. spraying or spreading of chemical fertilizers or pesticides
after approval by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and
the Soil Conservation Service.

Section V-. Procedure

In consideration an application for an aquifer area use permit, the Planning
Board will evaluate the immediate and long-range impact to the proposed use
upon the maintenance of safe and healthful conditions. In making such an
evaluation, the Board will consider such factors as:

1. The amount and type of wastes to be generated by the proposed land use
and the adequacy of the proposed disposal system.
2. The capability of the land and water to sustain such use without
degradation.
3. Topography and drainage of the site and susceptibility to flooding.
4. The need of a particular location for the proposed use.

The Board may consult with aquifer experts prior to making its decision.

Section VI: Enforcement

It shall be the duty of the Code Enforcement Officer to enforce this Ordinance.

Section VII: Appeals

Appeals may be made to the Board of Appeals.

TOWN OF
MACHIASPORT
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MAINE

SAND AND GRAVEL
AQUIFER PROTECTION MAP
1 OF 3

ovr

HOLMES BAY
L a Boy

C
ng

Cc-toge Cove

Based Upon "Significant Sand and
Gravel Aqu.ifers" maps published
in 1988 by Maine Geological Survey.

S:-4LE I t,-,o ?C)()C 30ort 4CK"o 5004 c E E-r

TOWN OF
MACHIASPORT
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MAINE

SAND AND GRAVEL
AQUIFER PROTECTION MAP
2 OF 3

Ho.ope+ 14oint

ACHI ORT

0-,bby
Cove

Pt
Randai

Ft O'Brien
Po.n+ MA C H I

Cove
Sonb orn.

5,cti Point

Based Upon "Significant Sand and
Gravel Aquifers" maps published
in 1988 by Maine Geological Survey.

300C 400C

TOWN OF
MACHIASPORT
WASHINGTON COUNTY,.MAINE

SAND AND GRAVEL -
AQU I FER PROTECT i ON' MAP
3 OF 3-

Mill Pond

-T
;slond

BU S.
0 HA

y0ho
110
c,.e
Ydoo He d x
r--j

J,7 5per 6e C

Howord
Cove

GrQ;S

Based Upon "Significant Sand and
Gravel Aquifers" maps published
in 1988 by Maine Geological Survey.

SZ-@@E 200C 300(- 4MIC, "OOL rL,

-7 1

C. Recommended Future Planning

1 r, omorehensive Plan

A 1988 State law requires every town to prepare a comprehensive plan and
provides that the State will pay for 75% of the cost. Machiasport is
scheduled to be offered this funding in 1992. The Planning Board and
Selectmen are now considering this and planning for it.

This law requires that comprehensive plans contain an-inventory and
analysis of:

-Economic and demographic data on the municipality and reg-ion
-Water resources: surface and groundwater
-Natural resources: wetlands, wildlife habitat, scenic areas
-Marine related resources: ports, moorings, shellfish areas
-Commercial forestry and agricultural lands
-Recreational opportunities and public access to waterbodies
-Transportation systems: roads, parking
-Housing stock
-Historical and archeological resources
-Land use with projected development patterns
-Capital facilities and public services
-Fis cal capacity

Comprehensive plans must also contain policies and strategies for guiding
growth consistent with the following State guidelines:

-ldentifv and designate growth areas and rural areas
-Develop'a capital investment plan
-Protect water quality
-Natural resource protection
-Preserve access to coastal waters
-Protect agricultural and forest resources
-Promote affordable housing
-Protect historic and archeological resources
-Assure access to outdoor recreation opportunities

.The present "Action Plan" meets several of these requirements an.d should
be integrated i1nto the comprehensive plan when it is prepared.

2. Town Roads Improvement Plan

This Action Plan (see following section) has attempted to identify all
the town roads (there were a few roads upon which there was disagreement
as to whether they were town or provate).

The next step is to develop a road inprovement plan listing specific
,improvements required for each road and establishing a schedule for making
them.

Wilbur Saunders of the Eastern River Corporation of Ellsworth prepared such
a plan for Cherryfield. In it he said that most of@ithe roads have drainage
problems. In nearly a.][ cases this will mean major drainage work, which
must get high priority in any maintenance program because drainage is the
most important part of any road system. Without if even the best base will
give problems because when the base moves or is soft it then causes problems
with the surface. The surface problems on many of the roads are caused by
poor drainage, due to either plugged ditches or culverts.

The brusli-on some roads definitly needs to be cut back but this type of
operation is an on-going problem each year. It is, however, not something
that can be passed over for a very long time because of the fast growth of
some types of vegetation. Roadside mowing should be done every year. The
new type of rotary "bar" mowers seem to be doing an excellent job on both
grass and low bushes.

Every road in town has some shoulder problems. They are either too high,
caused from a buildup of salt and tar sand, or too low, caused by either
erosion of soft shoulders. Shoulders that are too high do not let the
water and slush run off quickly from the surface. Standing water on a
surface can cause the base to soften with traffic and ultimately cause the
pavement to break up. Shoulders that are too low do not give adequate suppor-,,-
to the pavement edge and traffic, especially heavy traffic, will cause the
edge to start breaking and chipping off.

Usually by using a power grader and small front end loader, the high places
can be cut down and some of the material moved into low areas. Again, as
with base and drainage, without good shoulders, the surface will suffer.

Mr. Saunders report included a road-by-road analysis and specific reommenda-
tions. He, or someone with similar experience, should be engaged by the
town to prepare a plan for its roads.

One of Mr. Saunder's proposals was that the Town of Cherryfield set up an
Ae eight category road budget. The following two pages describe this.
Machiasport should consider it.

PROPOSED HIGHWAY ACCOUNTS AND BUDGET AS@q4j,,,4'
There are any number of ways to set up a highway accounting system
and all of them will work in most situations. The accounts proposed
in this report are taken from those used by a number- of Maine
towns. 17he names of the accounts may differ somewhat and number of
accounts may vAry from town to town depending on the problems and
wishes of thnt particular town. It is my opinion that at the
present time, imight (8) different catagories should be used in the
Town of Cherryfield.

It is entirely up to the town as to how it proceeds in setting up
these accounts. They can be proposed and voted on separately at
town meeting, as is the case in most towns or the town can vote on
an overall budget, as it now does. The selectmen can then set this
budget into the various accounts. In either case if the town is
going to try and have an on-going and long range highway program it
definitely needs a system so funds are dedicated, each year to each
specific aspect of the highway program. Without such a system, a
town is atways going to be playing "catch up" with its roads and may
very well fall behind in its overall program goals. Cherryfield is
now playing "catch up" with its current system.

There is a very good chance that if such a system is used and
adhered to, some accounts could be reduced quite substantially over
� period of years. In one such area, if the town goes forward with
� hot bituminous pavement program, it is very possible that in three
to five years the tarring account could be deleted and any more
sealing that had to be done could be taken out of the paving
account. Likewise the roads and bridges account might also
stabilize because of good surfaces on the roads.

PROPOSED HIGHWAY ACCOUNTS - TOWN OF CHERRYFIET,

1. BRUSH ACCOUNT: Cutting bushesp mowing roadsides

2. ROADS & BRIDGE ACCOUNTS: Grading roads, patching, patch material,
general maintenance of roads and bridges.

3. DRAINA:GE ACCOUNT: Ditching, culvert costs, replacing resetting
eulvprts and reshaping shoulders.

4. TARRING ACCOUN,r: Liquid seal & Cold Mix, cost of preparing
moirf;ter for seal. This account could be slowly done away
with as more of the roads became paved with Hot Mix.

5. PAVING ACCOUNT: Hot Bituminous concrete and cost of preparing
surface for paving.

6. CONSTRUCTION ACCOUNT: Rebuilding sections of town roads.

7. SNOW AND SANDING ACCOUNT: Plowing, sanding, snow fences related

winter maintenance.

8. ROAD RLOCK GRANT ACCOUNT: A reserve account to be combined with

the State Road Block Funds. The account should be allowed to
build over a three to five year period so that it accumulat es
enough monies to do a large paving project, a large reconst-
ruction project or for use in an emergency situation.
(Flood, heavy road wash, etc.). This fund could be
supplemented each year by the town raising funds just for

this account.
Z464

3. Septic Sludge Disposal Site

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection has written to the Selectmen
making it clear that the Town must provide a site for disposal of residential
and commercial septic-tank waste.

According to official estimates, nearly 90 percent of Maine's cities and towns
do not provide a state-approved septage deposit site for properties which need
their tanks repaired by septic tank cleanin g firms.

Because of the non-compliance, Maine's Department of Environmental Protection
is preparing plans to bring municipalities into compliance with the 15-year-old
Title 38, Section 1305 of the Maine Revised Statutes Annotated.

As reported I'n the May 9, 1989 Bangor Daily Newspaper, Washington County and
Waldo County are on top of the State's priority list for muni,cipality compliance,
according to Steve Page of DEP's Solid Waste Bureau those are the two areas in
the State void of any really good sites at all. With a population of more than
34,000, only 11 of Washington County's 56 towns provide septic tank users with
approved disposal sites. "And l,think just about all of those sites are up for
permit renewal," said Page.

Page, who works with the division of municipal and operational services,said the
program will be "mostly educational", and is primarily to offer towns assistance.
"We want to help municipalities come into compliance," said Page. "Everyone's
in a different situation and we realize that."

Page said non-complying municipalities throughout the state with populations
greater than 1,000 have been notified. In July, he'll notify towns with between
500 and 999 residents. Towns with populations under 500 will be notified in the
summer. Although there is no deadline for completion of the program, towns with
populations over 1,000 have until June 15 to respond to DEP. "We want to
schedule regional meetings to encourage regional sites," said Page.

If a city or town does not have a designated area to receive septage, septic
tank users can not have inoperable tanks emptied and repaired-unless owners
provide a dump site for the sludge on their property. Homeowners in municipalities
without an approved site usually are able to hire a firm to clean their septic
systems. However, unless the firm has a private disposal arrangement or can
dump waste on the homeownerl.s land, they can only dispose of the, sludge illegally.

DEP has documented illegal dumping at such places as back roads, a friend's
property or at municipal dumps. It is currently investigating complaints of
illegal dumping in Balleyville and Princeton. And during the past year, at
least three other similar complaints have been investigated by DEP, with two
resulting fines. However, investigating 111.9gal septage dumping and non-
compliance with the 1974 law has been sporadic since the late 1970s. "We had
a flurry of consent agreements then," to bring municipalities into compliance,
said Page, "But not much after that."

Also, since.1976, the state has not required septic tank cleaning fims to be
licensed. However, Page says that might change in the near future because of
pending legislative action.

Most common in rural Maine, septic tanks are underground receiving systems for
household waste water that can include human waste and toxic cleaning chemicals.

Although Page terms the septage problem as "more of a nuisance-than anything,"
it can pose health dangers. "I don't know of any real health problems. The
biggest danger is when it gets into the ground water," said Page. "Thatts when
there are the most serious health hazards. Who knows what is in the septage
that's dumped."

4. Solid Waste Disposal (Dump)

The State in June 1989 passed a comprehensive solid waste law which requires
municipalities to take specific actions. This Action Plan was completed
before there was time to analyze the law and see how it will affect Machias-
port. This will need to be done.

-7-7

Town of imachiasport
ACTION
PLAN

a series of ideas about the future.

TOWN ROAD$.., WAYS,
AND ACCESS PO I NTS

Town of Machiasport Roads and Access-Points

Before the Town was organized in 1-829 there were roads and accesses to the water.
As the Town grew new roads were built and new water accesses developed. Over the
years some of these have fallen into dis-use even though the Town owns them.
Others are actively used, but not Town owned! Discussion among the Planning Board
members, the Selectmen and others revealed 22 roads, ways, and-access points about
which there was not agreement as to whether or not they were Town roads, ways,.
and access points.- They are listed below and located by number on the accompanying
map. The conclusion reached after investigation is indicated for each. Those
marked with as asterisk are recommended for further research. These are shown on
the larger maps.

1 & 2. Holmes Point Road located on Tax Map 5 between parcels 60 and 63 and on
Tax Map 4 between parcels 11, and 12 (now being researched by Town Attorney).

3. Randall Point Road extension located on Tax Map 4 between parcels 15 and 16.
Access to the shore was, in the past, possible from the end of this road but
there is no recorded right of way.

*4. George Larrabee heir access road located on Tax Map 7. The easterly 6001
(more or less) is indicated in the Deeds to adjoining parcels as a "lane."
In 1965 and in 1967 warrant articles to abandon this as a town way were
defeated. A private right of way provides the only access from the western
end of the lane to the major 400 acre plus Natural Resource Council Parcel.
There is no access to the Town parcel which adjoins the N.R.C. parcel. A
R/W agreement should be made with them by the Town to provide access to the
Town's land.

Access to the Town land wh-ich was formerly the "Indian Camps" shown on Tax
Map 21 across parcel 42 to the Town parcel (43). Access has traditionally
been granted but there is no formal right of way.

6. Road to the "Picture Rocks" located on Tax Map 7 crossing parcel 10. There
has never been a road or public path here giving access to the "Picture
Rocks." Public access should not be developed. Improving access to the
Rocks might be detrimental to them by encouraging "over use." The Rocks
may be visited by requesting permission from the owner.

7. "Palmer Cross Road" located on Tax Map 21, parcels 19, 20, etc. mentioned
in war. art. 32, Mar 6, 1955 and war. art. 18, July 16, 1984. This is a
Town road but is now obstructed. It should be recommended for abandonment.

*8. "Clam Shell Road" located on Tax Map 18 between Lots 52, 53, and 54, 55,
56. While the bridge across Bucks Harbor Creek was in use the two approaches
were clearly Town ways.

Recent deeds clearly call out this road but do not contai'n the provision in
the original deed to the town of the land for this "thoroughfare" requiring
that it be kept open for free public passage and in suitable condition or
the deed would be voided. If either or both sides of this road are desire-
able for public access to the creek, the Town should discuss this with the
abuttors.

*9. Road to Starboard Creek (located on Tax Map 14). Fairly heavily used by
the public but not maintained beyond the Community Building (the old school-
house) by the Town. Its status is the subject of current discussion.

*10. Map 12 access from Hickey Road to Grey's Beach. A road traditionally used
by clammers and recreational users of the beach but it is not recorded in
any deeds of the parcels over which it crosses. This should be investigated
further.

11. Map 10 access to parcel 20 (Federal Road to FAA Radar Site). This is not a
Town road. The views from the site to which-the-road provides access are
spectacular. In the future this site may be declared surplus to Federal
needs. At that time the Town (or a nature groupr may want to seek ownership
of the site and the road to it.

12. "Private way" adjacent to cemetery (Map 20). This way is clearly private.

12.a. "Town roadway" adjacent to cemetery (Map 20). This road is shown extending
to the shore but in fact it ends at a steep bluff 601 above the shore and
can not be traversed.

*13. "Booth Fisheries Road" (on water side of Lots 4 and 5 on Map 20). This is
referred to as a "Town road" in the Annual Report 1926-27 as is the "Stuart
Road" (to Marine RR and boat yard) in the Annual Report 1930-31. Public ways
and roads are clearly mentioned in deeds and on property maps. However,
because of erosion, the collapse of the Town Landing, the closing (and the
destruction) of the factory, and other factors the location and status of
these roads is not clear. A survey should be made and monuments set locating
these Town lands.

14. Old Bay Road extension from East Side Road to shore. Located on Tax Map 4
between parcels 23, 23-1, 24 and 26. Access to the shore was possible from
the end of this road but there is nor public right of way.

15. "Day Point Road" located on Tax Map 21 across parcel 28 in a 1967 warrant
article to abandon this as a Town road was defeated. The point where this
road ceases to be public should be clarified and marked.

*16. Sanborn Cove Road located on Tax Map 19 between Lots 11 and 12. There was
once a road along the shore beginning at this point. It is still used by
many clammers. A portion of the access to this road is the former Rte. 92.

17. Hooper Point Road extension to shore located on Tax Map 1 between parcels
40 and 41. Persons used to row between the Town Landing and this road. It
was a principal link between the East Side and the Town Hall and shops. The
deed to'these parcels each refer to the Town Road to the "Narrows." It
thus seems clear that this is a town road to the shore. Both abutting parcels
are in the same ownership. Consideration might be given to relocating the
R/W (if topography permits) thus allowing the parcels to be combined.

18. "Huntley Point Road" Town Report 1926-27. Location not known - should be
determined.

19. "Hannah Olson Road" Town Report 1926-27. Location not known - should be
determined.

20. "Crocker Gravel Pit Town Report 1930-31. Location not known - should be
determined.

21. 50' roadway to Town Lot located on Tax Map 7-north side of Lot 33. Should
be abandoned once public use of the road in Indian Head Subdivision is
formalized.

22. Access to Johnson Point on Kennebec Bay.

A large "official map" showing town roads and ways has been prepared and is available
at the Town Office.

EAST. M A Ch I AS

14
lu

4 21

Town Roads, Ways & Access Points
For which title work was done as part of
he Action Plan.

MACHIASPORT
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MAINE
S-Le im srmF-r:
0

57
54 56 27

29
me0d0v1 52
53 -305,11

45 51

50 31
48
7
49
44 Private 514'
43
643. 42
4
40

?-04

.36 '-38 CL
125

z5 37
160 144:_

OD34 CD

PROPERTY MAP #7 (a portion)
35
TOWN OF MeACHASPORT
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MAINE
P RER@RED BY- AERIAL SURVEY .8 PHOTO , INC, NORRIDGEWOCKME.
SCALE I"= 400 FEET APRIL 1, 1967
20d 0' 400 800' 1200' 1600'

31
49

51 >1
600 30

52
P5
CLAM 53
'o @'4
541 HELL 414,
AD
73 @ I
55 old btidge
72S
76 c*

6-0

PROPERTY MAP #18 (a portion)
TOWN OF MACHIASPORT
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MAINE
OD I
PREPAREDBY: AERIAL SURVEY Ek PHOTO, INC., NORRIDGEWOCK,ME.
SCALE I" = 200 FEET APRIL 1,1987
I (d o' 200 4 600' Boo,

ZZ
PROPERTY MAP #14 (a portlon)
TOW N OF - M ACH IASPORT
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MAINE
PREPARED BY: AERIAL SURVEY a PHOTO, INC., NORRIDGEWOCK,ME.
SCALE f =40d APRIL 1,1987
200 0 400 Boo 1200 1600 FEET

64 PROPERTY MAP #12 (a portion)
TOWN OF MACHIASPORT
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MAINE
PREPARED BY, AERIAL SURVEY Ek PHOTO, INC., NORRIDGEWOCK,hE.
SCALE I"=400 FEET APRIL 1, 1987
6
2Cjd 0 400' aw, 120c), 1600'
.--- I
Emi =Mmq

153, 82.5
63 - 67
5
3z r
06

2
65 :@A
64
t48* 5
PHINNEY LANE 9 Q0
57 38
55
58
59 54

1 53
52

4
49
13 rr,
4883 -5
3.4 48 Landing
OP 44
tP
lot 45
47

43
46
101 lot 7
,9- @ .

8 See survey map on following page.

10 9
.PROPERTY MAP #20 (a portion)
-hjcs@,ort TOWN OF MACHIASPORT
Rnme-ari TY MAINE
WASHINGTON COUN
PREPARED BY: AERIAL SURVEY PHOTO, INC., NORRIDGEWOCK.M'.
SCALE 1" = 200 FEET APRIL 1,1987
rucl, 0, 60d 80c,
L j 1 R-7

fit

M
, Pst.

it r-

/mwsd .%,q %

%
;t

S r4041 &

#e GA 7Lr

Survey map clearly showing (1) The "Booth Fisheries Road" and (2) The "Stuart
Boatyard Road."

25 10

So Cote
16

PROPERTY MAP #19, (a portion)
TOWN OF MACHIASPORT
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MAINE
PREPARED BY: AERIAL SURVEY Ek PHOTO, INC, NORRIDGEWOCK,ME.
SC ALE I'l =200 FEET APRIL 1 1987
106 0, acd 400'* 600 800

Town of Machi

ACTION
PLAN

a series of ideas about the future.

APPENDIXES

Bibliography of Prior Plans a*nd Studies

Local Planning Considerations., 1970 Report-

Natural Areas Inventory

PLANS, STUDIES & PROJECTS.

Jasper Beach - L.A.W. Con.

Fort O'Brien Playground and Field - L.A.W. Con.

Quohog Study - C.7.M. W/DMR & Others

Petroglyph Registration Efforts - W/Malne Historic Preservation Commission

Machias Bay ES-uarine Sanctuary Proposal - S.P.O.

Waterfront Manacement Plan - C.Z.M.

Shellfish Manacement Program - C.Z.M.

Plan for Piling & Fill to Protect Historic House and Vicinity

Pier Feasibility Study (on site of former town pier)

Survey of Town Boundaries

Creation of Conservation Commission

Sanborn Cove Lot Nature Area

Waste Water Clean-up - D.E.P.

Dredging at Bucks Harbor

Town Float (1976)

Summary of Local Planning Considerations - 1970 - S.P.O.

Machias Region Environmental Study - Atlantic World Port, 1971

Closing of Bucks Harbor Air Station

Opening of Down East Correctional Facility

Point of Maine and Other Lands "Protected"

Historic Distric Proposal - 1975
Planning for the orderly growth of the Machlasport area, 1967

SU`Z.01ARY OF LOCAL PLAL"'NING

CONSIDERATIONS

FOR

TOWN OF MACHT-ASPORT, MAINE

1970

For: Machiasport Planning Board By: John 11. Lord
Mac.hiasport, --laine Planning Consultant
Old Town, Maine

Community Situation

The Town of Machiasport is located on a peninsula bounded by Kennebec
Bay on the west and Machias Bay on the east, some 87 miles from Bangor,
Maine south of U.S. Route I on Route 92. The Town is accessable by
water and by secondary highways only. There are several protected
areas for small boats along the Town!s shoreline such as the well-
known Bucks Harbor. Off the islands at the seaward end of the Machias-
port peninsula is the deep water anchorage which has been considered
for handling super-tankers.

MachiasDort has traditionally been a seqgoing community. Local
residents rely heavily on fishing and fish processing at the local
packing plant for employment.

The Town!s population has gone up and down in a similar manner
as other area towns over the past twenty-year period. While the net
change from 1950 to 1970 was an increase of about 100 persons from
781 to 887, the population was higher in 1960 by another 100 persons
at 980# blost of this area of Washington County had large population'
gains in the 1950's and losses in the '60's.

The impact of an oil port and refinery complex in the Machiasport
area would be quite direct on MachiasDort. The docking facility and
an extensive oil tank Alarm would be located in the southern end of
Town according to some proposals. Such a facility would dominate the
land and water use of the southern half of Town.

Imp-roved highway access through the Town would be necessitated
by such a development and the resulting traffic generated at the
extreme end of the IMachiasport Peninsula. Other service needs could
arise which the Town can not easily provide, such as fire protection.

Nachiasport, as a small Town, has very limited community ser-
vices. There is no full-time administrator of Town affaires in the
Selectmen-Tourn-Meeting form of government. The community has no
public sewer or water system. A member of an area school administrative
district, there is an elementary school facility only in the Town.

Lack of municipal services and lack of housing could create a
range of problems for Machiasport, If the deep water port facility

*Source: U.S. Bureau of Census

-2-

were based in the Town. The resulting pressure for new housing in the
community along with the need for public and private services to
support the oil port activity would be extremely difficult to meet
given the present services available and the administrative resources
of the Town.

Rousing and Service Facilitv Needs

The Town of Machiasport has taken an important first step to-
ward meeting the needs of the community by adopting a requirement for
the issuance of Building Permits, a minimal Mobilehome Park Ordinance and
Subdivision Regulations. There Ordinances give the Town'a review
process and some minimum standards with which to evaluate future
developments within the Town, which were totally lacking before.

However, Machiasport needs more technical information and some
long-range development policy if it is to meet development pressures
a
in an orderly and logical manner. Like many coastal communities
Machiasport has large areas of marine clay and ledge w-ithin its
boundaries. Soils information for the Town is not available, however.

Competition for the use of ocean shorefrontage represents a
serious problem for the Town both in terms of kinds of use and in
terms of intensity of use. Lack of urban services coupled with
unfavorable soil conditions represents a threat to the Machiasport
living environment and natural resources. Density control is a must
if the spread-out pattern of development is not to'be provided public
sewer and/or water facilities prematurely at excessive unit service
costs.

Immediate Needs and Objectives

Machiasport needs technical information and assistance to
fulfill its goals of protection of marine resources and the Town's
living environment. Soils mapping would provide the Town with a
valuable source of information to use in evaluating subdivisions and
as a partial basis for long-range development policy.

An exa-imation of the feasibliity of providing increased municipal
uervices, and in whic7a areas of the Town, is needed, if future develop-
ment policy is to be based on any realistic appraisal of alternatives.
Until such time as community sewer and water systems are economically
feasible, Machiasport must.assure the adequacy of private systems by
preventing overcrowding on inadequate soils.

The co=unity has made an excellent beginning in coming to grips
with future growth and development by establishing a Planning Board
and adopcing local Building Permit, Mobilehome Park and Subdivision
Ordinances. However, more technical information is needed on area

growth trends and local conditions and potentials, if Machiasport
is to make community service and land development decisions.

Continuing Planning Program

As mentioned above the continued progress of the Town of Machiasport
in its local planning efforts is dependent upon the availability of
technical information and assistance upon which to base rational
decisions. The Planning Board's role -as an advisiory body in the
community on matters of long-range growth and development of the Town
and the provision of community services is severely limited by the
information available to it.

The continuing "Planning Program" in Mlaciniasport should focus
its effort on utilizing available sources of such information and
promoting additional technical assistance to the Town and the area.
For example, the Miar.1-iiasport area planning study underway at the
present time (under the auspices of the Eastern Maine Development
District) will develop important information on area development po-
tentials which will be useful to the Town of Machliasport. The Town
and particularly the local Planning Board should support and partici-
pate in such area planning activity. Planning services may be avail-
able on an area wide basis at little or no cost to the individual
town, whereas the cost of getting such services for one town alone
may be exceedingly high.

There are other sources of technical information and assistance
available to the community in the area and at the State level. The
Soil Conservation Service has a Washington County office which offers
soils mapping and soils interpretation expertise among other services.
The 'Eastern Maine Development District has a Washington County office.
from which technical and financial assistance is available. @he Maine
Mun,iciDal Association has information on local financial, administrative
and legal problems. The Maine State Planning Office has overall
direction and coordination of planning activities statewide and is
a source of assistance for local and regional planning programs.

Another important phase of local planning activity is the in-
volvement and support of local citizens in local planning. The
direction of local planning policy in the form of community goals and
obJectives must be provided by the Tcn;n's citizenry. This means that
information on locai planning problems and activity must be transmitted
to the Town's voters. Public information meetings, the inclusion of
intereste4 citizens at Planning Board meetings and occasional written
reports assure the maintenance of communications with the community.
It is only through action by the community that the Planning Board"s
advisory recommendation can become a reality.

Survey Distributed to Students at the Elementary School

Machiasporto A Town Worth Preserving - What You Can Do

The Macniasoort Planning Board is preparing a plan for the proper use and protection of all its
natural arm by useof a Natural Areas Inventory and have asked me to help in this effort An
inventor/ of this kind can be used to better understand the environment and to make more
eni ightened decisions on how to best manage the-Town's natural areas for the long tern
For this inventory I need to find out what places in the towns of Machiasport, BuCks Harbor,
Starboard and the nearby islands that you, the local residents, consider valuable and worthy of
protection, maintenance and preservation as places of beauty. These places may be nice for a
quiet walk; pernaps they are along the shore or there is a view of the Bay and you would like
access to the shore. Pernaps there 'is a place filled with special wildflowers in the Spring and
perfect for a picnic and hiking throughout the year. Maybe there are places that you just find
magnificent and very very special and wish to keep that way.

If you care to take stepsto see that these places in Machiasport remain natural, undeveloped and
will always be available to you, the town, please list your areas of interest below, It would help
me greatly if I could contact you by phone.

Thank you,
Nona Fam4ous Y\.-q
Consulting Biologist
Washington County Regional Planning Commission, 63 Main Street,Machias (255-8686)
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Your Name

Address

Phone Number

Places Worth Preserving in Machiasport
(please include directions for locating)

Please return to the school by next Wednesday, May 24.
Thanks.
Please use 'the reverse side of this sheet if you need more space.

Page 1
Machiasport Natural Areas Inventory by Nona Famous

Source
Number Location Description

BCl Larrabee Heath Coastal Plateau Bog ECCMe and MeCAP

BC2 West Starboard Heath MeGS

BC3 Point of Main Heath MeGS

BC4 Point of Main Heath MeGS

BC5 Libby Island New England Coastal MCHT
Rocky-Headland

BC6 Pot Head New England Coastal Headland Pers Ob5

BP1 Scabby Is Rare Plant Station MeCAP

BP2
Ram Is Rare Plant Station MeCAP

BP3 So. Libby Is Rare Plant Station MeCAP

BP4 So. Libby Is Rare Plant Station MeCAP

BP5 Point or Main Rare Plant Station MeCAP

ZEI Salt Is Bald Eagle IFW

ZE2 Stone Is (historical) Bald Eagle ECCMe

Z11 Starboard Is Marine Invertebrates MeCAP.

Z01
Hog Is Osprey MCHT/IFW

Z02
Bare Is Osprey MCHT/IFW

Z03 Yellow Head Is 0sprey MCHT/IFW

Z04 Yellow Head Is Osprey MCHT/IFW

Z05 Mountain Head Osprey MCHT/IFW

Z06 Stone Is Osprey MCHT/IFW

Page 2 - Machiasport Natural Areas Inventory by Nona Famous

Number Location Description Source

ZSf1 Upper estuary Shorebird feeding area ECCMe

ZSf2 Larrabee Cove Shorebird feeding area ECCMe

ZSf3 Small's Cove Shorebird feeding area ECCMe

ZSf4 Holmes Bay Shorebird feeding area ECCMe

ZSSt1 Upper estuary Shorebird staging area Pers Comm/NFamous

ZSr1 Upper estuary Shorebird roost Pers Comm/NFamous

ZSr2 Holmes Point Shorebird roost Pers Comm/NFamous

ZSr3 Hog Is Shorebird roost MCHT

ZSn1 Stone Is Nesting seabirds MCHT

ZSn2 Libby Is Nesting seabirds MCHT

ZSn3 So. Libby Is Nesting seabirds MCHT

ZSn4 Scabby is Nesting seabirds ECCMe

ZSn5 Foster is Nesting seabirds MeCAP

ZSn6 Ram is Nesting seabirds MeCAP

ZH1 Stone Is Great Blue Heron Rookery ECCMe

ZS1 Shag Ledge Harbor Sea, haul-out DMR

ZS2 Hog Is Harbor Seal haul-out ECCMe

ZW1 Upper estuary Wetlands imp. to waterfowl ECCMe

ZW2 Upper estuary Wetlands imp. to waterfowl ECCMe

ZW3 Jasper Beach Wetlands imp. to waterfowl ECCMe

ZW4 Mill Pond Wetlands imp. to waterfowl Pers Obs

ZW5
Mill Pond Wetlands imp. to waterfowl Pers Obs

Page 3 - Machisport Natural Areas Inventory by Nona Famous

Number Location Description Source

OS1 Upper Estuary High scenic value to community Pers Obs

0S2 Fort O'Brien Point High scenic value to community Pers Obs

0S3 curve beyond FOB point High scenic value to community Pers Obs

0S4 Sanborn Cove High scenic value to community Pers Obs

0S5 Larrabee Point High scenic value to community Pers Obs

0S6 Bucks Harbor High scenic value to community Pers Obs

0S7 Jasper Beach High scenic value to community Pers Obs

0S8 Indian Head High scenic value to community Pers Obs

0S9 Jasper Head High scenic value to community Pers Obs

0S10 Starboard Cove High scenic value to community Pers Obs

0S11 Howard Mt High scenic value to community Al Larson/Pers Obs

0S12 Miller Mt High scenic value to community Al Larson/Pers Obs

0S13 Mountain Head High scenic value to community Pers Obs

HA1 Cottage Cove Historic herring weir ECCMe/DMR

HA2 Upper Little Bay Historic herring weir ECCMe/DMR

HA3 Indian Head Historic herring weir ECCMe/DMR

HA4 No.Barels Historic herring weir ECCMe/DMR

HA5 Whaleback Cove Historic herring weir ECCMe/DMR

HA6 So. Bar Is Historic herring weir ECCMe/DMR

HA7 SO. Bar Is Historic herring weir ECCMe/DMR

HA8 Howard Cove Historic herring weir ECCMe/DMR

HA9 Starboard Historic herring weir ECCMe/DMR

HA10 Starboard Is Historic herring weir ECCMe/DMP

HSI Machiasport Liberty Hail SCA

HS2 Machiasport Gates House SCA

HS3 Machiasport Congregational Church SCA

HS4 Fort O'Brien Point historic battle site historic

HS5 Larrabee Larrabee Church historic 97

Page 4 - Machiasport Natural Areas Inventory by Nona Famous

Number Location Description Source
HS6 Bucks Harbor Baptist Church Pers Comm/Marion Davis

HS7 Starboard One-Room Schoolhouse Pers Comm/Marion Davis

HS8 Libby Is Libby Is Lighthouse historic

HS9 East Side Baptist Church SCA

Source code:

ECCMe - Ecological Characterization of the Coast of Maine

MeCAP - Maine Critical Areas Program

MeGS - Maine Geological Survey

MCHT - Maine Coast Heritage Trust

IFW - Inland Fish and Wildlife

DMR - Department of Marine Resources

SCA - Sunrie County Architecture

Pers Obs - Personal observation

Page 5 - Machiaspol"'. Natural Areas Inventory by Nona Famous

Program codes correspond with those in the Maine Coast Heritage Trust Quoddy Area Inventory,
1988, unless otherwise indicated. Program legends correspond with those used in the Ecological
Characterization of the Coast of Maine unless otherwise indicated. -

Program Codes

BP - Botanic

BC - Biological communities

ZE - Bald Eagle nest site

ZO - Osprey nest site

ZH - Oreat Blue Heron Rookery

ZI - Marine Invertebrates

ZS - Harbor Seal haul-out

ZSf - Shorebird/waterfowl feeding area

ZSn - Seabird nesting site

ZSr - Shorebird roosting area

zSst - Shorebird staging area (original code)

ZW - Wetlands important to waterfowl

GBe - beach

HA - historic area

HS - historic site

OS - Land features with high scenic value

I NOAA COASTAL SFRIACIIS CTR LIBRARY
3 6668 14110328 5

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