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Cz@ t C-0 D m-m all --.D =:AN D m-m I m-m Am ITT 168 .W57 D66 1990 WIS ASSET, MAINE 12. Soo -V el 77JA 05 jA A 14 AT rN I' 'ITT. 4,q Aiw, Aw 7 1%k4ra WISCASSET, MAINE -LATE 1800's 41 @111 Report of the Wiscasset Waterfront Committee to theBoard of Selectmen and the Citizens of Wiscasset, Main Prepared by Holly Dominie Stroudwater Design Group Land Use Consultant Landscape Architects & Planners in conjunction vAth Woodlot Alternatives, Inc. Environmental Consultants Special Consultant VS Department NOAA C'almOtEl Servic Of COMmeree 001-,th a ,, ess Ceuter UhraI7 Kenneth Fredette ch--jr,1'n-ta ,0003Ta A%7ez. ne 105.2 23 Tinancial Assistance for preparation of this document was provided by a grant from Maine's Coastal Program through funding provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, underthe Coastal Zone Management Act of 1971, as ammended" October, 1990 PROJECT PART10PANTS WATERFRONT COMMITTEE Woodlot Alternatives, Inc. Dan Thompson - Chairman Environmental Consultants 54 Cumberland Street Don Brewer - (Wiscasset Recreation Department Brunswick, Maine 04011 Norma Gordon (207) 729 - 1199 Harry and Barbara Haggett Clari Holmkvist Kenneth W. Freddette Frank Menair Special Consultant Bill Phinney - (Town Land Acquisition Committee) Cheryl Rust GRAPHIC LAYOUT AND DESIGN Walter Sherman Stroudwater Design Group James and Jean Sutter William C. Sutter - (Town Harbor Master) CI[TIZENS Dick Thomas Angie Andrews Nate Whitaker - (Central Maine Power) Annie's Book Stop Patricia Stauble Antiques TOWN PROJECT ADMINISTRATOR Area's Gift Shop Dan Thompson - Town Planner Clint Bardo Tom Eaton - Town Engineer Joanna Bardo William Barnes DESIGN TEAM Ann Beattie Holly Dominie - Project Director Susan Blagden Town Planner Consultant Willaim Bowers P.O. Box Don Brewer Manchester, Maine 04351 Brobeck Collection/0 Gallery (207) 622 - 0726 Katherine Brown Kerstin Brown Stroudwater Design Group Carriage Motors, Inc. Landscape Architects & Planners Coastal Business Center 1258 Westbrook Street Oscar Cronk Portland, Maine 04102 Edgecomb Inn (207) 871 - 1524 Tim Ellis Fairfield of Wiscasset Bill & Claire Gardener Cheryl Rust Olcott Gates S. & P. Bait Company William Glennon Sarah's Pizza and Cafe Norma Gordon Russel Schneider Jeffery D.D.S. Grosser Sheepscot River Pottery Harry & Barbara Haggett Walter & Betty Sherman Frank Hammond Mary Minor Smith James Hammond Margaret Stetson Hasenfus Gallery Martha Stetson Jean Hawes James & Dean Sutter Denis Hebert The Butterstamp Workshop Clari Holmkvist The Marston Housr Bed & Breakfast Dennis Jumper Richard Thomas Key Bank Dan Thomas Benjamin Kirkland Treats Melinda Lake Tree House Tavern LaGarage Restaurant Two at Wiscasset Antiques Seaver Leslie Grace Valentine Marion Lowndes Village Hardware Maine Coast and Color Works Nate Whitaker Frank Menair Wiscasset Bay Gallery William and Jodi Morison Wiscasset Hardware Co., Inc. Paul and Sharon Mrozinski Wiscasset Home Laundermat New Cargoes Wiscasset Newspaper Pendleton's Market & Pharmacy Ruth Wright Penguin Computing Harry E. Percival, Jr. William & Donna Phinney Margeurite Rafter Red's Eats Joe Reed JoAnn Reidy Roy Farmer Association TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Exhibits ........................................................ ix Pedestrian ............................................................ 27 Forward ................................................................A Vehicular ............................................................. 39 Parking ................................................................ 31 PURPOSE ...............................................................3 Railroad ............................................................... 31 Visual Access ....................................................... 32 THE PROCESS .........................................................5 HISTORIC AND VISUAL CHARACTER .................... 33 THE WORK PLAN ...................................................5 Historic Character ................................................. 33 PLANNING OBJECTIVES SURVEY ...........................6 Visual Character ................................................... 35 GROUP WORKSHOPS ...........................................8 Introduction .......................................................... 35 Natural Features ................................................... 35 ORGANIZATION .................................................. 11 Views .................................................................. 35 EVOLUTION OF THE WATERFRONT ....................... 13 Built Features ........................................................ 36 Visual Character Summary .................................... 40 SETTING AND KEY ISSUES .................................... 21 Habitat ................................................................ 43 SETTING .............................................................. 21 Upland ................................................................ 43 KEYISSUES .......................................................... 22 Marine ................................................................. 48 PUBLIC ACCESS ................................................... 23 ANALYSIS ............................................................ 51 Pedestrian ............................................................ 23 Public Access ........................................................ 51 Vehicular ............................................................. 23 Pedestrian ............................................................ 52 Parking ................................................................ 23 Vehicular ............................................................. 55 Railroad ............................................................... 24 Parking ................................................................ 56 HISTORIC AND VISUAL CHARACTER .................... 24 Railroad ............................................................... 57 Natural Features ................................................... 24 Visual Access ....................................................... 59 Built Features ........................................................ 24 HISTORIC AND VISUAL CHARACTER .................... 59 Visual Quality ...................................................... 24 Historic Character ................................................. 59 HABITAT .............................................................. 25 Visual Character ................................................... 61 MARINE RESOURCES ........................................... 25 HABITAT .............................................................. 62 DIRECTION .......................................................... 25 Upland ................................................................ 62 Marine ................................................................. 64 INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS ................................ 27 INTRODUCTION .................................................. 27 RIVERFRONT CONCEPT ........................................ 67 INVENTORY ........................................................ 27 INTRODUCTION .................................................. 67 Public access ......................................................... 27 PUBLIC ACCESS ................................................... 67 V11 Pedestrian ............................................................ 67 VILLAGE WATERFRONT MASTER PLAN .................. 93 Vehicular ............................................................. 70 INTRODUCTION .................................................. 93 Parking ................................................................ 70 CONCEPT mAff ..................................................... 93 Railroad ............................................................... 70 CONCEPT mB . ...................................................... 98 Visual Access ....................................................... 71 CONCEPT mC . ................................................... 104 HISTORIC AND VISUAL CHARACTER .................... 71 FINAL MASTER PLAN ......................................... 107 Historic Character ................................................. 71 Visual Character ................................................... 71 LITERATURE CITED .............................................. 121 WILDLIFE HABITAT ............................................... 72 Upland ................................................................ 72 APPENDIX A Marine ................................................................. 72 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN .................................... 123 DESIGN/PLANNING PRINCIPLES .......................... 73 APPENDIX B INTRODUCTION .................................................. 73 COASTAL WILDLIFE CONCENTRATIONS ............ 127 CLARK'S CREEK ................................................... 73 Location and Character ......................................... 73 APPENDIX C Public Access ........................................................ 73 SPECIES LIST ...................................................... 129 Historic and Visual Character ................................ 75 Habitat ................................................................ 78 APPENDIX A VILLAGE WATERFRONT ....................................... 78 MEETING SURVEY .............................................. 131 Location and Character ......................................... 78 Public Access ........................................................ 78 Historic and Visual Character ................................ 79 Habitat ................................................................ 81 VILLAGE HARBOR ................................................ 82 Location and Character ......................................... 82 Public Access ........................................................ 82 Historic and Visual Character ................................ 83 Habitat ................................................................ 85 BACK RIVER ......................................................... 86 Location and Character ......................................... 86 Public Access ........................................................ 86 Historic and Visual Character ................................ 87 Habitat ................................................................ 91 LIST OF EXHIBITS Exhibit I - Study Area ....................................................A Exhibit 2 - Character Areas .............................................6 Exhibit 3 - Survey Results ...............................................7 Exhibit 4 - Historic Villages .......................................... 13 Exhibit 5 - Early Settlement ......................................... 14 Exhibit 6 - Shipping Center .......................................... 15 Exhibit 7 - Waterfront Warehouses .............................. 16 Exhibit 8 - Knox and Lincoln Rail Line ........................ 17 Exhibit 9 - Wiscasset & Quebec Rail Line .................... 18 Exhibit 10 - Wiscasset Waterfront ................................ 19 Exhibit 11 - Regional Setting ....................................... 21 Exhibit 12 - Village Center ............................................ 22 Exhibit 13 - Character Areas ......................................... 27 Exhibit 14 - Pedestrian Access ...................................... 28 Exhibit 15 -Vehicular Access ....................................... 30 Exhibit 16 - Narrow Gauge Rail .................................... 32 Exhibit 17 - Village Skyline ........................................... 33 Exhibit 18 - Natural Features ....................................... 34 Exhibit 19 - Views .......................................................... 36 Exhibit 20 - Built Features ................................... 38 & 39 Exhibit 21 - Hesper and Luther Little Schooners ........ 40 Exhibit 22 - Habitat .............................................. 44 & 45 Exhibit 23 -Barriers to Pedestrian Access .................... 52 Exhibit 24 - Barriers to Vehicular Access ..................... 55 Exhibit 25 - Riverfront Concept .......................... 68 & 69 Exhibit 26 - Old Ferry Landing ............................ 88 & 89 Concept "M ............................................................ 96 & 97 Concept T .. ...................................................... 102 & 103 Concept "C .. ................................................................. 106 Final Master Plan ............................................. 112 & 113 Town Landing Perspective ............................... 166 & 117 Creamery Site Perspective ............................... 118 & 119 Ix F0RWARD Withthepassage ofthe Comprehensive Plan in Marchof 1989, the residents of Wiscasset clearly stated the qualities of their town that they value and wish to preserve, as the town continues to develop. Among those qualities are several relat- ing to the riverfront: Wiscasset's rich history and appearance of a small coastal town in a rural setting The rural landscape that surrounds the historic villageand its associated wildlife habitat floodplains, scenic views, recreational areas and open space; Open access to the Sheepscot River; and The commercial and recreational character of the village waterfront The Comprehensive Plan established a number of long-term objectives and policies intended to direct future growth in a balanced and responsible manner that would protect these qualities. Using the Comprehensive Plan as guidance, the Selectmen initiated a process that would result in a master plan recom- mending ways to preserve these qualifies and meet future needs for public access, parking and open space along the riv- erfront The Board appointed a Waterfront Committee which convened in April, 1989 and defined the study area to include the shoreline properties from Clark's Creek, south to the Old Ferry Landing (Exhibit 1). Exhibit 1 Study Area In December, 1989 the Selectmen, Town Engineer and Town Town Staff and The Design Team met several times to review Planner asked consultant Holly Dominie to organize a design the inventory and analysis, clarify issues, and develop alterna- team forhelping the Committee refine its ideas intoaworkable tive approaches to the collective "vision" for the area of the plan. She and the town's planner and engineer selected the Village Waterfront In July of 1990 three alternatives for the Stroudwater Design Group and Woodlot Alternatives to assist Village Waterfront were presented to the residents of Wiscas- her. set The townspeople reviewed and discussed the alternatives, and chose those ideas that they found to be the most desirable, Town staffand officials and a numberof residents interested in practical and achievable. These ideas were then refined by the the future ofWiscasset's riverfronthave all worked together in Design Team and incorporated into the final Master Plan for this process to develop a common "vision" for guiding the the Village Waterfront This plan is incorporated into the future of the riverfront. All have shared the same sense of Riverfront Study. privilege associated with the planning of an area containing such a significant share of the historical, visual and environ- mental qualities which residents wish to protect and preserve. All have recDgnised the inherent challenge in protecting these qualities in the face of competing demands and changing land use. Throughout this study a special effort has been made to learn directly from people theiropinions aboutwhat the waterfront is nowand could be in the future. This has been accomplished by conducting informal workshops with local officials, water- front landowners, and business owners within the Village Center. A high priority has been placed on listening to their concerns, trying to understand the marry "visions" ofwhat the waterfront could be from those who have influenced its past and present and wfll be involved with the evolution of ifs future. There were clearly some conflicti ng values that had to be addressed. As a result of the public workshops, a collective "vision" has been formulated that is expressed in the recom- mendations of this study. X11 'z P Mo. ... ... .. .. ... . 7 -=Ewou WISCASSET, MAINE VILLAGE WATERFRONT AREA-1990 PURPOSE This document presents a Riverfront Study for the Sheepscot waterfront and Old Ferry Landing. It recommends how to River from Clarles Point to the Old Ferry Landing. It includes a provide and i mprove access to the Sheepscot River while pro- master plan for maldng improvements to the Village Water- tecting the natural, visual and historic character of the river- front his intended to function as a working reference to guide front. and coordinate thebroad range of future planning and design decisions by those groups and individualswho are responsible The Riverfront Study contains information on the quality of for the future of the riverfront. The Study offers a framework natural and built conditionsand the types ofuseswhich best fit for decision maldrig and provides clear standards for imple- those conditions and the goals of the community. Itidentifies menting both short and long term changes and improve- the major issues and specific ways in which competing de- ments that will influence the physical access, environmental mands can be resolved. ExceptfortheWlagewaterfront, item- quality and visual character of the riverfront. phasizes principles and policies over detailed sol utions. In this way the recommendations provided by the Study can remain This Study recommends distinct and understandable goals, flexible as information and unforeseen events arise. guidelines for the riverfront, and specific plans for the village THE PROCESS In preparing the Riverfront Study a five step process was area. These areas (Exhibit 2) were identified for having dis- followed. Those steps included: tinctly different physical and visual traits: 0 Inventory and analysis of the study area; I Community workshops-, Clarks Creek I The development of several schematic master plans Village Waterfront for the Vi llage Waterfront Village Harbor 0 The refinement of the schematic plans into one final BackRiver Master Plan for the Village Waterfront and I The development of design and planning principles From this analysis the Design Team developed a preliminary for the riverfront. concept for the purposes of discussing the type of activities that the residents of the Town would be interested in encouraging The following is a briefsummary of the process. along the riverfront. This discussion took place at a public meeting in March 1990 where participants brought forward THE WORK PLAN several concerns and a variety of personal "visions" that they were interested in exploring. Meeting participants directed The Design Team assembled existing data, inventories and the Design Team to limit conceptual master planning to the studies available from federal, state, local and private sources; Village Waterfront only. and organized and evaluated that information to determine it's relevance to the development of the Riverfront Study. Once Subsequently, the Design Team worked closely with residents the review of existing information was completed, additional in aseries ofworkshops to develop and refine their ideasforthe data, inventory and field surveys necessary for a comprehen- future of the Village Waterfront. A number of workshops with sive analysis were identified and completed. An initial walking local and state officials, as well as land and business owners survey of the town waterfront with town officiais was first along the waterfront were conducted. The workshops pro- conducted to identify specific issues and concerns, followedby vided an understanding of the issues and concerns that were a more thorough field survey of the entire study area. This important to each group. survey identified important natural features (i.e. vegetative cover and wfldlife), cultural features (i.e. development pat- The workshops provided the basis for development of several terns and historical sites) and visual characteristics. alternative conceptual plans for the Village Waterfront. The concepts were presented to town residents on July 18,1990 in At the completion of the field surveys, the Design Team a public workshop forum to discuss the possible activities that consolidated its data and utilized an overlay method ofanalysis might be appropriate for the Ml lage Waterfront This meeting to identify four areas of distinct character within the study provided a basisfor refinementofthe assumptions and recom- mendations for the final Village Waterfront Master Plan. These assumptions and recommendations expressed how residents of the Town currently use the waterfront; what tey perceive as its most valued characteristics and greatest problems; and what their expectations are for its the future. In addition to the workshops, a written opinion surbey was taken of the participants at the March 1st public meeting to set community prioritiess. RIVERFRONT PLANNING OBJECTIVES SURVEY At the March 1, 1990 public meeting, participants were asked to rank the relatively improtance of a number of planning objec- tives found in the Comprehensive Plan, and those that were found to be of potential interest to the Town after the inventory and analysis process. The in tent was to determine the kinds of uses which are deemed most appropriate for the riverfront. A special statistical consultant, Mr. Kenneth W. Fredette, was hired to assist in the tabulation and interpretation of the survey results. It should be noted that the survey is exploratory in nature and was conducted to help set priorities of those who attended the public meeting. These results were used in conjunction with the opinions expressed in the comprehensive plan and the workshops with waterfront residents to formulate a town concesus on what should be accomplished along the water- front. The survey data indicated, and the March 1st discussion reinforced, that respondents placed a higher priority on pro- Exhibit 2 Character Areas Category Total Average importance of selected objectives within each category. These Quality Points results reveal more specifically the concerns and priorities of Habitat Protection 0.83 the respondents regarding each general category. These re- (Wildlife/Rare Plants) sults indicate the following: Visual and Historic Character 0.78 HABITAT PROTECTION Protection Environmental Protection 0.76 The protection of wfldlife habitat received the highest priority Community Character 0.63 rating of the seven categories listed in the survey. Within this category the respondents indicated that the protection of Land Uses That Depend Upon 0.58 critical orsignificant habitat areas (.90)wasmostimportantas Waterfront Locations compared to protecting travel corridors (.59) or adequate Public Access and Use 0.53 space (.61) forwildlife. Economic Development 0.48 VISUAL AND HISTORIC CHARACTER F_xhibit 3 Survey Results Maintaining the view (.80) and the appearance of a historic coastal village (.76) in a rural setting (.72) was indicated as being the most important character to protect when discuss- tecting habitat and the visual and historic character of the ingvisual and historic character. Conversely, respondents in- town and its environment than on encouraging public access dicated that the visual character of an undeveloped, wooded or economic development (Exhibit 3). riverfront setting (.62) was not as important. This would infer that residents appreciate the mixture of the existing colonial This information indicates that the residents of Wiscasset architecture intermixed with significant areas of field and place a high priority on maintaining the qualities of the town forest along the riverfront that define the quality of life for residents. Activities that aye percieved to alteror change those qualities, such asEconomic ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Development or increasing PublicAccess are not considered to be of high priority by the residents. They are satisfied with The maintenance of a healthy, functioning environment (.82) the way things are. is also important to survey respondants. Of particular impor- tance is the maintenance ofwetlands, flood plainsand tributar- The survey then asked the respondents to rank the relative ies (.84) that influence thewaterquality ofthe SheepscotRiver. 7 COMMUNITY CHARACTER nomic activity is clearly not a direction that the respondents would like the waterfront to proceed in. The community character of the village center was not given a high priority rating by the respondents (0.63). They did In summary, this survey data clearly suggests that habitat pro- indicate, however, that if issues of community character were tection, particularly of critical or significant habitat areas is of considered, then the vfllage centershould appearand function high priority when consi dering the future of the riverfront. in a logical, unified and attractive manner (.73). Residents are equally concerned about maintaining the ap- pearance of the rural and historic qualities of the village. The WATER DEPENDENT USES survey also indicates that they will be more tolerantof impacts to thevisual character ofthe waterfront if itis compatible with The survey found thatwhile protecting wildlife habitatand the thetypeofvisual mix that currently exists between the natural environmenthad a higherpriority than water dependent uses, and built environments along the village waterfront. They efforts should be made to ensure that appropriate sites were have also indicated that protection of the riverfront environ- available (.77) for marine related activities. A working water- ment should be given a priority over encouraging further front (.67) was not seen as an important priority over other economic development of the riverfront, which would result water dependent uses. in the addition of increasing numbers of buildings and related improvements along the shoreline. Public access is not a well PUBLIC ACCESS AND USE received development along the riverfront unless it is village oriented and has very little impact on community life. Public access (0.53) was considered to be of one of the lowest priorities of the seven surveyed planning objectives for the This isabriefdescription ofthedatafrom thesurvey conducted riverfront The surveydid indicate though, that ifpublic access in March, 1990, and what the data infer about the community to the water (.70) is considered, that it should cause little "vision" of what the riverfront should be. A more detailed disruption to the community (.84); that it should connect the explanation of the survey may be found in theAppendix. village center with surrounding neighborhoods and special sites (.81); and thatparking associated with public access sites GROUPWORKSHOPS should be kept to a minimum (.80). The workshops provided a better understanding of how the TAX BASE DIVERSIFICATION residents perceive and wuuld like to use the village waterfront area. They provided an opportunity for residents within the Ibis planningobjective receivedthe lowestpriority level (0.48) Village Waterfront Area, local officials and interested State of the survey. The improvement of the waterfront for eco- agencies to express their"visions" for the village waterfront. The process involved dividing residents of the village water- 0 The impact of tourists needs to be better managed. Marry front into small groups where they could discuss specific of the issues which currently confront the waterfront, issues common to their neighborhood area. lbreeworkshops; such as parking, public access and traffic congestion are targeted: seasonal impacts that occur at peakvacation times. 0 Landowners north ofLincoln Street to the o1djail 0 The establishment of a train stop on the waterfront for 0 Landowners south ofLincoln Street toWhites Island freight or passengers, should be discouraged, at the 0 Businessowners in thevillage present time. Individual meetings were also held with local officials, Central 0 Public toilets should be located closer to the central Maine Power, the Railroad Division Director for the Depart- business area of the village. ment of Transportation and the owner ofWhites Island. 0 Opinion is divided on the use of the Creamery Site. Ideas Each workshop group was asked to discuss their personal range from a passive viewing area to ajointventure devel- views of proposed improvements along the waterfront, what opment for extra boating slips. they liked or disliked about current conditions, and what type of future direction they would like to see for the waterfront. PARKING AND ACCESS The three topics generating the most discussion centered on who thewaterkont is for, the impactof the reactivated rail line 0 The number ofparkingspaces needs to be increased in the on the waterfront and how best to provide adequate parking villagearea. Small lots tucked between existing buildings and public facilities for water related uses. In general the is the most desired. Parking lots along the waterfront are following observations were made: notdesired, WATERFRONT USES 0 The demand for water access at the Town Landing has exceeded its capacity to effectively provide parking for P Future management and direction of the waterfront boaters accessing the Sheepscot River. should accommodate foremost the needs and desires of the people who live in town. Priority should be given to 0 Pedestrian movement across Route One needs to be residents who use existing facilities along the waterfront improved to reduce pedestrian/vehicular conflicts. Opin- such as the Town Landing. ion is divided as to the best resolution for this issue. Considerations are: an underpass, an overpass or a pe- destrian free zone. 9 b Developing more public accesssites alongthe riverfrontis ments on each of the proposed concepts. Participants were not encouraged because of the current problems that asked to evaluate howwell each design concept addressed their tourism inflicts upon the town and the informal under- concerns and interests expressed in the previous workshops. standings that currently enablelocal peopletouse private The final Village Waterfront Master Plan reflectsthe results of lands for river access. The concern isthatthose problems this process, and incorporates what participants believed to be will not lessen through additional public access but will the best aspects of each alternative. rather spread and possibly increase. If the only effect of in- creased public access were that townspeople would have an enjoyableplace to stroll andaccess otherpartsoftown, then the support would be higher. HABITAT 0 Joppa Cove and Whites Island areas should be maintained in a natural setting. Habitat enhancement actions by landowners are encouraged. VISUALCHARACTER Visual intrusion by the sewage treatment plant is intoler- able. Newadditions to the plantshould be more architec- turally sensitive than the existing plant buildings to the townand plantingsshould be usedto create avisual buffer around the perimeter of the plant. Other places such as the Town Landing are not visually attractive either. The results generated from the public workshops, were incor- porated by the Design Team into the development of three alternative design concepts for the Village Waterfront. These concepts werepresented to town residents in July, 1990within a workshop format. During this public meeting, participants were able to review the plans, ask questions and make com- 10 ORGANIZATION The remainder of this report is organized to document the tures of the environment are discussed. This analysis discusses findings, conclusions and recommendations of the Riverfront the key elements which create the image of a small New Study. England coastal village surrounded by open space. Chapter 4,"Evolution of the Waterfront" presents an historical Chapter 7, "Rivefront Concept", summarizes the analysis of overview of the major events that have occurred along the key elements and illustrates the key planning concepts and riverfront so that the present environment can be understood actions that form the overall guidelines for the design im- in terms ofthe decisions of the past. provements along the waterfront, Chapter 5, "Setting and Key Issues", discusses the current Chapter 8,"Design and Planning Principles", presents a de- condition of the riverfront and the issues that residents find to tailed description of the specific opportunities, constraints and be important along the riverfront recommendations within each of the four identified character Chapter 6,"Inventory and Analysis", discusses the character- areas along the riverfront. istics of the natural and built environments.Specifically, Chapter 9,"Village Waterfront Master Plan", presents a de- access, the development pattern, and natural and built fea- tailed description of the schemetic concepts and the Final Master Plan for the Village Waterfront. The timetable for the final master plan is described in "Implentation Plan", (appen- dix A). EVOLUTION OF THE WATERFRONT The origin for the name Wiscasset is believed to have come T from an Indian locative word meaning "confluence of three rivers" or "the outlet of the bay". The definition for the term 'Wiscasset"continues to be debated among today's scholars. However, little doubt exists that the rich natural resources within the Sheepscot River corridor and the Town's access to the open ocean had a significant influence on Wiscasset's A. prosperity and development (Exhibit 4). Historically, the infertile and rocky conditions of the soil, together with a short growing season, minimized the role that farming hasplayed in the developmentofcoastal communities like Wiscasset The meager life-style offered by farming could FAi not compare to the riches and abundant opportunities that were available in lumber, fishing and shipping along the rivers U I r? and the open ocean. AIM.^ At the debouchure of the Sheepscot River, productive fishing grounds produced such quantifies of giant cod, mackerel and flounder that by 1623, permanent fishing camps were estab- lished atArrowsic Island, SheepscDt, Damariscotta, Pemaquid and St Georges. Eighty-four families were known to have settled along the shores around the Kennebec and Sheepscot Rivers by 1630. Great schools of salmon, shad, alewives, > ;4P striped bass, as well as beds of oysters could be found in the upstream waters of the Sheepscot River. Thisplentiful bounty encouraged settlements along the banks of the Sheepscot River and in 1660 George Davie and his brother established a homestead at the current site of the Lincoln County jail. However, colonial expansion was inhib- Exhibit 4 ited by the Indian Wars from 1625 until 1725, the end of the Historic W11ages 13 Governor Dummer's Indian War. Resettlement in the confines of Wiscasset started again in 1729 with Robert Hooper and his family moving to the Cushman Point area. LOTTS OF LAND They were followed by several other settlers throughout ON WEST SIDE OF SHEEPSCUTT RIVER the 1700's. by the w4cage& During the 1730's the Boston Company, attracted by the -1762 deep harbor and natural resources, bought the rights of 2 COMPOSITE the Davie heirs and invested much of their energies and money into the development of Wiscasset. Through their efforts roads were built jetties constructed and a village 3 development pattern began to evolve (Exhibit 5). The wa- terfront at this time maintained its natural configuration and direct access to the shoreline was common. Growth and progress occurring in the early to mid 1700's estab- 4 74 OUARTER ACRE lished Wiscasset as a shipping port. This enabled the town LOTTS to take advantage of the economic growth that was to occur after the Revolutionary War in the shipping and lumber industries and establish itself as a regional eco- nomic center. The beginning of the nineteenth century brought a re- 6 markable and prosperous expansion to the shores of the Sheepscot River. The successful development of the fish- 7 ing and lumber industries brought an increase in demand for lumber tobuild ships, and a need to expand shipping for 8 the export of fish and lumber, as well as the import of salt, spices and other goods for commerce. Vith it's vast 28 LOTTS OF 9 100 ACRES EACH forests, rich fishing grounds and a deep water port that rarely froze during the winter months, Wiscasset was a Exhibit 5 business center with no equal east of Portland. Shipping Eariy Settlement flourished and the by-products of commerce enriched the 14 inhabitants of Wiscasset. This new wealth precipitated a period of rapid growth and development that significantly altered the physical con- figuration of the waterfront. Piers were constructed and the shoreline stabilized to improve anchorage, and the street grid of the village began to fill in with mills, store- houses and the large homes of merchants and sea captains. Although there was significant physical growth at this time the village still focused on the waterfront with the shoreline road being the primary access. At the peak of it's economic growth thirty-two merchant shipping vessels and 122 fishing vessels would call Wiscasset their home port. (Exhibit 6) However, the economic wealth and prominence of Wiscas- set began to unravel with the shipping embargo of 1806 imposed by the British and French, and continued with the embargo of 1807 imposed by America on its own shipping. The final blow to the halcyon days of Wiscasset as a shipping port came with the embargo of 1812. The decline in shipping forced Wiscasset to diversify it's economy in order to keep pace with other communities in the area. With the decline of the shipping industry, the mills along the Sheepscot River began to take a more prominent role in the evolution of the waterfront. They prospered from the early to the late 1800's, taking advan- tage of the lumber and water resources that existed along the Sheepscot River and it's tributaries. Tidal and under- shot mills were common, and the remnants of such mill sites exist at the mouths of Clark's Creek and Ward Brook. These early mills manufactured planks, barrel staves, box shooks and shingles for export directly to England, Scotland and the West Indies. The need to meet the increased demand for wood products encouraged the specialization of the waterfront for the manu- facturing and shipping of goods. This resulted in the construc- tion of numerous mills and warehouses that were built out into river along the waterfron (Exhibit 7). The construc- tion of large mills and piers dominated the shoreline and blocked the water's edge from the street. The specialization of the waterfront and its physical separation from the village encouraged the development of an alternative economic area within the village center for the transaction of every day commerce. The development of steam powered portable mills in the mid 1800's contributed to the rapid reduction of the magnificent forest along the Sheepscot Portable mills made it possible to harvest and mill vast quantities of wood at interior sites and eliminated the need to locate on the river for power and transportation. This resulted in the overharvesting of timber along the Sheepscot River. Concurrently, the sonstruction of mill dams, the pollution of waterways and the overfishing of local fisheries led to the decline of the fishing industry. Together, the despooiling of the resource base for both the fishing and lumber industries so severely curtailed commerce that the economic livelihook of the residents of Wiscasset steeply declined. As many local lumber mills closed in the 1870's , they were quickly replaced by brick yards that took advantage of the Exhibit 7 Waterfront Warehouses 16 abundant amount of local clay soils. These yards never pro- vided the economic strength that the lumber and fishing U-AA IS A SSET industries had; they only delayed the economic decline of the -VILLAGIE town. The most profitable of the brickyards was the Tucker & LINCOLN 60. Savage yard located along the river's edge at the foot ofthe hill Sca& 81S n.- 7inck, where the narrow gauge rail line traverses the Middle School site. The decline of these industries precipitated a corresponding C decline in the town's prominence as an important economic port. The economy never fully rebounded to the robust levels .00V f, of the early 1800's, settling instead into a stable residential community with a diverse mix of commercial and retail EP business concentrated in the village center. The hope to regain some of its previous economic vitality was A sparked when the Knox & Lincoln Railroad extended the standard gauge rail in 1871 from Woolrich to Rockland, thus II111 completing the Boston to Rockland run. By this time the waterfront area had lost its vitality and several mills and warehouses along the waterfront were rand and additional land created to satisfy the spatial needs for the rail line (Exhibit 8). These changes effectively severed the waterfront from the town as the shoreline road became functionally less useful and its economic importance further diminished, being overshad- owed by the village center. The Knox& Lincoln Railroad was nevera financial success and it's construction placed the town of Wiscasset in severe debt until the early 1900's when it was purchased by Maine Central Exhibit &I Railroad and later by Guilford Industries. Guilford Industries ox and Lincoln Rail Line' abandoned the line in 1979 and The Maine Department of 17 WISCASSET VILLAGE (COMPOSITE) approx 1900 Transprotation (MDOT) purchased itin 1989. In June of 1990 MDOT leased the line to the Massachusetts Central Railroad to run freight from the Dragon Cement plant, in Thomaston, to the State Pier at the Mason Station. With equal ambition,the Wiscasset & Quebec Railroad Com- pany (WQRC) planned to construct a narrow gauge rail line from Wiscasset to the St. Lawrence region that would eventu- ally become the eastern terminus of a coast to coast rail line (Exhibit 9). The rail line was to carry shipments of coal and lumber from Quebec to the Port of WIscasset and be shipped down the Sheepscot River to other ports of call. The Hesper (built in 1918) and the Luther Little(built in 1917 at Somerset MA.)were purchased by the WQRC to ensure that shipping would be readily available from their rail terminus in Wiscas- set. However, because of legal battles and the lack of sufficient capitalization the rail line never proved profitable, and the Hesper and the Luther Little were grounded at their current location at the village waterfront. The Wiscasset & Quebec Railroad Company finally succumbed in 1933 due to competi- tion from changes in the modes of shipping freight from rail car to trucking. Remnants of this line are still visible at the Creamery site and along the shoreline north of Route One. The evolution of Wiscasset's waterfront is a story of people living and working in close proximity to the water for hundreds of years. It is obvious that the abundant natural features of lumber, fish and a deep water harbor played a major role in the settlement and growthe of Wiscasset, and ultimately led to its heyday in the early 1800's as a major shipping port. The waterfront prospered and changed dramatically during this time as areas were filled and several mills, warehouse and 18 other buildings were built along its shores to meet the de- mandsof commerce. However, the elements of industrializa- Wiscasset tion: the overharvesting of natural resources, environmental Village Area pollution and the introduction of new technologies, eventually 1990 brought an end in the late 1800's to the robust resource-based % economy. Wiscasset failed to keep pace with these changes. The resulting decline in the economy and shipping lessened the importance of the waterfront as an area for commerce. Ibis precipitated its neglect and decline, which was further punctuated by the construction of the rail line along the Davey waterfront As the vfllage depended less on the waterfront for Bridge transportation and commerce, buildings were vacated, be- cameunsightlyandwereremoved.Wiscasseteventually evolved into the stable residential community that exists today. The Al last warehouse on the waterfront known as the Creamery Hesper Buildi ng, was disassembled in June of 1990. Only the grounded Luther schooners and a number of remnant piers remain from the active shipping port of the 1800's. (Exhibit 10). "IS This type of boom and bust cycle is typical of American 0 commercial waterfronts. The evolution of Mriscasset's water- 0 front provides a clear perspective of the changes that have taken place in response to the dynamic economic and techno logical influences that have occurred over the years. Histori- cally, this response has been a disjointed and incremental process, characterized bya numberofloosely related decisions White's - ---------- and actions by hundreds of landowners and entrepreneurs. Island The lack of vision and management of the waterfront in ------- -------- adapting to successive demands for new functions in the past has led to many of the incentives and constraints associated Exhibit 10 Wiscasset Waterfront with the use and enjoyment of the waterfront today. 19 Wiscasset is fortunate, either by chance or through direct accessibility. What type of activities should have access to intention, to have maintained its historic architecture, thewater? How much of the riverfront should be accessible small town character and pedestrian scale of its village to the public? center. These qualities are important particularly along the riverfron. for it is along the riverfront that these attrib- utes coexist and form a special community resource that is unique in it's potential to concurrently provide diverse op- portunities for economic growth, public enjoyment and civic identity for Wiscasset residents. The quality of life that Wiscasset currently enjoys can be attributed to a balance between the types of economic uses feasible along the riverfront and the Wes of uses that instill civic pride and public enjoyment. This balance was established during a slower, less complicated time when changes inland ownership and economic development oc- curred at a less rapid pace and smaller scale. However, the effects of a rapid increase in the recreational use and the encroachmentof urban development along the waterfronts of several southern and mid-coast Maine communities has raised concern over the future of this balance and the direction that the Wiscasset riverfront may take. Most residents agree that it is important that Wiscasset's riverfront remain attractive and accessible with a healthy natural environment. They also agree that it's physical de- velopment should be reflective of the Town's values and ideals, and that marine related uses be given a priority when considering the future development of the river- front. Important in all of these concerns is the issue of 20 S E T T I N G A N D KEY I SSU E S SMING Wiscasset's waterfront is special. Located on the Sheepscot River, approximately fourteen miles inland from the ocean, CO few communities can boast ofa deep water, working water- front which has maintained significant areas of productive wildlife habitat, abundant natural and architectural beauty, and numerous historic sites (Exhibit 11). The approxi- mately nine miles of continuous shoreline within the study area offers a variety of economic, scenic and recrea- tional opportunities to visitors and town residents alike. VV Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the village center is the central hub of activity along the riverfront. Historically, this has served as the center 'or economic activity and expresses the historic, intimate and pedestrian charm of a smal I coastal community that Wis- casset is known for. North and south of the village center the urban fabric of town gives way to large areas of woodland and open meadows. Quality wildlife habitat is LWICH particularly abundant in the Clark's Creek and Back River areas. 1-3AT14: The waterfront supports a small, active marine and ship- ping trade at the Town landing and State Pier, as well as several opportunities for pleasure boating. Spectacular views of the Sheepscot River and the village center exist from several vantage poi nts along the riverfront A] I of this M-1 0' V activity occurs within the framework of a small New England coastal town with a rural character and abundant RAF open space. This gentle, natural setting with its recrea- Exhibit 11 tional, cultural and economic amenities is one of the F Regional Setting 21 reasons why Wiscasset is so special (Exhibit 12). Over theyears the importance of Wiscasset asan economic center has steadily declined, while the interest in the quality of life Within the town as a residential community has grown. The increase in the number of people wishing to visit or reside in Wiscasset has brought pressure upon the town's ability to maintain the historic, visual and environmental characteristics that define the town's quai- ity of life. These are attributes that the residents have iden- tified through numerous workshops and the Comprehen- sive Plan, as being important to the well being of the town. To date the town has successfully provided a healthy balance between natural and built conditions. But this balance can not be taken for granted. The overflow from already crowded southern Maine towns and people's desire . . . . . . . . . . . to live in more rural areas have made Lincoln county the State's fastest growing county. (1990 U.S. Census) This hi NIMBI 11 trend is expected to continue. The challenge for the town will be to manage continued growth in such a way as to maintain the high quality standard of living in the face of increasing demands for those qualities. With forethought, careful planning and dedicated attention to the details of implementation, it can be accomplished. KEYISSUES The Comprehensive Plan gives explicit guidance about the kind of attention that townspeople would like given to Exhibit 12 their waterfront and it's associated land uses. The impor- Village Center tant issues facing the waterfront are those Which threaten 22 to diminish it's environmental quality, easy access to the VEHICULAR river, historical image and visual character. The following is a brief description of the key issues as identified through 0 Circulation conflicts with the reactivated rail line will the public workshops, the Comprehensive Plan and obser- peroidically impede vehicular access to the water- vation by the Design Team. Specific issues relating to the front area. village waterfront will be discussed in Chapter 8, "Design and Planning Principles". 0Lack of parking in the village inhibits vehicularaccess PUBLIC ACCESS TO THE RIVERFRONT for waterfront users. 0Seasonal increase in the number and type of vehicles PEDESTRIAN creates competition for limited parking spaces, limit- ing vehicular access for water uses. 0 Poorly articulated pedestrian circulation routes across Route One hinder the movement of pedestrians and PInefficient circulation patterns by people from out of vehicles in the waterfront area. Current crossings are town looking for parking adds to the congestion on poorly defined and difficult for pedestrians to navigate village side streets. with high seasonal traffic volumes. 0Seasonal traffic volume on Route One impedes at- P Reactivation of the rail line may generate the potential tempts to cross this traffic corridor. for pedestrian/train conflicts that have not existed in recent years. PARKING P The lack of public property in some areas restricts 0 Lack of adequate parking does not support the full use public access to the water. of available square footage of retail/office space in the village. 0 Incidents of vandalism and rowdy behavior on the waterfront restricts the enjoyment of the riverfrontby 0 Fluctuation in demand creates the seasonal lack of town residents. adequate number of parking spaces, particularly in the village center. P Manyofthe public sites that provide pedestrian access to the riverfront are auto-oriented and not inviting to 0 The inefficient layout of existing parking lots contrib- the pedestrian. ute to the inadequate number of parking spaces. 23 0 Appropriate signage to efficiently direct drivers to Activitiesassociated with the rail line, such as, parking existing available parking is lacking. storage and repairs could potentially have a negative effect on environmental, visual and the historic quali- 0Inadequate enforcement of parking regulations en- ties valued by town residents. courages congestion of some lots. HISTORIC AND VISUAL CHARACTER 0Lack of designated parking spaces for boat trailers and buses creates a shortage of parking spaces for cars NATURAL FEATURES around the town landing area. D Future development along the riverfront could re- RAILROAD move substantial portions of woodland and open fields . that would diminish the important natural compo- 0 The reactivation of the line may necessitate the redefi- nent of the visual character. nition of appropriate crossings to provide a safe envi- ronment along this corridor. BUILT FEATURES 0Reactivation of the rail line will create a number of 0 Future development along the riverfront that is not in conflict points between rail and pedestrian move- character with the existing built environment could ment, and may impede the availability of public access diminish the image of a small New England coastal to the waterfront. village. 0Increases in the use of the rail line will have some 0 Deterioration, modification or removal of existing negative effects on the quality of life for residents and historic structures, remnants and historic sites could quality of wildlife habitat areas. diminish historic and visual character. 0The designation of MDOT lands, adjacent to the rail VISUAL QUALITY line corridor, exclusively for rail line activity would eliminate several recreation, public access and service 0 The Town wishes to protect the impression of a small uses that have become established while the rail corri- New England coastal town of predominantly 18th and dor was in a state of abandonment. 19th century architecture and surrounding openspace. 24 0 Changes in existing land use patterns would alter the necessary for mai ntai ning and managing healthy wi I d- relationship within existing historic development pat- life populations. terns between the density of built structures, related open space and wooded areas. MARINE RESOURCES 0 Unrestricted and/or inappropriate public access could 0 The Town Landing and the Old Ferry Landing need to contribute to the physical deterioration of some natu- be improved to accommodate the increasing demand ral areas. for water access by a variety of groups. ) Incremental encroachment by development on visu- 0 The Town wishes to protect major stretches of saltwa- ally sensitive areas along the shorefront would have a ter marshes and tidal flats to ensure a sound environ- negative cumulative affect on the visual integrity of mental base that will support commercial harvesting the area. of marine resources. HABITAT 0 Physical improvements along the Village Waterfront should give priority to accommodate water-related 0 Inconsistent zoning along the riverfront does not pro- uses. vide adequate protection for shoreline habitat. DIRECTION 0 Encroachment by development within the proposed The direction provided by these issues is clear: the unique width of the Water Resource Protection District ef- fects habitat quality. natural features, visual character and historic qualities are of great importance to the residents of Wiscasset. Because )Mapping and classification of important nesting and of these attributes and the quality of life that they collec- habitat sites within the Sheepscot River corridor is tively provide, the town of Wiscasset is a desirable commu- important to the maintenance and management of nity to live in. healthy wildlife populations. There are at the same time certain aspects of growth and 0 Allowing indiscriminate public access into sensitive change that threaten these qualities. They are: tourism, habitat areas by hikers and/or motorized vehicles, will the rail line, and new development to meet housing and diminish and destroy the quality of wildlife habitat commercial needs. The impact that they will put on the town to maintain its unique quality of living can be 23 accommodated if there is a commonly understood set of objectives and a coordinated set of management policies. The purpose of this study is to recommend such a set of objectives and policies. 26 INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS INTRODUCTION To ensure that the values expressed through the work- shops and in the comprehensive plan were incorporated into the Waterfront Access Plan, the Design Team con- ducted a thorough inventory and analysis of the existing conditions, features and policies in effect within the study area. It specifically reviewed and studied the natural fea- tures, the visual character, the historical and cultural features, and the zoning and ownership patterns that existed within and adjacent to the study area. The Design Team compiled the data and analyzed it using an overlay method that identified four distinct character areas along the Wiscasset riverfront. These areas were identified as: Clark's Creek, Village Waterfront, Village Harbor and the Back River (Exhibit 13). Each character area was defined by a unique combination of natural, visual, historical and development pattern traits. These zones were important in the analysis of the study area because they provided cohesive physical units for develop- ing planning and design principles for areas along the riv- erfront. The following text describes the findings and con- clusions of this inventory and analysis and highlights important implications for planning and managing the riverfront. INVENTORY PUBLIC ACCESS Exhibit 13 Pedestrian Character Areas The principle paths for pedestrian movement along the 27 riverfront conform to the existing street grid within the village center and along Route 218 from the Clark's Creek bridge to the village center (Exhibit 14). Several informal reoutes exist along the rail causeways, the rail bed of the narrow gauge line and along the shoreline between the Creamery site and the Town Landing. Pedestrian move- ment around the village harbor is inhibited by land own- ership patterns and existing topography along the shore- line. Informal paths also exist south of the Mason Station along Cushman Hill and the Maine Yankee woodlot, north of the Old Ferry Landing. The majority of river access sites along this system of paths and walks are concentrated along the Village Waterfront. These site are scattered along the shoreline and vary from such informal points as the Clishy Brook site, with an occasional visitor, to the more improved Town Landing which handles a high number of visitors seeking access to the river. Not formal pathway system, other than existing roads or "desire lines"exists, which links these sites together to create a continual walking experience. Season- ally high traffic volumes on Route One impede pedestrian movement through the village and along the waterfront travelling in a north-south direction. Pedestrian access to the waterfront occurs along and across the rail bed in a random fashion without being confined to anyt particular routes or crossing points. Additional town access exists at the terminus of several village street right-of-ways. However, because of the lim- ited space and long term established use of these areas by abutters, the practicality of using these sites for public 28 access is limited. A few sites exist north and south of the Ferry Ian ding at the end of Ferry Road. The usefulness of Village Waterfront where public access is available on a this site for pedestrian access is limited because of its moreinformal basisto landowners, neighborsand friends. remote location. Several informal pedestrian access routes exist along the many tote roads and paths that crisscross North of the village center, in the Clark's Creek Area, this area. access to Clark's Creek and the Sheepscot River is limited to the bridge crossing at Clark's Creek. No formal access The types of pedestrian environment along the riverfront sites have been developed in this zrea. However, the Town fall into two general categories. The areas north and south owns of a small parcel of land,just westofthe bridge, that it of the Village Waterfront Area are characterized by travel has improved as a turn-around for snow plows during the routes that follow the shoulders of existing roadways, and winter months. No other lands are publicly owned. Resi- by informal use of pathways that traverse private property dents in the area also access the shore of the Sheepscot to access the water's edge. In general, these travel routes River along the abandoned Tail bed on a informal basis. function well to serve the type of low level, local pedestrian This trail corridor is enjoyed by abutting land owners for use that occurs in these areas. The Village Waterfront, on passive recreational uses (i.e. walking, bird watching etc.). the other hand, is characterized by a much higher level of pedestrian travel along the river and to specific access South of the Village Waterfront Area, access to the river- sites. This pedestrian environment is more concentrated front is limited. Within the Village HarborArea, access is with a larger number of people trying to access the water- provided by a town right-of-way from the base of Pleasant front either by foot or by car. The concentration of activi- Street to White's Island, continuing across the harbor to ties and users trying to access the area generates a number Birch Point. This right-of-way is sixteen feet in width and of conflicts and the need for a more clearly defined and has been improved by the Town with a wood pedestrian efficient pedestrian system. bridge to White's Island. The Island, however, is privately owned and public use is not openly encouraged. The re- VEHICULAR mainder of the land around the Harbor is privately owned, (Exhibit 15) with Central Maine Power being the largest land holder. Town residents frequently use the existing train causeway The roadway network within the riverfront study area can to traverse the harbor area. This activity will become be characterized as two distinct types: restricted in autumn of 1990, when the standard gauge rail line is reactivated. 0 The compact grid in the village center. 0 Linear roads that radiate from the village center, In the Back River Area, formal access is available at the Old 29 such as, Route 218 and Birch Point Road that parallel the riverfront. Route 218 and Birch Point Road provide access from the village center to remote water access sites at the Clark's Creek bridge and the Old Ferry Landing. These roads traverse a rural landscape and provide an adequate level of vehicular access to the water for the Clark's Creek, Village Harbor and the Back River Areas. The network of streets in the village center, however, has a much higher demand on it to provide adequate access to a variety of destinations. Concentrated within the village center are the numerous shops, offices, restaurants, resi- dences, Yacht Club and the Town Landing which all depend on this network of streets for vehicular access. The primary vehicular circulation route in the village center is the Route One Corridor. High seasonal traffic volumes along Route One impede vehicular traffic flow attempting to cross or enter Route One. Circulation is impeded further by the large numbers of people attempt- ing to find parking near the Town Landing and other businesses; the increase influx creates an increased de- mand for parking which is not met by existing supply. As stated in the previous section, the majority of water access sites in town are concentrated in this area. Thus most people who want to access the waterfront have to come here. Also a number of other attractions are concentrated in this area of town. 30 PARKING The relative amount of open land available along the waterfrontwould appear to offer some relief by offering the In the Clark's Creek, Village Harbor and Back River Areas, opportunity to create additional parking spaces. However, and in the less developed areas of the Village Waterfront this type of land use along the waterfront contrasts with a Area, parking is adequately accommodated by on-site lots number of policy statements listed within the Comprehen- for the many residences and business within theseareas. sive Plan and expressed at the workshops. An exception to this is the limited public parking available at the Old Ferry Landing, a boat launch facility at the RAILROAD southern boundary of the Back River Areas. Thislotisex- tremely undersized for the type and extent of use that it Two existing rail lines traverse the riverfront study area. receives and this effectively limits the number of people The former Wiscasset and Quebec rail line follows the able to access the river from this location. contour line of the shore from the Creamery site in the Village WaterfrontArea, northward to the mouth of Clark's In the more developed area of the Village Waterftont Area, Creek where it heads inland into Alna. Since it's abandon- an inadequate number of parking spaces throughout the ment in 1933 this rail line has become over grown with village center is a persistent problem in the peak summer vegetation or removed to accommodate construction as- and fall travel and vacation seasons. The most visible result sociated with private residences, the Middle School, the of the limited parking available in the village center is that Sewage treatment plant and Route One, which now trun- the seasonal parking demand creates congestion along cates the rail line. A substantial part of this rail line exists streets in the village center as visitors and residents at- today as remnant pilings along the shore of the village wa- tempt to find parking and often park illegally out of terfront. (Exhibit 16) frustration. This problem is particularly acute in the area of the village south of Route One and near the Town Currently, the rail bed is informally used by local residents Landing, as an increased number of fishermen, visiting for hiking along the shoreline. It offes many spectacular boaters, residents and patrons of nearby shops and Testau- views across the mouth of Clark's Creek and the Sheepscot rants all attempt to use the limited parking available. River, as well as pleasant view sup the several streams and creeks valleys along the shore. Consideration has beengi- One of the less obvious effects that limited parking has on ven to restoring the Wiscasset & Quebec Tail line from Alna the village center is that it has hindered the full use of the to the Davey Bridge. However, given the physical obstruc- upper floors of many commercial buildings that cannot tions that exist between these points this plan seems highly provide enough parking to satisfy existing zoning require- unlikely. ments. 31 Exhibit 16 VISUAL ACCESS Narrow Gauge Rail Visual access to the riverfront is another type of access which is highly important to town residents. Although Of harder to define or protect than pedestrian, vehicular, commercial or recreational access, it is arguably the most I portant because it is available for all residents and m visitors to enjoy regardless of land ownership patterns or other barriers to physical access along the riverfront. The 46 .1 riverfront is highly visible by nature, however, the type of visual access varies from location to location. The ClarWs Creek Character Area is highly visible from the Route One bridge, the village waterfront and higher eleva- tions within Town. Because of the high degree of visual access to and from this area, the visual significance of this @-V zone is high. Many views of the rural and undeveloped areas of Clark's Creek are available from Route One, Route 218, and by boat from the river. 11 . . . . . . . . . . . .31 The second rail line isthestandard gauge rail lineowned by The Village Waterfront Area is highly visible from Route the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT). This One coming into and out of Town. Views from the Route line extends across the Village Harbor, northward along One Bridge headed west are of a compact and traditional the Village Waterfront and across the mouth of Clark's and picturesque coastal Maine village. Traveling east, Creek. The rail causeways north and south of the Village views are through the village streets and to the river and Waterfront are frequently used by the public to walk from opposite wooded shores. Many town residents enjoy the the White's Island area to the shore along Hilton Cove and unique opportunity of walking out onto White's Island from Cow Island to Clark's Point. This rail line will be where the shoreline, the Village and its Skyline may be reactivated in the autumn of 1990 and it's effect on the viewed. (Exhibit 17) riverfront is expected to be minor, but has still not been determined. However, use of the causeways for significant The Village Harbor Area is visible at a distance while ap- pedestrian movement is likely to discontinue. proaching Wiscasset from the west on the Route One 32 bridge. It is highly visible from the streets in the village Exhibit 17 center and from White's Island. It is an important area The Village Skyline visually because it is viewed on a daily basis by town residents and by tourists visiting the village center. Its shoreline is also visually prominent from the water for boaters using the yacht club and Town Landing. The Back River Area is visually prominent from the Edge- comb Bridge, the Westport Bridge, the Old Ferry Landing and from areas around the Mason Station. It is important visually because of the"wilderness" setting that it provides in pleasant contrast to the more developed areas of the Town. HISTORIC AND VISUAL CHARACTER 1@@ Historic Character r rw In the 1800's the Wiscasset riverfrontwas the focal point of P17 a vibrant economic community. Many shipbuilding and lumber mills rimmed the harbor and large numbers of town and contains-'several important historic sites within wooden piers were built out into the river for shipping. its boundaries. The most prominent of these along the Captain's houses were built up on the slopes above the waterfront are the Hesper and Luther Little shipwrecks harbor and many of the existing buildings today in the just north of the Town Landing. The area of the Village Wa- village center were built at this time. Although the eco- terfront contains many other significant historic sites. nomic vibrancy of the riverfront has declined many of the Among the more notable are the Old Jail House, remnants historic remnants remain along the riverfront. of the narrow gauge rail line, the site of the Round House for the rail line and the Kingsbury Shipyard Site on the The village waterfront contains a number of the noted BackCove(ME491-11). A numberof historic sites can also historic buildings and sites along the river. This area is be found north and south of this area. associated with the village center, and together they en- compasses the rich history and culture of the town. The North of the Village Waterfront, several important histoTi- Village Waterfront lies within the Historic District of the cal and cultural features exist within the Clark's Creek 33 Area. During the late eighteenth, early nineteenth century several sawmills and gristmills were located at the mouth of Clark's Creek. The Maine Historic Preservation Com- mission has registered the Sutter Dam Site(ME 491-01) at the mouth of Clark's Creek. The remnants of the dam are still visible today at low tide. A historical site of local importance not listed by the Commission is the narrow gauge rail line that runs along the Wiscasset shoreline from the Creamery Building site, north to the Wiscasset/ Alna town line. Few historic remnants exist south of the Village Water- front that depict the activity that once occurred here. The Maine Historic Preservation Commission has identified two sites in the Village Harbor Area: The Capt.Williamson House Site at Hilton Cove (ME 491-19) and the William- son's Mill Site at the mouth of Ward Brook(ME 491-05). The one noted by the State in the Back River Area is the Bailey Site along Route 144 at the Cowseagan Narrows(ME 491-18). More may exist but have yet to be identified and recorded. Contributing to the historic character of the riverfront is the historic development pattern which evolved as the village grew. The relationships that developed between buildings and open space, and streets and the river cur- rently give Wiscasset it's grace and elegance. Considera- tion should be given to maintaining both these specific historic sites and the less easily defined historic develop- ment patterns that provide the Town with its current historical charm. Future growth and utilization of the 34 waterfront area should be developed to respect the histori- visual character of the riverfront because of its promi- cal heritage that the residents value. nence. Physical changes along the ridge line will be easy to detect and could negatively impact the existing Visual Character visual quality for the riverfront area and the village * Introduction center. The Wiscasset riverfront has a diversity of physical condi- tions that together create a dynamic visual environment. Steep Slopes - Provide a dramatic contrast with the These physical conditions range from areas dominated by two dimensional plane of the river. They are usually natural elements to areas composed entirely of built ele- wooded and present a rugged character along the ments. The following discussion highlights the most water that contrasts with the clean, built line of the important of these: village center. Changes in the wooded character of these areas could have a substantial negative visual Natural Features effect because of their prominence. (Exhibit 18) Undeveloped areas throughout the riveTfront are domi- Open Space and Vegetative Pattern - During the nated by a diversity of natural features: shoreline, coves, coarse of development of the village, numerous open stream outlets, hills, woodland and meadows. These areas fields and woodlots developed in association with provide both contrast to the built environment and dis- buildings and roadways. This pattern of open fields tinctiveness to the riverfront. During the course of devel- and wooded areas provides a sense of the rural way of opment along the riverfront, these natural areas have life. These areas provide visual interest by framing remained undeveloped and, as a result add to it'sphysical views, serving as a backdrop and providing a contrast beauty. Many of the natural areas serve either as backdrops to the built environment. to development or in certain areas frame an entire area. Their presence has helped reinforce the functional organi- Views zation of the village and enhance its visual interest and (Exhibit 19) level of amenity. Several individual components of the Two different types of vistas exist along the riverfront: natural environment are especially important in defining those across expansive natural areas and those within and the visual character of the riverfront. These are: from built areas. Significant vistas across expansive natu- ral areas include: Topographic - This feature provides an important visual backdrop for the village center and the river- P View from Hilton and Pottle Cove shoreline back frontarea. The ridge line is especially important to the toward the village center. 35 View from atop the bluffs of Cushman Hill out across Cushman Cove and the Back River. View across the Village Harbor from the causeway. View across the mouth of Clark's Creed from the narrow gauge rail bed and the causeway. View from Clark's Point down the Sheepscot River. Significant vistas from developed areas. Vistas from Route 218 outtoward the mouth of Clark's Creek. Vistas from village streets of the Sheepscot River, Village Harbor and the Mason Station . View from Route One of the Sheepscot River and the Mason Station. Views from the Davey Bridge of the Village Center and adjacent shoreline. BUILT FEATURES (Exhibit 20) The riverfront area is dominated by the 18th and 19th century architecture of the village center. Almost all of the buildings constructed during this time form a consistent, coherent visual environment and relate well to their sites, Their presence has created the functional organization of the village and defined its pedestrian scale and historic charm. Several individual components of the built envi- ronment are expecially important in defining the visual character of the riverfront. Those are: Historic Development Pattern- The visual character of the village center is strongly influenced by the way 36 buildings and intervening open spaces relate to one that contribute to the cultural and historic identity of another. In a simple way the perpendicular grid of thevillage. Focal points are also visually prominent streets in the village center has resulted in the tight elements that provide a sense of orientation along the clustering of buildings, constructed in a consistent riverfront. pattern located parallel to the street with intervening small lawns and open spaces. Conversely, several Significant landmarks along the riverfront are: radial streets leave the village center and parallel the 0 The church steeples that punctuate the village river resulting in a more varied pattern of develop- sky line. ment. This varied pattern includes buildings parallel 0 The Mason Station at Birch Point. and close to the road, captains homes at the edges of 0 TheHe-sperandLutherLittleSchoonersgrounded the village center sited to respond to topography and at the village waterfront. (Exhibit 2 1) views, and farmsteads forming small clusters of build- ings often far from the roadway. The changing charac- Significant focal points along the riverfront are: ter of this development pattern forms a composite 0 TheDaveyBridge. which is basic to the visual character of a small New 0 The rail causeways north and south of the England village. village center. I The Sewer Treatment Plant on Cow's Island. Skyline - The village center skyline is distinct and forms an important element to the visual character of The development of additional landmarks or focal the riverfront It is dominated by the church steeple, points along the riverfront should respect the estab- the roof lines of former Captain's homes and mature lished character. New landmarks or focal points along trees within the village center. Collectively, these the riverfront would help define the location of certain elements influence form the village skyline and reflect activities along the riverfront, assisting in its organi- the important institutions atthe time when thevillage zation and function. evolved - the church, the court house and the leaders of the community. Gateways and Entrances - Within the study area, three important gateways exist thatserve as entrances Landmarks andFocal Points - Several structures and into the waterfront area. The Route One - Railroad buildings along the riverfront serve as landmarks and area serves as the primary entrance for people access- focal points along the riverfront. Landmarks are ing the village from the east. This area does not important to the image of the riverfront because they provide a positive visual image in keeping with the are visually prominent and distinctive built elements village center. The poorly defined parking areas and 37 rIAKM E@:Iu I L-121 0 L-Owr--K Prjd,@21V-@ OM,@j o LA@21&1@- F@l E-L, r@;' o -MgAL-LE@- ir WO 0 p E@ LAW@I@ 6 TV-NIE7-1 0 AP?-EA,:@;, AT- ------- ^AL- F@271W-r- COW A -E-E@NVA-rl- KOLATT@" m) Li@l .00 do/ -17 o COM rAC-r 1-Z7 LANr7MAKK-- NJ P MAK V- - HCO Ej@?-i5 C-,::,A- T - C--WA\ - L-A NJ r2i NIG 4z LAN PMAJZK-,:@;, - 0 0 (O;Z@j V TD 0 0 000 0 o LAt?4@-AFZ@,@;, cA-- .0 0 LA WKI woo r 0 eo 0 *Is 00 T one 0 .0 7 as an 0 go J 000 4 It iF of Le :7: Exhibit 20 Built Features Exhibit 21 in the village center. This sequence is very successful Hesper and Luther Little Schooners as it is. Materials - Early construction of the village was usu- allywood cladorbrick. In areaswhere earlier architec- ture remains,wood, brickand stone continue tobe the dominate building material. VISUAL CHARACTER SUMMARY i @vq I Together, the historic, natural and built features combine to create the visual image of a traditional coastal New Eng- 1 4 land village in a rural setting. The combination of the elements described above create a number of unique visual images along the shoreline. The differences and similari- unkempt vegetation on either side of Route One do ties among these visual i mages and their location has led to not provide a positive sense of arrival and welcome to the classification of the riverfront into four distinct visual complement the high visual character of the village character areas presented in this study. center. The Town Landing provides another major gateway to The Clark's Creek Area is characterized by the configura- tion of the shoreline, the moderately to steeply sloping the village -center for recreational and commercial banks, and the visual contrast between mature trees and boats that approach the Town from the Sheepscot open farm fields which create a high degree of visual River. This gateway lacks clear visual definition and enclosure and strong visual interest. needs further articulation to establish a strong iden- tity. The visual character of the Clark's Creek Area is a mixture of significant areas of undisturbed woodland interspersed The third, and final gateway into the village is along by a limited number of open fields and single family Route 218 at the area of the Old Jail House. This area residences along Ws shoreline. Along the south slope of begins a pleasant arrival sequence that transitions Clark's Point, steeply sloping, wooded banks descend sharply from the rural, open areas on the outskirts of town down to a rocky, cobble shore with pronounced ledges that through a moderately developed area, that terminates extend into the cove. This area offers a number of pano- 40 ramic views across the Sheepscot River to Edgecomb, and structured form of residential development around the across the cove to the Village Center. At the mouth of small cove north of the village center. This area is defined Clark's Creek the visual setting is much more intimate and by single family homes, set back from the shoreline by the view is much more defined. On the eastern shore of the areas of lawn which sweep down to a naturalized edge Creek heavily wooded banks descend sharply onto projec- along the western shoreline of the Sheepscot River. The tions of ]edge that slope into the water. Mature hemlock houses that wrap around the cove, create an inwardly and pine lean out from these banks towering over the focused, intimate visual setting. This setting is in sharp water, reinforcing the enclosed cove and directing views contrastwith the railroad causeway and the gravel parking along the channel of the creek. On the western shore of the lot just east and south of the cove. Although these latter creek mature woodlands of pine and oak begin to give way areas are not particularly visually pleasing, they do provide to working farms and single family residences towards a number of vantage points for open, panoramic views out town. The land is gently rolling with several small streams over the Sheepscot River and up toward the Village Center. and swales traversing open fields and re mnant pockets of woodland. The views become much more open as you Thevisual character along the village waterfront, although proceed south toward the Village Center. Mature pine and completely urban in character, is comprised of similar red oak line the shore over emergent grasses. The aban- contrasts. This area, a relatively narrow strip of land doned narrow gage rail bed forms a linear landform that directly adjacent to the village center, offers panoramic parallels the western shore, at times merging with the views out over the Sheepscot River and Village Harbor. natural shoreline and at times forming an isolated white However, taken by itself, it is a relatively barren area spine defined by it's rubble ballast base. lacking in any substantial visual appeal. Views from the Town Landing are panoramic out over the Village Harbor Views into and from the Clark's Creek cove of the undevel- and the Sheepscot River. Again, however, there is little oped wooded shoreline, with a few scattered houses and visual connection made between the Town Landing and farm fields are what helps create the image of the small the village center. The historic, intimate and pedestrian village center with a defined edge surrounded by rural scale of buildings and streets in the village center does not land. extend down to the village waterfront edge. The lack of vegetation along the village edge also contributes to its The visual character of the Village Waterfront can be somewhat negative visual character. In addition to these defined as a contrast between physical development and elements, the historic ship wrecks, just offshore, provide a natural features. Along the northern edge, the visual counterpoint of historic interest that speaks of pictur- character of this area forms a transition from the rural esque abandonment and maritime history. Above the open fields and remnant pockets of woodland into a more immediate shoreline edge at the village Center exists the 41 composite of narrow streets, historic buildings and pleas- The lack of vegetation within this utility right-of-way is a ant pedestrian character that gives Wiscasset its reputa- severe visual intrusion upon the otherwise pastoral land- tion as the "prettiest village in Maine". scape. This condition presents the only truly negative visual impact within this character area. Thissenseof separation between the village waterfront and the village center is further reinforced by the fact that The building mass and industrial character of the Mason several of the waterfront businesses orient toward the Station at the southeast terminus of the harbor, provides town center along Federal Street and away from the an interesting counterpoint to the visual character of the waterfront. historic village across the harbor, the wooded residential character along the western rim of the harbor, and the This area, with the compadvillage center and clear transi- more natural appearing landscape south of the power tion to village residential and rural surroundings, contains plant. In addition to these areas, there exists, an historic the essence of the visual character which is valued by the mill pond formed by the damming of Ward Brook before it residents of Wiscasset. enters Hilton Cove. This particular area has a park-like landscape character which offers views across the harbor The Village Harbor Area is an area of diverse land uses and to the village and the Mason Station. This Area, with its contrasting visual character which are brought into close visual diversity, enclosed configuration and continued use visual relationship because of their location around the as a boating and mooring area, is important to the visual sloping shoreline of the Harbor, Pottle Cove and Hilton quality of the riverfront. The northern, wooded portion of Cove. The enclosed configuration of the harbor creates a the harbor shoreline also provides the southern "visual visual character that is defined by the diverse land uses boundary" of the historical village center. along its rim. The visual character within the Back River Area is rugged The character of the shoreline south of the village center is and heavily wooded. The slopes of Cushman Hill descend moderately to heavily wooded, with views to several large steeply into Cushman Cove and the Cowseagan Narrows and visually prominent residential estates. This wooded down rocky bluffs and onto cobble shores. The steeply and residential shoreline character dominates the north- sloping terrain offers spectacular views across Cushman ern portion of the area. Cove and the Cowseagan Narrows to Westport. This area is totally undeveloped and provides a rugged beauty that The visual character of the southern shore is visually contrasts sharply with the developed visual character of dominated by a clear cut that accommodates high voltage the Village Center. The shores of Cushman Point retain power lines which run westward from the Mason Station. the same rugged character although this peninsula has 42 been subdivided into single-family residential housing (see appendix for definitions). lots. From the house lots and access road, the dense woodlands offer only an occasional filtered view out over The relatively steep, south-facing slopes of the upland area the water. located between Clark's Point and the mouth of Clark's Creek are dominated with a forest cover primarily com- It should be noted that this area is highly sensitive to visual posed of a mixture of white pine (Pinus strobus) and red impact because of its steep slopes and visually prominent oak (Quercusrubra). Much of this area has reverted back ridge line. Goals for the preservation of existing visual from former agricultural uses to distinct patches of paper quality and the inherently sensitive quality of this area birch and aspen woodland on the hillsides. Remnants of should be carefully evaluated before change and growth old orchards are apparent from stands of existing Apple occur in this area. trees (Pyrus malus) that are scattered along the hillside. Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) and white pine dominate the HABITAT wooded area immediately along the eastern shore of Clark's (Exhibit 22) Creek. Deer are often observed within these forested areas because of the cover and the food source they provide. A Upland Habitat deeryard, located to the northwest of Clark's Creek, has Within the Riverfront Study Area the Sheepscot and Back been rated by Inland Fish and Wildlife as having a high (D3) River corridors contain a diverse array of high quality value. A second deeryard immediately north of Clark's wildlife habitat Point has received a moderate rating of (D2). Clark's Creek Cove and the adjacent portion ofthe Sheepscot Bald eagles (Halideetus leucephalus) were observed roost- River are classified as a Class "C" coastal wildlife concen- ing in the pines near Clark's Point on several occasions and tration area by the Inland Fish and Wildlife (IF&W). Areas feeding along the shoreline of the cove. Although no active with a Class "C" rating are significant because of the nests are known to exist within the survey area, eagles abundance and diversity of wildlife they support, and their often frequent open water areas, particularly during the importance to rare species. The rating system used by the winter monthswhen they concentrate along the unfrozen, IF&W is a three tier system based on the value of coastal tidal waterways. wildlife relative to other areas that are rated within the State, as well as, the relative abundance and diversity of Scattered residential development has fragmented much species a particular area supports. A Class "C" rating is of the natural character of the shoreline south of the significant at a local level and is defined as an area with Clark's Point Road Bridge. Most of this development has moderate species abundance or diversity. occurred immediately, alongside Route 218 and has not 43 -)Tr F-5 r- I re-, E@- wl tIA-rE.47-1 W_:@, @@-rA-r 10 N YA C- K@- F- r,7 -L@ T VL&E T-/N@IONI Lj P F@@c @,-t 0 I;KN-j PI Q6P E- Rihibit 22 Existing Habitat directly impacted the rivers edge. Several existing hay area. Remnant pieces of land are all that is left of what was fields extend from behind the roadside homes to a narrow once a wooded shoreline. The development of the water- strip of red oak and white pine that still remain along the frontalong this section of shoreline has reduced the ability shoreline. Some portions of the southern end of this of this area to support any significant wildlife to the point section, however, contain extensive shoreline stands of where the Department of Environmental Protection has oak and pine that provide food and habitat cover for a classified this area as non-redeemable. variety of animals that frequent the area (see appendix I) This ecozone is predominantly affected by the high degree Development within the Village WaterfrontArea has had a of adjacent land use, the general water quality of the marked influence on the quality and type of natural habitat Sheepscot River and the level of tidal flushing through the found within this area. The development pattern within railroad causeway located north of the treatment plant and this study area transitions from an open, rural-residential immediately south of the Town Landing. land use pattern with open yards and fields and wooded shoreline north of the village center, to the more urban Within the Village Harbor Area, the IF&W has identified character and intense development pattern associated the Hilton Cove area as a Class "C" coastal wildlife concen- with the village center. tration area. The area is defined as an area with moderate North of the village center one finds a mix of hardwood species abundance or diversity. stands, open fields and several perennial streams that flow The southern edge of Pottle Cove is overshadowed by an into the Sheepscot River. South of the Middle School the extensive power line right-of-way extending northwest shoreline area begins to become more intensely developed from Central Maine Power's (CMP) Mason Station located with the Wiscasset municipal sewage treatment plant on Birch Point. Because of the placement of the power located on Cow Island, the Town Landing, and accessways lines, patches of pine and oak are relatively small and to both the southern end of the Maine Central Railroad scattered along the steep, north-facingshorefrontof Pottle causeway and the Davey Bridge across the Sheepscot River Cove. A shallow, relatively undisturbed tidal pond, ap- dominating the waterfront. Existing trees and shrubs in proximately two acres in size, is located adjacent to the this area are limited to what is found within private yards western shoreline of Pottle Cove, northwest of the railroad and undeveloped portions of properties. track. This pond is dominated by cord grass. South of the treatment plant, along the waterfront to the Ward Brook drains through an emergent freshwater marsh, base of Pleasant Street, little natural habitat remains to northwest of Birch Point Road, into a freshwater pond support any significant level of bio-diversity within this located at the southwest end of Hilton Cove. The pond was 46 created by the damming of Ward Brook on ]edge outcrops Road north of Route 144 (Westport Island Road) is domi- located along the edge of the tidal cove. Water levels in the nated by the forested slopes of Cushman Hill. The north- pond and upstream marsh are regulated by this structure. west facing slope of Cushman Hill is more gradually sloped A small stand of cottonwood (Populus deltoidees) is located than the steeper, eastern side. Paper birch and other mixed north of the pond. The pond itself is primarily surrounded hardwoods dominate the upper slopes, while white pine by maintained lawns extending along the entry drive to the and red maple (Acerrubrum) dominate the lower portions. Mason Station. A wetland dominated by red maple is located along the bottom of the hill. The area of Cushman Hill includes a Birch Point forms the eastern boundary of Hilton Cove. fairly extensive deeryard that has been mapped and identi- Present natural features of the Point have been heavily fied by IF&W. The exact extent and value of the deer yard influenced by continued development of this Point for habitat is not known at this time and will require further commercial use. Today it is dominated by the Mason study by IF&W. Station, an electric generating plant. A stand of paper birch skirts the Power Station along the southern end of South of the Westport Island Road lies another fairly Hilton Cove, while several small stands of aspen and pine extensive wooded area. The immediate shoreline slopes are scattered along the shoreline edges of the Point. An are steep and predominantly covered with white pine, osprey (Pandion halidetus) nest was located within the while the more inland areas are dominated by a mixture of Hilton Cove area. white pine, red oak, trembling aspen, paper birch, with scatterings of balsam fir (Abies balsamea), red spruce Within the Back RiverArea, IF&Whas identified Cushman (picea rubens), and hemlock. A second mapped deer yard Cove as a Class"B" coastal wildlife concentration area. This extends south to Ferry Road. The extent and value of the is a regionally significant area of the Maine coast. Class"B" habitat within this deeryard will require further evaluation areas are defined as areas with high species abundance or by IF&W. A public boat launching site of limited size is diversity, or areas of importance to a State listed Special located at the Ferry Landing site. Concern, Indeterminate Status, or Watch List species. This ecozone is predominantly affected by the topography This area is relatively undeveloped and characterized by of the shoreline area, absence of development, and the steep, east-facing slopes predominately forested withwhite general water quality of the Sheepscot River. pinetred oak/sugar maple forest cover association. Hem- lock, red oak and several miscellaneous hardwood and The area between the Mason Power Station and the Old softwood species are scattered throughout the shoreline Ferry Landing is relatively undeveloped and characterized slopes. The area between Cushman Cove and Birch Point by steep, east-facing shoreline slopes and pineloak forest. 47 The steep, rocky slopes have prevented easy, direct access lasus) and knotted wrack (Ascophyllum nodosum) often to the shore and thus, the subsequent development of the found washed up on the rocks. Cordgrass (Spartina alter- shoreline area. Appropriate multiple-use management of niflora) is located in small patches immediately along the the forest resourceswill provide the critical support neces- shoreline south of the Clark's Creek outlet. Black ducks sary to maintain local wildlife, timber and recreational (Anas rubripes) were noted to regularly feed within the resources. Proper management of the wooded slopes will stripsof emergentvegetation immediately alongthe shore, also maintain and enhance the existing aesthetic quality of while red-breasted mergansers (Mergus serrator), white- the Town. winged scoters Welanitta fusca), pintails (Anus acuta), common goldeneyes (Bucephala clanguld) and buffle- Marine Habitat heads (B. albeola) were often noted further offshore in the Marine resources encountered within the study area are cove and river. fairly common in this part of Maine and provide an impor- tant economical asset to the Town. Maintaining the health Despite periodic closings of the local mudflats, the marine of significant marine habitat areas is important to the resources of Wiscasset and the Sheepscot River are gener- character and livelyhood of Wiscasset. ally regarded as exceptionally clean and healthy. This is directly influenced by the lack of upstream industry. Wa- The natural features within the Clark's Creek Area are ter quality within the Sheepscot River drainage has a sig- strongly influenced by the water quality of Clark's Creek nificant effect on the entire Wiscasset shoreline, and the and the many perennial streams that enter the Sheepscot continued well-being ofthose dependenton the utilization River. A causeway and bridge, constructed by the Maine of these finite natural resources. Maintaining the quality Central Railroad extends approximately 4500 feet across of this resource base is dependent upon the level and the mouth of Clark's Creek Cove from Cow Island to the support for the prudent regulation of point and non-point southern tip of Clark's Point. Tidal flow within the cove pollution sources within the Sheepscot River watershed. area has been restricted to an approximately 1100 foot gap in the earthen and rock causeway. This limited opening Within the Village Waterfront Area development along the has reduced the ability of this area to properly flush itself of shore has had a marked influence on the quality and type of sediment and nutrient runoff from adjacent shores. wildlife and habitat found from the treatment facility causeway southward to the Town Landing, as well as, the Shoreline flats within this character area provide habitat tidal areas situated between the railroad causeway and the for marine worms that have been traditionally harvested shore west of the Town Landing. by local fishermen. The immediate intertidal zone is pri- marily rocky with patches of bladderwrack (Fuscus vesicu- Mudflats, traditionally used by local fisherman as worm- 48 harvesting areas, continue to extend from the Clark's structures. Cordgrass is located throughout much of the Creek Estuary, southward, along the shoreline to an area remainder of the tidal wetland. Large areas of red oak and immediately south of the Edgecomb Bridge. The produc- white pine ring the western edge of the tidal flats and tivity of these flats has been diminished over time because extend upland along two perennial streams that drain the of persistent runoff and changes in the water chemistry in east-facing slope of the village shoreland. this area. Joppa cove, approximately 430 feet across, di- Black duckswere noted to regularly feed within these areas rectlywestof the treatment plant is dominated by mudflats, of emergent vegetation located immediately along the with patches of cordgrass; along the outer edges. Siltation shoreline, while mallards (Anusplatyrhynchas), red-breasted of this cove has occurred rapidly over the last several years mergansers, white-winged scoters, common goldeneyes due to a large volume of sediment runoff from sites and buffleheads were regularly observed both in the cove upstream. A narrow strip of cattails (Typha angustifolia) and river areas. now exists along the southern edge of the cove. Along the cove's western edge a small perennial stream traverses Development within the Village Waterfront Area provides through several private yards before emptying into it. The both positive and negative planning attributes. Thelevelof cove area currently provides regular roosting habitat for development has significantly reduced the biological di- herring gulls (Larusargentatus), black backed gulls (Law versity of the shoreline edge and it's ability to regenerate marinus), and ringed-billed gulls (Larus dehvarensis). quality wildlife habitat. On the other hand, it offers easy access to the shoreline providing a unique opportunity for West of Whites Island, the causeway on which the former both year-round residents and seasonal guests to appreci- Maine Central Rail line runs, extends approximately 2000 ate and enjoy the unique natural features of the Town. The feet from an areajust south of the Town Landing to a point tidal river and shoreline is a natural centerpiece for the north of Pottle Cove. The extension of the railroad cause- town to use in providing any number of passive recrea- way across the harbor creates a protected tidal area situ- tional uses that would directly benefit many of the local ated between the causeway and the shore. Tidal flows in citizens and businesses. In addition, there exists a number thisarea are severely restricted due to the earthen and rock of locally original and distinctive educational opportuni- causeway. Access to White Island can be gained by travers- ties involving the numerousand readily accessible, natural ing a wooden bridge to the island from the railroad cause- and historic features of Wiscasset. The proximity of the way. shoreline mudflats to the Middle School provides a unique and ready-made laboratory which could allow many young This tidal area contains the remaining evidence of former students the ability to develop a better appreciation for piers and wharves. Salt marsh grass (Spartina patens) has both the ecology of the tidal waters and the history of become established on the remnants of these former Wiscasset. 49 In the Village Harbor Area it is not uncommon for black limited disturbance for red-breasted mergansers, white- ducks to regularly feed within the narrow strips of emer- winged scoters, common goldeneyes and buffleheads. gent vegetation located immediately along the shoreline, Emergent vegetation is more available within the small whilered-breastedmergansers,white-%vingedsooters,common cove that is enclosed by the southern end of Cushman goldeneyes, and buffleheads were regularly observed both Point, and is located immediately south of the Westport in the coves and river. Common Loons (Gavia immer) Island Road. Black ducks and mallards were noted to feed were often noted well into the central portions of the river. along this section of shoreline. A narrow, sheltered cove extends approximately 2000 feet along the southern edge of Birch Point. No direct public access by land to this tidal cove is available, providing feeding opportunities with limited disturbance for mal- lards, red-breasted merganserswNte-vAngedscoters,common goldeneyes and buffleheads. The qualityof the marine resourceswithin this area is pre- dominantly affected by the adjacent land use, and the general water quality of the Sheepscot River. Within the Back River Area, Cushman Point is a narrow, relatively steeply-sloped peninsula of land extending from, and running parallel to, the main Wiscasset shoreline. The Westport Bridge crosses the Cowseagan Narrows to West- port Island across the southern end of Cushman Point. Cushman Cove is a long, narrow body of water, approxi- mately 3400 feet long, that separates the majority of Cushman Point from the mainland. The narrow cove is approximately 1000 feet across at its widest point. Devel- opment of the shoreline area has been hampered by the extreme steepness of the surrounding shoreline. Much of this tidal area is too deep to accommodate emergent vegetation. The cove provides feeding opportunities with so ANALYSIS access. Such barriers generally include bridges, high- ways and railroad lines. These types of infrastructure PUBLIC ACCESS improvements along the riverfront make it easy to get near the shoreline but difficult to actually reach it. The Comprehensive Plan clearly states that "...ample park- Wiscasset's riverfront has a number of such physical ing and ready access to and from the Sheepscot River" is barriers along it's shoreline. a goal that the Town wishes to achieve as part of it's growth management objectives. With over nine milesof shoreline Institutional Barriers - This type of barrier occurs along the Sheepscot and Back Rivers such a goal would where physical access is possible but is not allowed be- appear to be easily met. Traditionally, local fishermen, cause of obstacles created by legal, political or eco- wormers, boaters and residents have accessed the water- nomic conditions. Institutional barriers generally front at such public facilities as the Town and Old Ferry include: utility plants, wastewater treatment facilities Landings and from several private properties where land- and military facilities. The private ownership of prop- owners have not objected to local access. However, in- erty can also be considered an institutional barrier. creases in recreational boating, residential development Institutional barriers tend to be exclusionary or self- and the number of tourists over the last five years has contained, and depending on their use may hinder or brought a proportional increase in the demand for access preclude access to the water all together. to the water. This has begun to exceed the capability of existing facilitiesand the willingness of neighbors to allow PsychologicalBarriers - This barrier often stems from free access across their property. Conflicts have Occurred impressions of the riverfront's accessibility, safety, frequently between visitors and residents for limited ac- users and general activities associated with areas of the cess to the waterfront. riverfront. Through the study of the riverfTont area and conversations Several of these "barriers" have existed as part of the with town residents, the Design Team has identified a character of the riverfront but were never considered to be number of physical, institutional and psychological barri- barriers to water access by local residents. However, ers which currently inhibit access and enjoyment of the because of changes in either their use or an increase in riverfront: demand, a number of these physical elements currently pose impediments to citizen access and enjoyment of the Physical Barriers - Physical barriers are generally riverfront. considered to be the most imposing in restricting 51 Pedestrian (Exhibit 23) The most impacted by these barriers is the pedestrian movement along and access to the riverfront. Several physical, institutional and psychological barriers exist along the riverfront that impede pedestrian access and enjoyment. These barriers either deter or directly limit the access to areas along the riverfront. The physical barriers found along the riverfront that impede pedestrian access are: Route One Highway and Bridge-The abutment for the Davey Bridge creates a physical barrier for pedestrian movement traveling in a north-south direction along the village waterfront. Adequate clearance for pedes- trians does not exist between the base of the bridge span and the elevation of the shoreline to allow people to travel along the riverfront without crossing Route One at grade. Traffic on Route One has more than doubled since 1980, and is particularly heavy during the summer months. This inbibits easy crossing for people trying to access either side of the village water0 front. Traffic volumes are expected to continue to increase in the region, along with the demand for tourism and recreation. The establishment of separate grade crossing for pe- destrians and vehicles would be the most efficient solution to reduce the conflicts between pedestrian and vehicular movement across Route One. However, 52 because of costs, shoreline configuration and the waterfront is maintained. concern for personal safety, the development of such a crossing is prohibitive. An at grade solution, either Because of sight-line concerns at the town landing, pe- through proper traffic signals or the crossing guard destrian access to the landing from the parking area currently used, appears to be the most feasible solution above the landing off Water Street should be controlled at this time. by the use of planned access points across the railroad tracks. MDOTRailLine - Since it's abandonment in 1979, pe- destrian movement along and across the rail line has Rocky Bluft / Steep Slopes - The shoreline of Wiscas- become commonplace. Concerns for pedestrian/rail set has several areas of steep slopes and rocky bluffs conflicts and the issue of liability could significantly that impede physical access to the water. These areas reduce pedestrian access to the water if physical barri- are particularly prevalent in the area of CushmanCove ers, such as chain link fencing, are erected. Discus- and around Clark's Creek. Although such natural land sions with Massachusetts Central Railroad have in- configurations obstruct physical access, they do offer dicted that they do not intend to erect any type of spectacular view points for visual access along the barriers along the rail right-of-way at this time. ridge and from the water. Such areas should be respected and physical access to the water from the The rail causeways from Cow's Island to the southern land side not encouraged. tip of Clark's Point, and from White's Island to the shoreline of the village harbor are currently traversed Several institutional barriers also exist which impede by pedestrians wishing to access either shore from the pedestrian access to the water. Those are: village waterfront. These access opportunities will be curtailed with the reactivation of the rail line. Property Ownership Patterns - The lack of publicly owned property along some sections of the riverfront More random pedestrian crossings of the MDOT rail is a significant institutional barrier to public access. line frequently occuraround theYacht Club, the Town The majority of town owned lands that provide public Landing, the Creamery Site, and along the tracks access to the water are located along the village water- between the Town Landing and the Creamery Site. front. A limited number of opportunities for public This free movement is not expected to be curtailed by access exist north and south of the village center. The the projected one train trip per day. If the number of concentration of town owned land in the village center daily rail trips increases substantially, every effort is due to an historical pattern of land ownership estab- should be made to assure that pedestrian access to the lished as the town developed and provided public 53 services for it's residents. restricted because the waste water treatment plant occupies this site. This site provides a number of good The benefit ofsuch a pattern is that clustering of public vantage points for viewing the village, Clark's Point access sites in the village waterfront reinforces the and the surrounding views across the river, and is historic land use pattern of the town. This reinforces relatively secluded. The existing physical conditions the village center as the focus of the town, and helps currently discourage access to this area because of maintain the rural character that currently surrounds fencing and occasional odors. The facility will be it by removing development pressures for water access expanded in the early 1990's. Improving public access from the areas of Clark's Creek, the Village Harbor and to this section of shoreline is not considered by towns- the Back River. This has helped preserve the image of people to be essential to their enjoyment of the a traditional historical vfllage within a rural setting waterfront. that the town wishes to maintain. Mason Station - Access to the shoreline around the Conversely, by having the majority of access points Mason Station is physically possible but is restricted clustered in this fashion, the result has been that an because of issues of liability and the activities that increase in the demand for water access has overrun occur there. Unlike Cow's Island, access to Birch point the ability of these facilities to accommodate the is much more significant because of its deepwaterpier demand for parking and vehicular access. Efforts to and the opportunity to relieve some of the boating accommodate these needs, by increasing parking and congestion and associated parking problems at the improving streets, has resulted in diminishing the area of the Town Landing. An opportunity exists for pedestrian orientation at these sites along the water- the Town to discusswith CMP thepossibility of achiev- front. Veyy little pedestrian amenity, such as benches ing water access for recreational boating as part of or trash receptacles exists, and in places adequate CMP's plans to improve the facility for the shipping of pedestrian linkages are lacking. Excess demand for cement products. If a boat launch area is developed on water access - primarily boat launching - should be ac- CMP property, the opportunity would also exist to commodated by the development of other sites either extend pedestrian access to this location on the har- within the village center or at another location in bor. order to reduce the congestion and demand for the facilities in town. Psychological barriers also existalong the riverfront, which cause town residents to avoid using certain areas even Waste Water Treatment Plant - Access to the shore- when the opportunity exists. Discussions with several line around Cow's Island is physically possible but is residents have pointed outthe following perceptions about 54 the riverfront: 0 The village waterfront is a place residents would not visit at night because of the groups of young adults that congregate at the town landing, as well as other areas along the waterfront 0 If access along the riverfront is expanded for residents' enjoyment, it will eventually be over used by tourists and local young adults. Psychological impediments can only be totally removed by educating the public about the amenities to be found along the waterfront. The active participation of local law en- forcement and residents working together will help en- sure that the proper use of the riverfront occurs. The riverfront is a local resource the community need not give up the use to other groups on the assumption that im- provements to the waterfront will encourage undesirable activities to occur. Such activities can be eliminated or deterred through proper design, planning and most of all, community involvement in the development and mainte- nance of the riverfront Vehicular (Exhibit 24) A number of physical barriers exist along the riverfront that impede vehicular access. These barriers are: Route One - The volume of seasonal traffic on Route One reduces the ability of vehicles traveling along the side streets within the village center to access Route and r iver access sites is an objective of their growth One, as well as other parts of the village center. Proper management policy. Parking north and south of the traffic signalizing at one or more intersections in the village center is easily accommodated on individual lots, village center to allow adequate traffic flow from side which is traditional of the land use pattern found in these streets appears to be the best option at the present areas. Land parcels north and south of the village center time. This type of solution could improve both ve- average in size from five to fifteen acres, with several hicular and pedestrian traffic flow problems in the parcels of twenty acres or more. Should future facilities for village and along the village waterfront. wateraccess north orsouthof thevillage centerbe desired, there is ample land available to provide adequate parking, MDOT Rail Line - The reactivation of the rail line is at present time. To assure public access in the future, the expected to bring no more than two rail trains through Town may consider the purchase of a parcle. town per day (one round trip). Traffic flow along Route One will be stopped during each train passage. Parking needswithin thevillage center are accommodated The effects of this will be to create a periodic increase by a number of small lots with five to fifteen spaces tucked in traffic congestion along Route One and the village in between buildings, and by a number ofon-street parking side streets. Periodic delays will also occur at the spaces along several of the side streets. This system has access drive to the Town Landing and Yacht Club. The worked well in keeping a balance between providing park- initial number of trainspassing through town, and the ing and maintaining the pedestrian and historic character initial length of these trains is expected to have a of the village center. This existing, historic development minor effect on the seasonal traffic flow along Route pattern within the village center was established at a time One and vehicular access to the waterfront (conversa- when transportation needs were satisfied either by foot or tion with MDOT). However, if the number of trains by horse. Consequently, buildings were clustered tightly and the length of trains increases over time, the effect together in response to a slower more laborious mode of on the town will become more pronounced. transportation. Today, this historic development pattern provides a scale and historic charm in the village that town PaMing residents wish to maintain. This type of development Inability to park close to the riverfront serves as a physical pattern, because of the inherent lack of available sites barrier for people who depend upon motorized vehicles fro suitable for the creation of additional parking, precludes mobility. This is particularly true for the elderly and the the development of an adequate number of parking spaces handicapped, as well as for people who live outside the thatwould efficiently meet current and seasonal demands. town and desire access to the riverfront. The Comprehen- The availability of parking within the village center is sive Plan states that adequate parking for public buildings inadequate to meet the demand during the summer and 56 fall months. The lackofparking spaces in the village center vehicular and pedestrian uses. has also hindered many existing businesses from using the Any solutions proposed for the resolution of this problem, upper floors of their buildings because of an inadequate should respect the existing development pattern within number of spaces to satisfy existing zoning standards. The the village and the wishes of residents to avoid siting large lack of adequate parking is further complicated by: parking areas on the waterfront. If additional lots are created, they should be relatively small in size, fit within 0 Insufficient parking for boat trailers which use the the historic development pattern and be located such that Town Landing. Often these trailers are found parked pedestrian access from them to the village center is fea- along the side streets close to the Town Landing, sible. occupying one or more parking spaces. Railroad 0 Random layout of some parking areas within the Two rail lines traverse the study area of the Wiscasset village center. Aproperly designed layoutof these lots riverfront. The former Wiscasset and Quebec narrow could increase the number of parking spaces. gauge rail line has been abandoned since 1933. Since it's abandonment, the condition of the rail bed has been one of 0 Insufficient signage to direct visitors to the closest general disrepair. Today it is characterized by areas of parking lot available. Because the lots within the erosion, overgrowth of vegetation, removal of sections of village center are small and tucked away between the bed and the conversion of significant sections to other buildings it is difficult for people unfamiliar with the land uses (the Middle School ball fields and single-family town to find a parking space. While some may argue residences). Currently, sections of the remaining rail bed that this result is desirable, it leads to cars travelling are used for informal recreation access to the shoreline by up and down the residential side streets and adding to local residents. This type of opportunity for informal the already congested traffic flow. Many park where access along the river could become more important in the they please, simply out of frustration. future if the parcels of land abutting the river are sold and subdivided. Developmentof these parcels may result in the To resolve the parking problem within the village center loss of the informal understanding that currently exists several have suggested using the open land along the between neighbors which allows for pedestrian access waterfront for parking or the creation of a satellite lot at along the river. the edge of the village center. To resolve the parking problem by either, creating large satellite parking lots or Aprivate groupis attempting topurchase the entire length siting parking along the water would diminish the village of the rail bed from the Middle School to the Aina/Wiscas- character of Wiscasset by disrupting the balance between set town line for the purpose of restoring rail service along 57 10 ID the existing rail bed. It hopes to use the line for light rail to the Town Landing and Yacht Club. The traffic flow on passenger and freight service. Given the legal, monetary both routes will be interrupted and delayed by the train as and physical obstacles that exist to achieving this task it it either arrives or leaves the State Pier at the Mason appears that its near term realization is highly unlikely. Station. On Route One this will cause traffic to stack up in However, significant support for this endeavor has been both the village center and on the Davey Bridge. Such expressed at several of the riverfront study workshops. delays could be substantial during peak flows of vehicular Therefore, the option to pursue this plan should be left traffic. Thefull effectof such traffic delays on the Towncan open. not be measured at this time. It can be assumed, however, that increase in traffic congestion caused by train delays The second rail line that traverses the riverfront is the will be noticeable, especially during peak vehicular travel standard gauge line currently owned by MDOT. The Town times. The Town should negotiate with Massachusetts has stated in it's Comprehensive Plan that the reactivation Central Railroad on issues of scheduling and train length of the MDOT rail line should be the first priority for use of to reduce this effect. thisline. It also has stated that it wishes that parking and other facilities associated with the reactivation of this line The town could be further affected by traffic congestion if not increase traffic congestion, degrade the environment the eight acre site adjacent to the treatment plant is ever or have adverse effects on existing neighborhoods. developed as a commuter lot for BIW workers taking the train to work. The location of a commuter lot on this site The Maine Department of Transportation has signed a is appealing because of its accessibility to Route One. contract with the Massachusetts Central Railroad to up- Conversely, its appeal is tarnished by the fact that traffic grade the line and begin hauling freight in the Autumn of circulation in this area is already at capacity. For this 1990. Discussions have also taken place concerning the reason, MDOT has no plans to use the site for this purpose. feasibility of passenger service along this line for tourists and for workers commuting to Bath Iron Works. The Reactivation of the rail line will have an effect on the potential effects on the town are many, the mostnoticeable environment and wildlife along the riverfront as well, of those being upon traffic circulation, the riverfront especially at Clark's Point and the Village Harbor area. The environment and adjacent neighborhoods. serenity of the wildlife habitat in these areas will be disrupted. This is especially true for the Clark's Point area The effect upon traffic circulation will probably be the where Osprey, Bald Eagles and a number of coastal ducks most noticeable felt by the town. Trains which will pass have been observed to using the area for feeding, nesting along the village waterfront must cross two existing major and the rearing of young. Several deer yards are also traffic flow routes in town: Route One and the access road located in this areaand the effectof the train on theseyards is unknown at this time. The Village Harbor area, although riers to physical access along the riverfront. Future already affected by development, also provides substantial development along the riverfront could reduce the ability summer and winter habitat for coastal ducks, osprey and to see the riverfront from a number of areas. herons. The extent of the effect upon these areas will vary depending upon the particular type of wildlife and the HISTORIC AND VISUAL CHARACTER number and length of train trips through these areas. Historic Character Areactivated rail linecanalsobe expectedto havean effect The urban context of a waterfront is partly determined by on the residential and commercial neighborhoods along its heritage. In light of the fundamental role the navigable the riverfront. Trains passing along the riverfront can be watersof the Sheepscot River played in the development of expected to generate noise, dust and odors from exhaust. the town of Wiscasset it comes as no surprise that many of In addition to these sensory impacts, a reduction is also it's rich resources of historical and cultural significance likely to occur in the random pedestrian access over the are located along the Village Waterfront. The type and tracks to the water's edge, which is now enjoyed by neigh- importance of these resources varies depending on their borhood residents. It is unclear at this time what uses may age and location. Some of the more well known historical occur on the MDOT parcel, however, any use of this parcel sites are: for rail related parking or storage of equipment and mate- rial could diminish the visual quality of the riverfront and Study Area Historical Sites views from some residences to the water. Clark's Creek Sutter Dam (ME 491-01) Visual Access Wiscasset and Quebec Rail Line The level of visual access along the riverfront is quite high. Village Waterfront Kingsbury Shipyard (ME 491-11) Access can be obtained from a number of vantage points Old Jail House within the village center, along Route 218, from the Route WQR Round House Site One Bridge and a number of points along Cushman Point Hesper Schooner and the Back River areas. The quality of these views is very Luther Little Schooner good and their type varies from open, panoramic views Wiscasset and Quebec Rail Line from the waterfront to more filtered views from various Wiscasset Harbor Capt. Williamson secondary roads. Maintaining a high degree of visual House Site (ME 491-19) access along the riverfront is important because it is a type Williamson's Mill Site of access that is available for all residents and visitors to (ME 491-05) enjoy regardless of land ownership patterns or other bar- Back Cove Bailey Site (ME 491-18) 39 These historical and cultural resources enhance the use set as that small New England coastal community sur- and enjoyment of the riverfront by providing a unique rounded by abundant open space. The traditional rural element of community identity and civic pride. Depending setting for the coastal village is directly related to the on the. historic designation, ownership and condition of spatial relationships that Wiscasset's historical land use these and other historic sites, the heritage of the water- pattern has established over the years. front can either produce many opportunities or prohibit the use of sections of the riverfront altogether. A good The spacial qualities formed by Wiscasset's historic devel- example of this is the Hesper and LutherLittle schooners. opment pattern has created a rhythm between open space, These schooners provide the Town with a unique historic woodlots and buildings difficult to regulate or recreate amenity that is strongly associated with the identity of under standard zoning policies. The influence that the Wiscasset. However, they are deteriorating rapidly and historic development pattern has on the appearance of deterring use of the adjacent waterfront Wiscassetis especially evidentalong the shoreline between Clark's Point and Birch Point. In this area, the historic The Comprehensive Plan states a strong intent to protect development pattern is clearly expressed as the compact the town's appearance as a small New England coastal village center surrounded by residential neighborhoods community with historic architecture and abundant open which blend into a rural landscape. One can clearly see the space. Of particular importance is the protection of the closely spaced buildings of the village, the ship captains' "impression of a historic rural way of life". Manywhorefer homes with sweeping lawns to the waters edge and the to Wiscasset's historic character, scale and elegance often agrarian quilt of farmstead, open field and woodlots that give creditto specific historic sitesand buildings as impor- collectively creates the image of the rural New England tant references to Wiscasset's heritage, while overlooking coastal village the Town wishes to protect. However, the one of the important cornerstonesof Wiscasset's historical concerns for parking, building setbacks and road stan- character and charm - it's historic development pattern. dards, which dominate the development process today, no The historic development pattern is what provides the longer produces this type of rural development pattern. village center with that feeling of pedestrian scale, dra- Given that growth and development pressure may eventu- matic views down narrow streets to the Harbor and ally result in the acquisition and subdivision of a number Sheepscot River, and the small town atmosphere that of the larger riverfront parcels in accordance with current everyone enjoys. It is the spatial relationships of building zoning laws, this historic quality may be diminished. to building, buildings to roads and buildings to the river, Accordingly, Wiscasset should consider the establishment that people first see, experience and subsequently identify of a special riverfront zoning district or other regulatory as the elegance, scale and neighborliness of Wiscasset. method to maintain the qualities of this development These relationships form the basis for describing Wiscas- pattern. 60 Visual Character among town residents that Wiscasset's rural charac- Vision is an active sense that responds to physical forms, ter and small New England coastal village setting is movement, colors, textures and contrasting elements. valuable and should be maintained. This consensus Collectively these elements produce the visual interest of was used as the bench mark for assessing viewer a particular landscape and influence how people perceive sensitivity along the riverfront. its visual character. When assessing the visual characterof an area such as the riverfront of Wiscasset, it is important 0 Visual interest in a landscape can be attributable to its to realize that the natural and built features along the form, textureand special features. Conceptually, land- riverfront only partially determine it's description. The scapes are made up of edges and spaces. The edges give determination of an area's visual character is equally form to what the eye sees by providing spatial defini- influenced by viewer exposure, viewer sensitivity and vis- tion. In this respect, perhaps there is no stronger edge ual interest. than where land and water meet. The two-dimen- sional configuration of the water's surface is in sharp 0 Viewer exposure refers to the position of the observer contrast to the vertical elements found along the in relation to the scene that he/she is observing. The shoreline. perceptionofthe riverfront's visual characterwill vary with the distance, elevation and movement of the These three elements, viewer exposure, viewer sensitivity viewer at the time of observation. As distance in- and visual interest, were used to evaluate how each of the creases, the ability of the viewer to see detail of an four study areas might be influenced by visual change. object decreases. The higher the point of observation, 'Visual change" for this study is defined as changes to the the greater the range of vision for the viewer. For existing physical setting significant enough to alter the moving observers, the viewing time, combined with historic visual character that the Town wants to preserve. the speed of travel determines whatobjects can be seen Although there are certain features that are common to on a particular route. the entire shoreline, the physical traits of eachareacreates a unique visual setting. Appreciation of each setting is 0 Viewer sensitivity refers to how distinct viewer groups defined by the assortment of physical elements composing differ in their perceptions of the visual environment. a waterfront and by the viewer response to these elements. Indirectly, people's values, opinions, experiences and preconceptions influence their impression of a water- The Mriscasset riverfront study area is designated as a front's visual appearance. Viewer sensitivity will vary Coastal Scenic Area by the State Planning Office (W101). between individual viewer groups. The comprehen- The visual quality of the riverfront corridor remains quite sive planningprocess helped to developed a consensus high throughout the entire study area. Clark's Creek, 61 Village Harbor and the Back River areas have similar Because of its already developed nature, this Area has a degrees of edge complexity, a strong sense of enclosure, a high ability to absorb the potential for negative visual number of good views from higher elevations and a pre- impacts, provided that the proposed development is simi- dominately forested/agrarian visual character. All three lar to the existing character of the Town. Within thisArea are highly sensitive to potential impacts on visual quality considerations of the scale of proposed buildings, colors, from improperly sited new development because of several building materials etc. will minimize the'impact to the areas of steep slopes that are visually prominent from a historic visual character of the Town. number of differentviewing angles. The Clark's Creek and Village Harbor Areas, are the most vulnerable because of HABITAT large areas of cleared open space on these slopes. Con- versely, the Back River Area because it is heavily wooded is Upland Habitat able to provide a limited degree of buffering against the Wiscasset is fortunate to have a fairly diverse array of high potential for negative impacts from new building. quality natural habitats along the coastal corridors of the Sheepscot and Back Rivers. This study found the Back The Village Waterfront, together with the Village Center, River ecozone to have the highest level of species abun- has a well defined traditional New England character that dance and diversity of the four coastal ecozones studied. provides a strong pedestrian and urban scale, a clearly The IF&W rated this area as a Class "B" habitat, with state articulated skyline, and an established palate of traditional significance. The Clark's Creek and Village Harbor ecoz- colors, materials and construction methods. The Village ones were each found to have a lesser degree of species Waterfront has a rich visual texture produced by the abundance and diversity and were rated as a Class "C" combination of building materials, vegetation and unique habitat area by the IF&W. These areas were found to be features found only in this area. Materials such as wood, important habitat zones at the local level. The Village granite and brickprovide ablendingof colors and textures, Waterfront ecozone was found to be too greatly affected by as well as firm lines and structure to the view of the development patterns associated with the village center waterfront. Vegetation, on the other hand, softens the hard for any remaining areas of wildlife habitat to be significant appearance of shoreline structures. The visual excitement for their biological productivity. of the village waterfront is enhanced by the presence of features, such as moorings, the yacht club and the schoo- The habitat types encountered within the Clark's Creek, ners that are found only along the water. Often these Village Harbor and the Back River ecozones can generally structures are visual landmarks and serve as a focal point be described as being typical for a White Pine/ Northern within the waterfront setting. Red Oak / Red Maple forest cover association, which is common for this region of the State. Northern Red Oak, 62 Eastern White Pine and Red Maple are the predominate water quality of the Sheepscot River; and the appropriate tree cover found within this type of forest cover associa- degree of tidal flushing within Clark's Creek Cove and the tion. Common tree associates are white ash, paper birch, Village Harbor. yellow birch, sugar maple, beech, hemlock and black cherry. Typical understory shrubs found within this asso- An important aspect of proper land management for habi- ciation are witchhazel, alternate - leaf dogwood, maple leaf tat preservation is the maintenance of existing shoreland vibumum and an occasional cluster of mountain laurel. vegetative buffers and minimizing further disturbances Wildlife species found within the study area are typical of within these areas. Sufficiently wide vegetative shoreland the type of wildlife associated with the White Pine/North- buffers that have a diversity of vegetative layering from ern Red Oak/Red Maple forest cover and the marine re- grasses and forbs to understory shrubs and trees to tall sources common for this region of Maine (see appendix- canopy trees, provide critical riparian and coastal edge II). Significant wildlife resources within these areas, as habitats for many species of wildlife identified within the defined by IF&W, include deer wintering areas in the four ecozones. The success of these buffer areas in main- Clark's Creek and Back River ecozones, several osprey nest taining wildlife populations is based on the relative availa- sites associated with the Clark's Creek, Village Harbor and bility of the proper type and level of habitat critical to those the Back River ecozones, concentrations of marine worms species found within these ecozones. Proper habitat in- within the Clark's Creek and Village Waterfront ecozones, cludes a land base with resources necessary to provide and several clam flats within the Village Harbor and Back adequate levels of food, water and shelter. Shelter includes River areas. General coastal wildlife concentration areas among other things, the cover necessary for nesting and also exist within the Clark's Creek, Village Harbor and raising young. A greater degree of habitat diversity allows Back River ecozones. No rare or endangered plants were for a greater diversity in wildlife species, and will contrib- identified at the time of this inventory. The characteristics ute to the overall vitality of the natural community-at- for each ecozone are summarized in the appendix. large. Many of the wildlife habitat resources are in generally good Given these needs, the clearing or harvesting of timber health due to the relative stability of current development within these shoreland areas should be regulated to mini- patterns within the shoreline area, current availability of mize the extent of forest canopy openings. In addition to suitable habitat and the good water qualityofthe Sheepscot it's aesthetic impact, the maintenance of adequate soft- River upstream from the town. The quality and health of wood cover and oak mast production in this area is essen- each of the ecozones is directly tied to the proper manage- tial to the continued prosperity of the white-tail deer found ment and development of land within and adjacent to the in this area, not to mention black duck and other wildlife. river Corridor; the proper management of the general The maintenance of large diameter shoreline pines and 63 oaks will also provide regular roosting perches for bald water quality and natural habitat associated with these eagles, osprey, blue herons and other birds. rivers is the preservation of adequate vegetative buffers along the shores of the riverfront. Such vegetative buffers The existing quality and diversity of habitat within these control erosion, limit nutrient runoff and moderate water four coastal ecozones is a direct result of the continuous temperature. These are important factors in maintaining and intricate interactions between the natural resources of water quality and aquatic habitat. Proper watershed man- the upland areas and those resources within the tidal river agement along intermittent and perennial streams to systems. If that process is disrupted too severely, as in the control sediment and nutrient runoff from point and Village Waterfront area, the ability of that area to support nonpoint sources outside the shoreland buffers should a significant level of bio-diversity will be severely limited. also be implemented to maintain quality habitat. Marine Habitat Construction of the earthen and rock causeway for the rail The water quality of the Sheepscot and the Back Rivers is line has resulted in the formation ofseveral small cove-like an important contributing factor for the health of the areas with a restricted level of tidal action. The reduction many locally valuid natural resources found today. His- in tidal action has resulted in the degradation of water torically, the water quality of these tidal rivers has been an quality for several areas in the Village Waterfront and important economic asset to the Town. Maintaining the Village Harbor thatpreviously had an adequate tidal change quality of these rivers is critical to the continued economic to remove excess sediments and nutrients. An improve- well being and quality of living that the Town now enjoys. ment in water quality in these areas could be achieved through creating additional openings in the existing cause- The Comprehensive Planstates that one of the town's ways and thereby increasing the extent of tidal flushing for growth management policies is to maintain clean, open these coves. This increased flushing capacity would raise waters to support commercial fishermen, recreational the natural ability of the coves to purge themselves, but boaters, swimmers and wildlife habitat. An important first might result in the loss of some existing mudflat area due step toward achieving this goal is the action currently to increased tidal scouring of area(s) immediately adjacent being taken to improve the capacity of the Town's waste- to the new openings. Providing additional tidal access to water treatment plant on Cow's Island. The capacity of the the cove area west of the Town Landing would likely facility will be increased by five hundred percent to a half benefit the quality of the tidal habitat with a minimal loss million gallons per day of treated wastewater. Completion of mudflat areas. Actual overall advantages and disadvan- of this expansion is expected to be completed in 1993. tages would depend on the location and size of the Equally important to maintaining the integri ty of the opening(s). 64 Maintaining the existing distribution, diversity and abun- dance of Maine's coastal wildlife depends on the continued availability of undisturbed, biologically productive marine habitats. Local support of rigorous shoreland zoning pro- cedures is essential in maintaining these resources for Wiscasset's present and future benefit. 63 RIVERFRO NT CO NCE PT INTRODUCTION PEDESTRIAN The Village Waterfront Master Plan is the central focus for I Encourage or develop access only in areas where land- riverfront improvements. The Riverfront Concept was de- owners support it. veloped to ensure that the proposed masterplan comforms to an overall strategy for planning and managing the 0 Allow only low impactpedestrian access in areas north riverfront. It responds to the issues and opportunities and south of the village waterfront where existing land identified in public meetings, public workshops and in the use densities are low. Comprehensive Plan. 0 Maintain option(s) for resident pedestrian access The Iliverfront Concept Plan (Exhibit 25) illustrates the routes along the riverfront by encouraging landown- key planning and management goals for specific areas ers to voluntarily place public access easements on along the riverfront. The Concept Plan focuses on existing their properties as they sell, develop, or conserve riverfront assets that residents wish to protect. The pro- them. posed goals can be used to guide the future direction of the riverfront. The following section describes more fully the 0 Improve the attractiveness and safety of the pedestrian goals recommended to manage the riverfront. environment along the village waterfront. PUBUC ACCESS 0 Provide attractive, safe and well-defined pedestrian Several physical, institutional and psychological barriers crossings at major roadways and rail lines. have been identified as restricting public access or enjoy- 0 Improve pedestrian access, where it is deemed appro- ment of sections of the Wiscasset riverfront. Several of priate and desirable, by encouraging the purchase of these "barriers" have existed for years and only recently additional waterfront properties. have they been considered obstacles. Changes in use and the increase in the demand for water access have helped P Improve access and enjoyment of the riverfront by create a number of seasonal barriers as well. Such barriers eliminating psychological barriers through public can be eliminated either through physical changes or education and participation in the construction and modifications in use or management. The following goals maintenance of proposed improvements. are recommended to improve access to the river: 0 Encourage pedestrian use of the riverfront through increased community awareness and appreciation of 67 AfTA o-rFZOT-I@E-F' HAE51-TAT o P@,Y @@[JgAL- OA f 1@- F@@EA M \,(16LJALL-Y HIG@-l lf,)LJALITZ-(' A-F- OT H P-@< 6 own- ...... POIr I-A< Et- -0 K F t I r,, I I -lF-- I mrKOVE- FCFZ E7 KA HAMC t@- cov, M Ll t-j I -r--( A(-'@LIATAC - HAE51-1 AT HAFKVr--,,@@l I @-JC, Cl TIC 0 -0 i@@j C\1 I L, L-A& F- A Kr-- A rAFZx, - L I T-@ I @;;T I@d L---X lz-@T VI TH FT@OLA(@H IKJF--[LL, r Llc?r-" VI r--'LAI\J I-D r3@T -iEW, L L-- X Jf-@-T u L LAI I E-@@-, v I F W I T H MAF--lKJE-@ HAFFI-JAr o W^f-e'k-, -TT4rzOLJ&4-i MAIM-rAjf\IN<2@@ TD 4 MAIMTAIKMJc-::, Vr@@-nE-TA-rl\/t@- o C-3 Exhi6it 25 RiVerfront Co.ncept the amenities found along the riverfront. Improve the efficiency in parking use through proper signage and enforcement. VEHICULAR 0 Improvevehicular access along the riverfront through RAILROAD better management of existing facilities. The reactivation of the rail line will have an effect on the use and enjoyment of the riverfront, particularly in the 0Encourage public access at institutional properties area of the village. Impacts, such as traffic delays and along areas of shoreline where compatibility of uses is pedestrian conflicts can be reduced through discussions possible. with the Maine Coastal Railroad and the town. Impacts such as dust and noise, however, are inevitable but can be PARKING mitigated by physical improvements along the right-of- way., The following goals are recommended to mitigate bLimit the development of new parking facilities along those effects: theriverfront. Residents have strongly stated a desire to maintain the riverfront for other uses. 0 Control pedestrian/trai n conflicts at points of high pe- destrian activity by installation of appropriate sig- 0 Encourage the use of other river access sites during nage, aesthetic barriers or a combination of the two. peak use times to relieve the concentration of demand for parking at village waterfront sites. 0 Limit the speed of the train as it traverses through the village to twenty miles an hour. 0Encourage the. development of additional parking within the riverfront corridor that respects the char- 0 Maintain current community uses foraccess and park- acter of the historic development patterns. ing on the rail right-of-way. 0 Upgrade existing parking facilities through a clearly 0 Encourage the railroad to limit disruption of sur- defined organization as partofan overall parkingplan. rounding neighborhoods, the environment and the visual character of the waterfront. 0 Consider developing an overall parking management plan for areas along the riverfront. 70 VISUAL ACCESS I Develop guidelines for use along the riverfront to manage and maintaining the historic character that I Protect visual access to the riverfront from existing exists, as properties are sold and developed. public viewpoints. VISUAL CHARACTER HISTOWC AND VISUAL CHAP.AaER The visual character of Wiscasset's riverfront is a blending HISTORIC CHARACTER of it's historical and natural heritage. Maintaining that visual character will be determined by actions which Wiscasset!s historical and cultural heritage is very rich and regulate development and human activity. The following contributes extensively to it's current elegance, scale and goals are recommended to help maintain that small, rural charm as a small New England coastal community. Much New England coastal town image: of this amenity can be attributed to the fine examples of 18th and 19th century architecture found within the 0 Protect those landmarks, focal points and views along %A I lage center and scattered along the coast. A significant the riverfront that define the identity of the Town. factor in the appearance of this historic rural way of life is the historic development pattern that evolved with the 0 Maintain important vistas and views. construction of the village. The following goals are recom- mended to help maintain that historic impression: 0 Protect important spatial relationships found in the 0 Encourage the preservation of the many historic sites historic development pattern along the riverfront. which are currently not protected by the historic I Maintain important patterns of existing vegetation. district. I Develop appropriate performance standards to main- ) Respect the cultural and historical heritage of the tain and enhance the visual appeal of the riverfront. waterfront when improving the area to accommodate modem needs and uses. 0 Improve thevisual character of importantvisual gate- ways into the village. 0 Protect the exiting historic development pattern that currently gives Wiscasset its distinctive coastal village look from the water and the Davey Bridge. 71 WILDLIFE HABIITAT factor to their condition. Historically, water quality has always been an asset for the town and maintaining that UPLAND HABITAT quality is critical to the continued economic well being and quality of living that residents now enjoy. The following Wiscasset's upland habitat resources are generally in good goals are recommended to improve and maintain the health. This is partially due to the relative stability of the quality of marine resource found along these rivers: development patterns within the town. The continued quality and health of these areas is dependent upon the 0 Improve protection of the existing natural resources proper management and development of land. The follow- by re-zoning areas of Shoreland Residential District ing goals are proposed to help maintain healthy wildlife (SR) to Resource Protection District (RP) as recom- habitat while development continues: mended in the Comprehensive Plan. 0Discourage public access to areas which will be nega- 0 Maintain mature vegetative growth along the river to tively impacted by. human encroachment. Not all regulate water temperature and control erosion. areas of the shoreline need public access to be enjoyed for their visual, historical and natural amenity. Areas I Maintain proper setbacks along tributary streams. that are sensitive are best left alone. 0 Control runoff and erosion into the Sheepscot and 0Identify and protect important productive habitat Back Rivers and their tributaries. areas. 0 Enhance aquatic habitat areas along the riverfront 0Maintain important travel corridors between deer yards and areas of important wildlife habitat. 0 Develop guidelines for properties along tributaries and rivers to inform people about responsible activi- Improve wildlife habitat wherever possible. ties that maintain water quality. MARINE HABITAT 0 Encourage an active role by the Chewonki Founda- tion to help improve and protect the quality of the The marine resources found along the Sheepscot and Back marine environment Rivers are of good health and high quality. The water quality of these tidal rivers is an important contributing 72 DESIGN/PLAN N ING P RINCIPLES INTRODUCTION bors is easily obtained through their own property adja- cent to the river. Parking is provided on individual lots. The Riverfront Design Concept provided goals and con- Because access is so readily available for residents in this cepts for the overall management of the river corridor. Zone the need to develop public access is not strong at The intent of this section is to address specific concerns present. Conditions for public access for this area can be and issues that are unique to each studyarea. This is summarized by the following: especially pertinent to the Village Waterfront where the three design alternatives and the Waterfront Master Plan Assets and Opportunities are discussed and specific actions recommended. 1. Existingsnow plowturn around area could be used for parking by residents wishing to put a canoe in at CLARK'S CREEK Clark's Creek. LOCATION AND CHARACTER 2. Existing rail bed offers the opportunity to maintain pedestrian access to the water if the pressures of Clark's Creek is the northern most section of the study future development warrant the need to protect ac- area, extending from the southern tip of Clark's Point to cess to and along the river. the northern property line of the Old Jail Museum. Clark's Point is an area with significant parcels of undisturbed 3. Existing visual access provides a number of high woodland and steeply sloping banks that extend down to quality views of Clark's Creek and several natural cobble shores. The area is interspersed with a limited wooded areas that contribute to the perception of number of open farm fields that yield to single-family Wiscasset being a small New England village in a rural residences as one gets closer toward the village center. It's setting. historic development pattern, significant areas of wood- land and numerous farms provide an important part of the 4. The opportunity exists to reduce some of the vehicular rural small town image and feeling that Wiscasset wishes congestion in the village center by establishing alter- to maintain. native methods of access to the center for residents in this area, such as a bike route or walking path to town. PUBLIC ACCESS Liabilities and Constraints Issues of pedestrian access, vehicular access and parking 1. Present land owners and residents prefer not to have never been a concern in the area of Clark's Creek. encourage greater use of the snow plow turn around Access to the water for riverfront landowners and neigh- 73 and the narrow gauge rail bed for pedestrian access to level of amenity associated with the waterfront proper- the area. ties found in the Clark's Creek Area make these parcels highly susceptible to future development pressures. If 2. Existing high quality wildlife habitat at Clark's Point developed, the high cost of building could precipitate would be diminished by increased pedestrian access in the need for a higher @nit density than the current one this area. Steep slopes along Clark's Point make residence found on five to ten acres of land. By acquir- pedestrian access difficult and erosive. ing just one or two parcels of land it would not be difficult for a developer to amass the land area needed 4. Future development along Route 218 that is poorly to build a subdivision of ten to fifteen units. This is par- designed could reduce visual access to the water and ticularly true for areas where sewer lines are proposed, Clark's Point. Currently, several views are available thus removing the density restriction that results from from Route 218 between existing residences. In- poor soils. A development of this size would easily creased densities along this road could reduce visual result in an additional forty to sixty new residents that access to the water. would want access to the water and village center. Thought should be given to ways to minimize the Recommendations vehicular impact on the village center and accommo- 1. Maintain the existing physical condition of the snow date the increased demand on access to the riverfront. plow turn around area and continue its informal use by town residents. Minor improvements such as trash 4. Maintain important visual access points from Route receptacle or an improved path to the creek may be 218 and other areas. The ability to be able to see quick considered if the future level of use of the areawarrants views, as well as a number of panoramic views along it Use of this area to relieve some of the water access Route 218 to the Sheepscot River is a strong positive pressure within the village centeris notrecommended. amenity that contributes to Wiscasset's small town Its use shouldbe low key in keepingwith the sensitivity charm and character. The potential for this opportu- of the area. nity may decline as the area continues to develop and subdivisions replace the current land use pattern. 2. Maintain the current level of informal use of the nar- Important visual access corridors should be protected row gauge rail bed by town residents. either through special zoning provisions or through the planning review process. The establishment of ap- 3. Encourage landowners to voluntarily provide for the propriate design guidelines that can be used withi n the possibility, of future formal public access along the site review process would be an important instrument narrow gage rail line through easements. The high in this endeavor. HISTORIC AND VISUAL CHARACTER remnant along the riverfront This line provides town residents with a link to the town's heritage and an The historic and visual character of the Clark's Creek Area opportunity forfuture reuse as an active rail line or for forms the northern terminus of the rural setting for the passive recreation. villagecenter. While only a few historic sites exist here, the historic development pattern for this area is quite strong. Liabilities and Constraints The Clark's Creek area has a predominately forested/ 1. The historic development pattern in this area will be agrarian visual character and is highly sensitive to the difficult to maintain under conventional zoning and potential for visual impact because of significant areas of development practices. The town is proposing to clearing and steep slopes. increase the allowed densities in this area concur- rently with expanding sewer service along Route 218. Assets and Opportunities These two actions will increase the ability to develop 1. The historic development pattern of the village is an these parcels and will eventually result in increased important element of Wiscasset!s heritage that con- densities in this area. Improperly designed or laid out tributes significantly to its current image. This pat- development could significantly alter the established tern consists of single-family residences and small development pattern and the image it creates. farms close to the road on five to ten acre lots, which sweep down to the river. Steps should be taken to 2. There are no regulations that stipulate that maintain- protect the unique visual balance that this area pro- ing the forested/agrarian visual character or existing vides to the town as well as the significant heritage vistas will be considered during the planning review that it represents. process, as riverfront parcels are sold or developed. 2. The mix of built and natural features combine to' 3. Open fields, wooded slopes, topographic ridge lines create the predominately forested/agrarian visual and shorelines are especially sensitive to visual impact character of this area which contributes to Wiscasset's from development. image as a rural New England town. 4. The original narrow gauge rail bed has been subdi- 3. The number of open views and vistas across the river vided to a several different property owners. This is important to the perception of abundant open space poses a variety of economic and legal constraints for and rural character. the physical preservation or reuse of the line. 4. The narrow gauge rail line is an important historic 75 Recommendations forms one of the areas most obvious and highly valued 1. Establish performance standards, contract zoning, characteristics. The continued health of these habitats mandatory open space zoning, transfer of develop- and the wildlife populations they support is dependent ment rights districts or other regulations that will upon the continued health and stability of water quality in maintain the historic development pattern and the the Sheepscot River and the maintenance of existing visual character of the area. Give special considera- wooded shoreline areas. tion to mitigating impacts to visually sensitivewooded slopes, open space, shorelines and topographic ridge Assets imd Opportunities lines. 1. Wildlife observed to be nesting and/or feeding in this area, including deer, osprey, eagle, and several species 2. Designate important views and view corridors from of duck. Such wildlife populations close to the village Route 218 and from the river. Develop policies and offer a unique opportunity for observation and enjoy- mechanisms to preserve them as development occurs. ment that is valued by town residents. 3. Encourage greater community recognition and pres- 2. Fish, shellfish and marine worms harvested from the ervation of the Wiscasset & Quebec rail bed as an Sheepscot River and Clarks Creek Cove provide an historic site. economic livelihood for local fishermen. Protecting and improving the environmental integrity of these 4. Request review and consideration by Maine Historic resources is important to their livelihood. Preservation Commission to have the Wiscasset & Quebec rail bed placed on the National Register of 3. Improvement of the sewage treatment plant by 1993 Historic Places. provides the opportunity to improve some of the marine habitat, such as marine worm harvesting 5. Work cooperatively with the recently reactivated Wis- areas which had declined due to pollution from plant casset and Quebec Railroad Company to assist in their overflow. The resulting water quality improvements plans to restore the historic use of the narrow gauge can best be maintained by complementary actions rail line. which control runoff of silts, fertilizers and pesticides from new development. HABITAT Liabilities and Constraints The overall quality of upland and marine habitat within the 1. The lack of a continuous Resource Protection District Clark's Creek area is high. The existence of such habitats in Clark's Creek will allow some shoreline areas to be 76 more impacted by development than others. particularly important for deer yard areas. 2. Because current shoreland resource protection regu- 3. Encourage landowners to work voluntarily with the lationsallow certain typesof development to encroach Chewonki Land Trust to place conservation ease- into the shoreland zone, sensitive habitat may not be ments to protect wildlife habitat on their land. adequately protected in Clark's Creek. 4. Minimize the extent of clearing of land for buildings, 3.Future developmenton ClarlesPointeould reduce the lawns, roads and septic systems. This will help main- amountof needed habitat for the existing deeryards in tain significant wooded habitat areas and reduce the this area and impact the eagles that are found nesting impact of such development on the visual character of there in the winter months. the area. Limited lawn areas can provide improved habitat for species which prefer "woodland edge" 4. Reactivation of the rail line will disrupt some of the environments. sensitive habitat areas. S. Limit any future development of access into sensitive 5. Increase pedestrian access in areas such as Clark's habitat areas to low impact only uses with no motor- Point could disrupt wildlife in sensitive habitat areas ized vehicles. i.e. deer yards during minter and breeding months. 6. Create performance standards forincludingthe evalu- 6. Runoff from lawns and other developed areas could ation of development impacts on habitatwhen review- negatively impact the water quality of the Sheepscot ing development applications. diminishingthe ability ofwildlife to reside in this area. 7. Encourage the involvement of existing nonprofit en- Recommendations vironmental groups in town, such as the Chewonki 1. Upgrade the Shoreland Residential District (SR) to Foundation and the Blu e Bird Association of Maine, to Resource Protection District (RP) to extend protec- help develop and establish a community-based habi- tion of upland habitat areas and to help protect water tattwildlife education and improvement program. The quality along the Sheepscot by reducing and filtering wildlife habitat in this area could be protected and runoff. improved through education, management and im- 2. Identify and protect wildlife corridors that are essen- provement efforts sponsored by such organizations. tial for maintaining wildlife populations. This is 8. Establish erosion and sedimentation control stan- 77 dards throughout the watershed that will help main- crossing Route One and the reactivated rail line. Vehicular tain naturally vegetated buffers along tributaries of access to the waterfront becomes an issue during the the Sheepscot and Back Rivers. Such buffers will help summer months when boaters, tourist and residents all maintain water quality and provide habitat and travel desire access to facilities in the village. Parking is inade- corridors for wildlife in the area. quate to meet demand during this time. Public access for this area can be summarized by the following: VILLAGE WATERFRONT Assets and Opportunities LOCATION AND CHARACTER 1. Informal access along the entire length of the village The Village Waterfront is the most densely developed of the waterfront shoreline exists for pedestrians. four riverfront study zones. Extending from the Old Jail 2. Several Town-owned properties, such as the Town House property at its north, to the White's Island area at its Landing, Creamery Site, Ancient Burial Ground, Clishy south, this Area is associated with many of the historical Brook right-of-way and the Middle School, preserve and architectural examples that give Wiscasset its histori- access to the water for residents. cal charm. The character created by the composite of built and natural features differs greatly between the northern 3. Vehicular access to the water is readily available at the and southern parts of this area. At its northern edge, open Town-owned Town Landing and the Creamery Site. fields and remnantpockets of woodland transition into the Informally, access has been allowed by MDOT along more structured residential and commercial development the rail right-of-way next to the river. pattern associated with the village center. It is this com- posite of built and natu ral features and the transition from 4. Parking for wateraccess is provided by the Town at the one character type to the other that combine to create the Town Landing and Creamery Site. Informally, MDOT unique qualities of this area. has allowed parking along the rail right-of-way that parallels the river between Route One and Joppa Cove. PUBLIC ACCESS 5.The existence of the railroad right-of-way along the Issues of pedestrian access, parking, vehicular circulation waterfront has maintained visual access and accep- and the impact of the reactivated rail line are all issues tance of informal pedestrian access along the village which effect the Village Waterfront. Pedestrian access waterfront. within this zone occurs mostly along existing roadways and informal paths along the waterfront. Conflicts occur 6. The existing narrow gauge rail bed offers the opportu- 78 nity to maintain pedestrian access to the water as the Recommendations pressures of future development warrant the need to 1. Pursue purchasing additional lands along the water- protect access to and along the river. front to maintain pedestrian access (see Village Water- front Master Plan). Liabilities and Constraints 1. Pedestrian access along the waterfront is dependent 2. Improve pedestrian linkages between existing town- upon the ability to be able to traverse across private owned properties along the waterfront. property. If the land becomes posted or fenced off, 3. Improve pedestrian amenity along the waterfront to access will be denied. encourage greater use and enjoyment of these sites. 2. Although several town-owned sites exist for public access along the waterfront they are not part of a pe- 4. Establish a convenient and safe method for pedestri- destrian circulation system that allows easy access ans to cross Route One traffic. between sites. 5. Improve parking within the village center either 3. Access to the water at town-owned sites is well devel- through additional spaces, better layouts of existing oped and convenient for vehicles. The level ofamenity lots or better management of existing facilities. The for pedestrians at these sites is low, thus discouraging development of additional parking immediately on this type of access and use. the waterfront should not be encouraged. 4. Seasonally high traffic volumes create problems for 6. Control pedestrian movement along some portions of pedestrian movementacross Route One, as well as cir- the rail line where site distances are inadequate to culation problems for vehicles in the village center. defined crossing points. 5. Parking is inadequate to meet the demand during the HISTORIC AND VISUAL CHARACTER summer months. The Village Waterfront contains a number of noted his- 6. Reactivation of the railroad line will create periodic toric buildings and sites along the river. The blend of conflicts forvehicularand pedestrian movementalong natural and built features within this area creates the the waterfront. image of the coastal New England Town along the water. The visual character varies from the rural residential setting at the north blending into the compact built 79 environment of the village center. tices. Parcels of land along the river may eventually be subdivided and this development pattern lost, as cur- Assets and Opportunities rent planning and review process does not consider 1. The historic development pattern north of the village maintaining this pattern. center consists of single-family residences close to the Toad with lawns that sweep down to the waters edge. 2. Expansion of the village centerwith out respectingthe This area functions as an important positive gateway existing character and development pattern may into the village and steps should be taken to protect its diminish the image of the small coastal village along unique character. the river. 2. The village center provides a historic backdrop to the 3. The visual character of the two major gateways into village waterfront. This has a strong positive influ- the village from the waterfront, at the Davey Bridge ence on the visual character of the waterfront. and the Town Landing, are poorly defined and lack 3. The village center has a number of built features that strong visual identity. produce a visually diverse and complex skyline as 4. The wastewater treatment plant is a negative visual viewed from the waterfront. The combination of its intrusion on the waterfront. This facility contrast several landmarks and traditional building materials visually with the existing built and natural character makes this location unique along the riverfront. found along the shoreline. 4. The compact nature of the village center has rein- 5. The Hesper and Luther Little, although strong visual forced its economic functions and preserved rural land marks, are in a serious state of decline. Their character north and south of the village center. existence in this location limits the options for other 5. The Hesper and Luther Little are important h.istori- uses on the waterfront. cal landmarks that provide a unique identity for the Recommendations town. 1. Revise existing zoning so that new development will complement the historic development pattern found Liabilities and Constraints within the village. 1. The historic development pattern in the northernpart of the Village Waterfront may be difficult to maintain 2. Expansion of thevillage center, through new develop- under conventional zoning and development prac- ment, should respect and maintain the character of so the existing historic development pattern in this area offers the opportunity to develop wildlife educational in order to keep the image of a small coastal commu- programs and direct observation by students. nity. 2. Improvement of the Sewage Treatment Plant offers 3. Create a more pleasant and memorable entry experi- the opportunity to improve the shoreline habitat ence at the Davey Bridge and the Town Landing around Cow's Island. through physical design improvements. 3.The compact nature of the village center has resulted 4. Screen the existing wastewater treatment plant with in the preservation of quality habitat areas north and a vegetative buffer of native plant material. Proposed south of the center. expansion of the facility should be architecturally sensitive to the existing character to the town. Liabilities and Constraints 1.The existence of the railroad causeway restricts tidal 5.Salvage important artifacts from the Hesper and Lu- flushing of Joppa Cove and thereby decreases quality ther Little before they fully deteriorate and are lost. of water and marine habitat. Remove the deteriorated bulls of the ships from the waterfront area to avoid safety problems and allow for 2.The lack of significant vegetation along the village better use of the area and greater visual access to the waterfront minimizes wildlife habitat in this area. river. Recommendations HABITAT 1. Discuss with MDOT and Maine Coastal Railroad the possibility of upgrading shoreline habitat conditions Existing habitat conditions in the norther part of the along the rail line through low native shrub plantings. Village Waterfront are similar to those found within the Clark's Creek Area. South of the treatment plant little 2. Improve the visual character of Cow's Island Sewage natural habitat remains to support significant populations TreatmentPlant through plantingsof vegetative buff- of wildlife. The characteristics of habitat found in this area ers to screen views. Indigenous plant material should can be summarized as follows: used that provide food and cover for wildlife. Assets and Opportunities 3. Discuss with MDOT the feasibility and the availability 1. The existence of various species of ducks and shore of State funds for reestablishing a second opening in birds along shoreline areas near the Middle School the Tail causeway to increase the flushing of water borne sediments out of Joppa Cove. This will increase just south of Mason Station. This is an area of diverse land tidal flushing and improve water quality and marine uses and contrasting visual character which is brought habitat. into close relationship by the enclosed configuration of the harbor shoreline. The northern shore of the harbor is 4. Encourage the voluntary improvement of wildlife heavily wooded with views to several large visually promi- habitat around Joppa Cove through additional plant- nent residential estates. The southern shore is dominated ings which provide wildlife food and cover. by the industrial complex of the Mason Station and its associated infrastructure. 5. Protect existing shoreland habitat through extending the Shoreline Protection District to cover shoreline PUBLIC ACCESS through Joppa Cove. Encourage residents to increase vegetative buffer widths along the shoreline in the Issues of pedestrian access, vehicular circulation and park- cove. ing are ofmoderate concern here. Ofgreater concern is the use of the harbor for boat moorings and the potential of 6. Contained future development within the framework this area to relieve some of the demand for boat access at of existing roads and developed areas. the Yacht Club and Town Landing. Public access for this 7. Encourage the involvement of local environmental area is summarized by the following: groups, such as the Chewonki Foundation and the Assets mid Opportunities Bluebird Association of Maine in the development of 1. The existingbridge in the town right-ofway to White's community based programs for improving habitat in Island and the rail causeway provide pedestrian access this zone. to points within the Harbor area from the village center. Access to these areas provide a unique per- VILLAGE HARBOR spectiveof the harbor shoreline and the village center. (Exhibit 30) 2. A high level of visual access to the harbor area exists LOCATION AND CHARACTER from the village center, Route One and the water. Views of the wooded north and west harbor shores The Village Harbor is located immediately south of the contribute to the perception of Wiscasset as a small Village Waterhont, and extends from the White's Island New England coastal village in a rural setting, Bridge along the rim of Pottle and Hilton Cove to Birch Point and across to the southern shore of a small estuary 3. Interest is high in this area for the development of an 82 additional boat launch facility that will service the at the Town Landing and improve the access for boaters who moor boats in the harbor and reduce con- boaters who currently moor their boats across the gestion at the Town Landing. This could be accom- harbor from the Town Landing near the shoreline of plished through Town purchase of property or coop- Birch Point. A facility at this location would comple- erativedevelopmentwith CMPofshorefrontnot needed ment the historic development pattern and existing for use by Mason Station. land uses currently found in this area. 4. Opportunity exists to consider future development of 2. Discuss with CMP the possibility of establishing a a harbor overlook in cooperation with CMP near the harbor overlook and overflow boat trailer parking at Old Mill Pond on Ward Brook. This location offers Ward Pond to compliment any facilities at the Mason both historic interest, excellentviews overthe harbor, Station. and the opportunity for a canoe launch. HISTORIC AND VISUAL CHARACTER Constraints and Liabilities I.Reactivation of the rail line will curtail use of the The historical and visual character of the Village Harbor is causeway for informal pedestrian access to the shore- a composite formed by a variety of land uses. The combi- line of Pottle Cove. nation of open lawns and forested areas that characterize the north and west shores of the harbor forms the southern 2.The existence of the rail causeway, as well as large terminus of the rural setting for the village center. Few areas of mud flats and shallow water limit the areas registered historic sites exist along the harbor but views of suitable for developing additional boat launch facili- several large estates and sea captains' homes sited above ties. the harbor add historic and visual quality to the area. Sensitivity to visual impact from development also varies 3. Powergeneration and shipping activities at theMason with the different land uses found; the highest sensitivity Station may present obstacles to developing public being associated with the area of large estates and the boat launch facilities or a harbor overlook on CMP lowest sensitivity associated with the Mason Station. property. Assets and Opportunities Recommendations 1. The historic development pattern is important along 1. Continue to discuss with CMP the feasibility of devel- the area containing large estates and sea captains' oping a public boat launch facility at the Mason Sta- homes. tion. Such a facility would help to relieve the demand 83 2. Variety in land use types have resulted in visual variety 3. The enclosed shoreline configuration, sloping topog- and greater visual interest. Mason Station is an raphy and large areas of open lawn give this area a high example of the type of large facility that is often degree of visual sensitivity to further development. visually unattractive and out of scale with it's land- scape context. However, because of the interesting 4. Expansion of facilities at the Mason Station may have building form, prominent location, attractive build- a negative impact on the visual characterof the harbor ing materials, and relatively distant viewer exposure, area if siting and design does not respect current views this structure is a strong focal point that contributes and visual character in the harbor area. to the impression of a working waterfront In spite of the many positive attributes of this complex, it's size 5. The clear cut for the power lines connecting to the and industrial character result in varied opinions over Mason Station forms a scar that detracts from the whether this facility is an attractive feature on the visual character of the shoreline. waterfront. Recommendations 3. The combination of the shoreline configuration and 1. Establish performance standards that will minimize the surrounding ridge line create asense of enclosure the impact new developmentwill have on the historic, and inward focus of views, as well as a strong "sense of visual and natural character of this area. Give special place" throughout much of the village harbor. consideration to the highly sensitive ridge lines, open area and sloping topography. 4. The importantviews from thevillage center and Route One into the harbor, with it's boating activity, contrib- 2. Assure that the expansion of the Mason Station facility ute to the impression of a small coastal town. for cement handling is accomplished in a fashion that is compatible with the surrounding visual quality. Liabilities and Constraints New structures should be designed and sited in such 1. The historic development pattern in the area of large a way as to blend with the height and colors of the estates will be hard to preserve under current zoning existing facility, and to minimize visual access from and development practices without added protection. the village center. 2. Parcels along the north and west shores of the harbor 3. Request CMP to reestablish the shoreline vegetation may eventually be subdivided. Currently no regula- along the CMP power line clear cut to the extent that tions exist to incorporate considerations for historic this is practical and compatible with power line visual quality into the planning review process. management. This would provide a unified setting 84 along the shoreline by completing the band of vegeta- moval of forest cover from areas that currently provide tion encircling the harbor. wildlife habitat. HABITAT 2. The establishment of public vehicular access for boat launching may remove some habitat or nesting sites, The Village Harbor Area is classified as a Class C wildlife depending on where such a facility is sited. habitat area by the IF&W. The overall quality of the upland and marine habitats are high. Several areas support ducks, 3. The reactivation of the rail line will result in limited osprey and a number of wadding birds. The upland habitat disruption of wildlife habitat. However, the wildlife supports wildlife typical of the forest type association observed in this area is generally adaptable to minor found in the area. intrusions. Assets and Opportunities 4. Adequate tidal flushing, necessary for good water 1. Wildlife, such as osprey, ducks and other shore birds, quality, is restricted by the rail causeway in the pro- commonly observed in this area and from the village tected tidal area west of White's Island. The causeway waterfront, provide opportunities for observation and in this area contains only one of two previous open- enjoyment. ings located to the east of White's Island. This means that water, silt and any water-borne pollutants enter- 2. Thewildlifebase in this areais high and couldbecome ing the tidal area from two tributary streams on the more productive if vegetation along the shoreline is western shore must travel over 1,000 feet before they properly managed and is improved for wildlife feeding leave the tidal area. These pollutants often settle out and nesting areas within the harbor. before being carried out of the harbor area with the tide. 3. Water quality within the harbor would be improved by reopening the causeways of the standard gauge rail 5. Runoff from lawns, construction and other human line to allow a proper level of water exchange between activities is an important issue in the village harbor tides. because of the high number of tributary streams entering the river. Some of these tributaries extend Liabilities and Constraints for a considerable distance inland thereby increasing 1. The lack of a continuous shoreland resource protec- the potential that activities throughout the watershed tion district in the village harbor could allow the re- could effect water quality in the Sheepscot River. Recommendations BACK RIVER 1. Extend the Resource Protection District (RP) to cover all shoreline areas that have not been substantially im- LOCATION AND CHARACTER pacted by building activities. This will added to the protection of upland habitat and water quality. The Back River Area is the southern most part of the study area. It extends from the two small tidal coves south of the 2. Locate additional public access in areas that have Mason Station, down to the Old Ferry Landing. This area already been impacted by human activity to limit is primarily undeveloped with a small number of single- impact on existing habitat areas. family residences atop Cushman Point. This area offers a rugged beauty that contrasts sharply with the Village 3. Mitigate the impact of the rail line on existing wildlife Harbor and Village Waterfront. The steeply sloping terrain by improving habitat areas for cover and feeding. En- provides spectacular views across the Back River and courage the involvementof the Chewonki Foundation Cowseagan Narrows. to assist landowners that wish to increase and main- tain wildlife habitat along the shore and tributaries of PUBLIC ACCESS the Sheepscot. Pedestrian access, vehicular access and parking have been 4. Request MDOT to pursue actions to reopen the sufficient in the past to accommodate local use. Informal formeropening in the rail line causeway or install new pedestrian access has occurred along the several tote roads culverts through it to increase tidal flushing in areas and woodland paths that traverse across private property. that currently have sluggish water exchange rates. Access to the water was readily available for the occasional This will improve water quality and reduce siltation. boater that would use the Old Ferry Landing. Currently, over use of some of the facilities at the village waterfront 5. Maintain vegetative buffers along tributaries that have pushed access issues out into this area. Public access flow into the Sheepscot River, such as Ward Brook. for this area can be summarized by the following: This will help maintain the water quality of the Sheepscot River and provide additional habitat area Assets and Opportunities for wildlife. 1. Improvement of the existing boat launch facility at the Old Ferry Landingoffers the opportunityto reduce some of the traffic and parking congestion at the Town Landing. This will help wormers and other commer- cial fishermen to maintain their livelihood. 86 2. Visual access within this area provides spectacular proposed improvements should continue. views from wooded bluffs along the shoreline. (Exhibit 26) 3. Existing old tote roads provide a good trail system for 2. Provide adequate security once these improvements informal resident use. are made. This could be accomplished with increased Liabilities and Constraints lighting and police surveillance at the site. 1. Existing ledge and steep slopes at the Old Ferry Land- 3. Maintain the orientation of the floats to compensate i ng site limits the amount ofspace forvehicular access for currents in the area. and parking. 4. Do not encourage pedestrian access into the areas of 2. Because of its seclusion, improvements to the Old Cushman Hill. Occasional access by local residents is Ferry Landing site might encourage activities of van- appropriate and will notadversely affectwildlife popu- dalism and loitering. - lations or erode soils. 3. Swift currents at the Old Ferry Site limits its accessi- HISTORIC AND VISUAL CHARACTER bility for boaters at certain tides. The historic and visual character of the Back River is 4. Steep slopes would make increased pedestrian access characterized by its rugged rocky bluffs and wooded pla- difficult and erosive. teau. Few historic sites exist within thisarea. Few house exist along the shoreline of this area, yielding a natural 5. Existing high quality wildlife habitatwould be dimin- contrast with the more developed portions of the village ished by increased pedestrian access in this area. center. The character of this area can be summarized as follows: Recommendations 1. Improve the Old Ferry Landing site to provide an Assets and Opportunities alternative water access site for boaters. Because of 1. The natural wooded character of this area contributes ledge and other site limitations at the Old Ferry to the image of the rural landscape. Landing Site improvements for parking and boat storage will be best accommodated up the hill at the 2. The heavily wooded character is able to provide buff- Maine Yankee woodlot property. Discuss with Maine ering against negative visual impacts by future devel- Yankee about the development of a plan for these opment if buildings are properly sited. 87 30, .......... /40-- OPAC k-' V- I V E- r- _-rC"rE_ ;ZOAr-7 N -rFAi If F@@IFZAI_l IQC@l - 16, ----coo k@_ -r-1 5. - Ljl:@;, 10- 1(0- Exhibit 26 Old Ferry Landmg :r;:;,Hr_UE@- LAYt:-:M 10 Improvements 3. The secluded nature of this area provides a pleasant this area is the highest of the four character areas. The contrast to the more developed areas of town. IF&W has rated Cushman Cove as a "Class B" coastal wildlife area for it's high species abundance and diversity. 4. Several spectacular vistas and views can be experi- The existence of high quality wildlife populations and enced at a number of points in this area. habitat are an important asset, as well as creating the strong natural visual character which is valued by town Liabilities and Constraints residents. 1. Improperly sited development could negatively im- pact areas of steep slope or ridge lines, diminishing Assets and Opportunities the remote character of the area. I.Wildlife observations in thisarea include the existence of several large deer wintering yards, and two special 2. The proposed improvements at the Old FerryLanding, areas offering unusually good, undisturbed feeding if improperly developed, could result in a negative and nesting grounds for a variety of ducks and shore visual experience along the river counter to the posi- birds. These two areas are Cushman Cove and the tive image that currently exists. sheltered covejust south of Birch Point. Theexistence of such high quality wildlife areas within easy access of Recommendations town offers a valuable opportunity for nature walking 1. Maintain the existing visual character in this area by and observation. performance standards which regulate the impact that new development will have on the visual charac- Liabilities and Constraints ter of the area. Give special consideration to mitigat- 1. The lack of a continuous Resource Protection District ing impacts to visually sensitive slopes and ridge lines. along the Back River will allow some shoreline areas to be more impacted by development than others. 3. Site and design the proposed physical improvements at the Old Ferry Landing to minimize visual impacts. 2. Because current shoreland protection regulations al- low certain types of development to encroach into the 4. Protect important views and view corridors through shoreland area, sensitive habitat may not be ade- proper design and layout of new development. quately protected. HABITAT 3. Future development in this area could reduce the The overall quality of upland and marine habitat within amount of needed habitat for the existing deer yards 90 and impact important areas of nesting and cover for tion and improvement program. The wildlife habitat certain species. in this area could be protected and improved through education, voluntary management and improvement 4. Increased pedestrian access, especially during the efforts sponsored by such organizations. winter and spring, would disrupt wildlife in sensitive areas. Recommendations 1. Upgrade the Shoreline Residential District (SR) to Resource Protection District (RP) to extend protec- tion of upland habitat areas and to help protect water quality along the Sheepscot River. 2. Identify and protect wildlife corridors that are essen- tial for maintaining wildlife populations. This is particularly important for deer yard areas. 3. Limit the clearing of building windows and the estab- lishment of lawn areas associatedwith development in this area. This action will help maintain significant wooded habitat areas and reduce the impact of such development on the visual character of the area. 4. Minimize any future development of access into sen- sitive habitat areas and limit to low impact uses only. Motorized vehicles in these areas should be prohib- ited. 5. Encourage the involvement of existing organizations in thetown, such asthe Chewonld Foundation and the Blue Bird Association of Maine, to help develop and establish a community-based habitattwildlife educa- 91 V1 LLAG E WATE R F R 0 N T MASTE R PLAN 1WRODUCTION 0 Improving parking and Route One crossing problems in the village center. At the public meeting on March 1, 1990 participants directed the Design Team to look in detail at the future di- The following text outlines the specific improvements rection of the village waterfront. Through a number of proposed in Concept "A": workshops with residents, three design concepts were developed that represent theirviews; ofwhat the waterfront TOWN LANDING should or should not be in the future. These concepts vary from a least impact solution of limited changes along the Concept "A" proposes a number of minor changes at the shore, to a more intensified proposal for limited develop- Town Landing to improve pedestrian access and make the ment. These alternatives are discussed below, and fol- facility more attractive for people. These include: lowed by the final plan that includes the most preferred features from all of the alternatives. 0 Providing additional benches and picnic tables on the existing observation deck to increase comfort and CONCEPTAA,@ enjoyment. This concept proposes relatively low-impact improvements 0 Placing large planters with flowering annuals on the to the village waterfront Generally, it represents a vision observation deck to increase itsvisual appeal. Planters that supports the present type and level of use while are to be stored during the winter in the existing makingsmall stepsinkeyareasto improve itsvisual appeal restroom building. and functional efficiency. Basic improvements include: 0 Improving the edge of the wood deck along the parking 0 Improving the pedestrian environment at the Town lot with facing board or granite curbing. Landing. 0 Removing the excess paving at the northwest corner 0 Improving the Creamery Site to a parklike setting as of the lot for added green space and plantings. This the "gateway" to the village center. paved area does not provide additional parking be- cause of its configuration. 0 Landscaping improvements to the shoreline north of Route One. I Installing a fence and shrub safety barrier along the westerly edge of the parking lot, adjacent to the rail bed. 93 0 Installing indigenous plant material in areas at the necting the deck with the Port Wiscasset site and Town Landing for aesthetic, pedestrian and habitat existing sidewalks. enhancement. Plantings should be designed so as not to impair views. 0 Landscaping with low shrub and tree plantings which do not block views. Plant material that is indigenous This Conceptalso proposes to improve the convenience for to the area and will provide food and cover for migrat- boaters using the Town Landing by: ing birds and other types of wildlife in the area is recommended. 0 Installing a new bulkhead along the existing boat launch ramp next to the Yacht Club and securing the 0 Acquiring the small parcels north and south of the floats along bulk head to assist in launching boats. Creamery to expand the green space and provide a Floats will serve as short term boat tie-up. more attractive gateway into the town from the Davey Bridge. CREAMERY SITE 0 Relocating the existing plaque commemorating the Concept "A" proposes to improve the Creamery Site by Hesper and LutherLittle to the improved green space creating a landscape area with a small viewing deck and south of the viewing deck. shelter for sitting. Changes are proposed to improve the pedestrian environment in this area and develop a more MDOT 8-ACRE PARCEL pleasing gateway into the village from the Davey Bridge. These improvements include: Access to this site has become an important part of village life and the Town should seek to maintain this access by: 0 Removing the existing wood decking and pilings of the Creamery Building and replacing them with a smaller 0 Requesting MDOTs permission to continue use of wood deck for community viewing of the river. The parcel by local residents for water access, passive deck should be handicap accessible. recreation and parking. 0 Building a small single-story wood frame sitting shel- 0 Improving the layout of the parking area and landscap- ter on the deck. This structure would take its form ing the remainder of this parcel so that it does not from existing architecture within the village. obscure residential views. 0 Creating a pedestrian walkway through the site con- 94 0 Increased plantings should be installed to improve of the village gateway at the Davey Bridge. visual quality and habitat in this area. 0Planting low naturalizing shrubs on MDOT property COWS ISLAND WASTEWATER along Joppa Cove and Tail line north of Route One for TREATMENT FACILITY visual and habitat improvements, providing thatMDOT The location of the existing wastewater treatment facility approves. is an eyesore for many residents. This facility will be 0 The shoreline between the Town Landing and Cream- improved in 1993. The following steps should be taken to ery Site is privately owned and is to remain unim- reduce its negative visual impact on the waterfront: ' proved upon owners request. 0 Planting a tree and shrub buffer around the perimeter 0Asking MDOT to reopen the rail causeways north of of the island to screen the treatment facility, and Cow Island and south of White's Island to increase improve the general visual character of this area. tidal flushing and improve water quality and marine Plant species which are indigenous and provide food habitat. and cover for wildlife are recommended. PARKING 0 Reviewing the treatment plant expansion plan to insure that architecture of any new structures blends Concept "A" proposes creating additional parking spaces with the existing built character of the village. by more efficiently designing existing lots. The following recommendations provide only a partial solution to the VILLAGE WATERFRONT SHORELINE parking problem, and are the least expensive options IMPROVEMENTS available to the Town: Concept "N'also suggests the following improvements to 0 Encouraging private business owners to redesign and the visual and natural character of the portions of the connect parking lots for greater capacity and effi- waterfront that connect these major sites: ciency in parking. 0 Installing plantings on lot 60 (located just north of 0Coordinating with adjacent land owners to redesign Route 1) site that complement those on the Creamery parking within the MDOT and rail right-of-way north Site and which complete the aesthetic improvement 93 ley ...... ............ .. -- - -- --------- C3 1:3 ...... ........ ............ ... .... .... .. ................. u Cl ....... ... .. ...... VCA'r LAUWCH FLQO!7 FP171 mow llm-w TCWW LANDIN& FOLr-IF-4-7 you .. . . ....... ylwr@ ea@ v ft owql@ w uw- PWALJIIADO Ar c4MMUNITY cpzwEjt:,e F%JM DNHAW-F- TQNV 'CLAW MANfWW @W" ADWAN& AN@ V . .... .. ............ RAW&-& VFA& IML n.@MM6 w WA-0 VWA@ @@ W j 10- L 0.6 ftnx@ . ................. acm 'PLAN --ruU*( lep, M13 flU3 @j u cm -77 C:D C3 MtVVLr -j&e-42m K I. "A@ . ......... aki- -WAY Q%M ELA. *CALO. I ii -Ora, .7'ULY IEL of Route One for better efficiency. 0 Managing the impacts of tourism on the town more actively. ROUTE ONE CROSSING The following text outlines in greater detail the improve- ments included in Concept "B": Concept "A" also proposes to maintain the existing use of a crossing guard during peak traffic season and make TOWN LANDING minor improvements in pedestrian routes. The following are recommendations for improvements with minimum Concept "B"proposesa numberof improvements to pedes- cost to the Town: trian and vehicular access at the Town Landing. The pedestrian environment is also improved to increase the 0 Creating new cross walks for pedestrians crossing enjoyment of residents who use this area. These improve- Route One near creamery site and paintall crosswalks ments include: frequently to maximize visibility. 0 Installing a new bulkhead along the'existing boat 0 Improving safety at major Route One pedestrian cross- launch ramp next to the Yacht Club and securing ingsby extending the sidewalk and curbingto the edge floats along the bulkhead to assist in launching boats. of the travel lane. This will improve people/vehicle Floats will serve as short term boat tie-up. visibility and extend the pedestrian safety zone. 0 Extending a float pier out from the existing observa- CONCEPT'vr tion deck to expand capacity for short-term boat tie- up. Concept 'S" proposes a more aggressive approach to improving the waterfront and suggests a greater number 0 Encouraging the use of the Town Landing by resi- of physical changes. This concept supports a "vision" of the dents, area fisherman and worm harvesters. Tran- village waterfront that includes: sient boaters with trailerswould be directed to use the launching facility at the Old Ferry Landing, which is 0 Developing small marine-related commercial facility to be improved under this Concept. at the Creamery site and its immediate vicinity. 0 Constructing a viewing shelter at the corner of the 0 Improving the Town Landing and the MDOT parcels existing observation deck. This shelter would provide so that they function as community parks. seating and shade for people wishing to enjoy the 98 views along the river. Itwould also improve an impor- and design features that a private developer would include tant gateway into the village by boat. in his or her proposal. Examples of guidelines that could be included are: 0 Adding morel benches and picnic tables as well as I Establish deep water access planters for flowering annuals to the existingobserva- tion deck. I Preserve public access to and across the site ) Reducing the paved area to expand green space and 0 New construction to respect existing historical and create a more park-like setting. This will remove eight visual character and views parking spaces. 0 Priority given to marine-related services and uses (i.e. 0 Installing tree and shrub plantings along the railing ice, gas and bait) line for visual improvement and a safety buffer for pe- destrians. I No parking along the waterfront. Parking to be located at the rear of the facility and made visually attractive 0 Establishing a signalized railroad crossing at the ac- cess drive. Site improvements might include: 0 Constructing wood pier or extending the fill from the CREAMERY SITE Davey Bridge abutment to provide an area for parking. The finished parking deck would be lower in elevation Concept 'W proposes improving the Creamery Site for than the Route One road bed and screened by trees and marine related uses and a community green space that other plantings. would commemorate the marine history of thewaterfront. This proposal suggests a small marine center and wharf, 0 Constructing a wood pier with boat slips and appro- expanded parking for the marine center and extra spaces priate buildings for water related businesses and a for village activities, a commemorative green space south public restroom. Such uses mightinclude marine and of the marine center, and a strongly defined pedestrian en- boating supply shops, ice house, gasoline, bait sup- vironment. These improvements would be constructed as plies, and a local fresh fish market. Public toilets ajointventure between theTown and a contractor selected would also be included and public access along the by the town through a proposal process. The town would pier would be maintained. A small marina would also develop strict guidelines for dictating the kinds of facilities be built for town residents, fishermen, and boaters. A 99 boat slip at the end of the pier would be available for store some material for repairs if necessary. largerships and cruise boats that maywish to stayover night. 0 Constructing a wooden pedestrian bridge from the ) Coordinating Parking, pedestrian and vehicular circu- MDOT lot to the Middle School site should be consid- lation with the Port Wiscasset Site across the railroad ered if the use of the Middle School changes. This tracks to expand parking and improve pedestrian and would allow people to park at the Middle School and vehicular circulation in the area, and in the are along access the waterfront more conveniently. the village closer to the waterfront. 0 Landscaping with plants that improve visual quality 0 Purchasing small parcels south of the Creamery Site and habitat. and developing a community green space to com- memorate the marine history of the waterfront. The COW ISLAND WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY masts and other artifacts from the schooners would be part of this park. The following steps could be taken to reduce the negative visual impact of the wastewater treatment facility: 0 Removing schooner debris would improve the ap- pearance of the waterfront and the ability of the area 0 Planting a tree and shrub buffer around the perimeter to flush itself from built-up silt deposits. of the island to screen the treatment facility, and improve the general visual character of this area. 0 Making landscape improvements for aesthetic and Plant species which are indigenous and provide food habitat reasons. and cover for wildlife are recommended. MDOT 8-ACRE PARCEL Reviewing treatment plant expansion plan and suggest architectural guidelines for any new structures to Concept"B" proposes a more direct tack for maintaining make Sure that they blend in with the existing built resident access to this site through the following recom- character of the village. mendations: JOPPA COVE AND TOWN RIGHT-OF-WAY 0 Purchase the MDOT lot and developing a neighbor- hood green space and improving parking for village Through the workshops a number of residents inquired if use. MDOT would need to maintain a right-of-way there was some way to improve the appearance and use of through this lot so that it can service the rail line and the Clishy Brook right-of-way. The following is suggested: 100 0 Locating a bench as a cove overlook for neighborhood more efficiently design existing parking areas. Thefollow- use at Clishy Creek. No pathway or physical designa- ing are recommended: tion should be developed, in order to resped abutting landowners' wishes to avoid unnecessary foot traffic b Purchasing lot 75on Water Street and improving it for along their property and reduce security problems. boat trailer parking to be used by local wormers. This would relieve some of the pressure currently on the VILLAGE WATERFRONT SHORELINE parking at Town Landing and assure fisherman of a IMPROVEMENTS reliable parking area. Concept"B" also suggests the following improvements to I Improving the facility at the Old Ferry Landing to the visual and natural character of the test of the water- accommodate additional boat trailer parking in order front: to relieve the parking congestion at the Town Land- ing. ) Installing plantings on Lot #60 site which comple- Tnent those on the Creamery Site to complete the 6 Workingwith the owners of Haggetfs Garage and ad- aesthetic improvement of the village "gateway" at the jacent business owners to redesign and connect park- Davey Bridge. ing lots for greater capacity and efficiency. 0 Encouraginglandowners alongshore between theTown @ Purchasing the MDOT parcel at Joppa Cove and landing and the Creamery Site to insWI plantings improving its parking capacity. that would improve its visual character and stabilize the shoreline. 0 Coordinating with KDOT and adjacent land owners north of Route One to redesign parking within the 0 Requesting MDOT to reopen the rail causeways north MDOT right-of-way for better efficiency. of CoWs island and south of White's Island to increase tidal flushing and improve water quality and marine P Providing additional parking at the Creamery Site for habitat in these areas. shared recreational and marine center needs. PARKING ROUTE ONE Concept "B"pToposes to provide additional parkingspaces; Concept"B" suggests reducing the number of pedestrian/ by acquiring additional land within the village center and vehicular conflicts on Route One in the village center by 101 Cf _-o C3 El L J . ..... .. --- Cli wr-ur uv E3 WOG-Obar ecAT- LAUNCH FLamwp WES vomme. vtomw Aw"m vAAo4k^p t XwUmrry .............. IOWN LANDING FVL ammN -Imm a@ t=Zw -mvl= 21 E"PAW-r-- 10W VECK AM FLOW FlFX raw c@@ mr- PLELr- IMAM + mRM*4-nCU e PvrewmL Fm mnulw IRAN bar CP .Pjrb opwts" w lwbfta@ a- co- (4o.-O. ............ ......... .. ....... ... .. .... MO. am@ wvx@ @@XcNwm,6^ v-1t WO..AA rL....jrw PK=A Mum ow- am..NowL.1w KS mklwl Asur-ew FR@ C ON -rUAL- @XLATF-F-F --- c e P FZQNT 1='LAW -"13" W;5@161515-r, MAINE, IN - -Soo @TULIY V% mlo U ELj CD 0 F@ U-3 UQ' rj 00 B8 .00. Al" FaK ........... .. ftm@j 41 aOnov nv@ CON i I A I Bit ISCAt,S,r---r . fv@ I si r- a -IULY I-1-10 establishing a pedestrian "free zone" and making some parking lot at the Yacht Club to accommodate a greater minor physical improvements at cross walks. These rec- number of boat trailers and cars. This concept assumes ommendations include: that if such improvements were completed by the Town that residents would be able to use this lot when events at 0 Improving safety at major Route One pedestrian cross- the Yacht Club were not scheduled. Suggested improve- ings by extending the sidewalk and curb edge to the ments would include: travel lane to improve pedestrian/vehicular visibility and extend the pedestrian safety zone. Coordinating with the Yacht Club to enlarge and redesign the existing Yacht Club parking lot. Im- 0 Developing pedestrian free zone through proper sig- provements would include an expanded fill area to nalization and timing of lights thatwould allowpeople increase parking, a more efficient layout of the exist- within the village center to cross Route One at timed ing parking spaces, and the use of an existing right-of- intervals. This system would not impede the traffic way off Fore Street for improved circulation. movement on Route One and would allow for safe and easy access across this corridor. At most times MDOT 0 Managing the new lot cooperatively to provide parking believes that it would be more efficient than the for Yacht Club and Town residents and fishermen, existing crossing guard system. possibly using a parking permit system. A number of parking spaces would be permanently reserved for CONCEPT"C" Yacht Club members. Concept "C" presents alternative concepts for only three 0 Purchasing lot 75 on Water Street and improving it for sites along the waterfront. It proposes solutions to the car parking only. issues of parking, improving the Creamery Site and elimi- nating the problems for pedestrians trying to cross Route CREAMERY SITE One. Some of these solutions are combinations from suggestions found in Concepts "A" and "Bl. others are Concept "C" proposes to improve the Creamery Site for unique ideas not traditionally considered. The following marine related uses. This proposal suggests a two-phase text describes these alternatives: development that would maintain the foot print of the existing Creamery Building deck and leave the option open YACHT CLUB PARKING LOT for future expansion in conjunction with a selected devel- Concept "C" explores the possibility of improving the oper. Included in this proposal would be a smaller scale marine building and parking area than in Concept 'V'. 104 Also proposed are a commemorative area for the Schoo- tems to with Port Wiscasset building to improve aes- ners, and a more integrated vehicular and pedestrian en- thetics and efficiency. vironment with the Port Wiscasset Building. Because of the limited building space suggested in this proposal, it is 0 Removing schooners and relocating masts onto new assumed that some commercial/retail area will be needed deck. in the Port Wiscasset Building to make this concept suc- cessful. These improvements might include: 0 Landscaping the site for aesthetic and habitat pur- 0 Purchasing the small adjacent land parcel and adver- poses. tising and choosing a "preferred developer" to develop ROUTE ONE CROSSING a marine related business to possibly include a pier to deep water and overnight boat rental slips, develop- The Comprehensive Plan calls for the consideration of a ment to be done to town guidelines and to include pedestrian underpass under Route One to alleviate the right of community access over any piers constructed. vehicular/pedestrian conflicts that commonly occur in the the Developer may want to consider an option which summer months. Three options were developed and pre- includes rental/purchase of space within the Port sented at the meeting. Those options are: Wiscasset Building. 0 Option A.- locateing a pedestrian underpass near the I Constructing a wood pier or extending the fill from the creamery site parallel to the Tail bed. This underpass DaveyBridge abutmentto provide an area for parking. would have a straight alignment which allows good The finished parking deck would be lower in elevation visibility through the structure and does not elimi- than the Route One road bed and screened by trees and nate existing parking. other plantings. The parking area would be less than in Concept'V'. 0 Option B: locating a pedestrian underpass just west of the intersection of Route One and Water Street. 0 Constructing a community viewing deck, with public This alignment is u-shaped and would eliminate ap- restrooms, short term boat mooring space, schooner proximately 16 existing parking spaces. memorial on deck area, boat gas and ice concession area to be run by a private vendor. 0 Option C: locating a pedestrian underpass on the east side of the intersection of Route One and Middle 0 Coordinating parking, vehicular and pedestrian sys- Street. This location offers a straight a] ignment, does 103 F-I C3 CD ID El EF -= -C .-51 OR -V ZcNcepTw- A 106 lip, p not eliminate parking spaces and is located where the local use of the Town Landing. crossing guard currently assists pedestrians in cross- ing Route One. Specific recommendations to accomplish these improve- ments include the following: FINAL MASTER PLAN Pedestrian Environment Concepts "N', "B" and "C" were presented to the Water- 0 Constructing a viewing shelter at the corner of the front Committee and town residents at an informal work- existing observation deck. This shelter would pTovide shop meeting in July of 1990. Recommendations were seating and shade for people wishing to enjoy the discussed for individual sites within each concept. through views along the river. It would also improve an impor- a concensus building process the attendees the selected tant gateway into the village by boat. most preferred elements from each concept for individual sites. The design team then refined and incorporated these 0 Providing additional benches and picnic tables on the into a draft final master plan. The Village Waterfront existing observation deck to increase comfort and en- Master Plan is intended to function as aguide to coordinate joyment. the broad range of future planning and design decisions. It offers a framework for the town to use in decision 0 Installing a fence and shrub safety barrier along the making and emphasizes principles and policies in order to westerly edge of the parking lot to buffer the site from be responsive to changing needs and unforseen events. the adjacent rail bed. The following text describes those improvements which are represented graphically. 0 Creating a pedestrian walk with steps to allow pedes- trians to walk to the Town Landing deck and viewing TOWN LANDING shelter from the sidewalk at the intersection of Fore and Water Streets. Based on the discussions of the preliminary concepts, the participants indicated a preference for: Boat Access 0 Installing new bulkhead along existing boat launch I Improving the level of amenity for the pedestrian en- ramp next to the Yacht Club. Secure floats along vironment; bulkhead toassistin launchingboats. Floatswill serve 0 Improving the efficiency for boaters; as short term boat tie-up. 0 Creating a more parklike visual character; 0 Developing a policy that gives preference to town and 107 0 Extending a float pier from the existing observation Landing, which is to be improved under this Concept. deck to expand capacity for short-term boat tie-up. 0 The town shall advertise the availability of the Old Visual Character Ferry Landing launch site in the State Directory as a 0 Reducing the excess paved area at northwest corner of free public boat launch facility in Wiscasset, as a way lot to expand green space at the Town Landing and of attracting visiting boaters there insteadofin thevil- create a more park-like setting. lage. The Town Landing shall not be advertised. 0 Installing large planters on observation deck with 0 The town shall discourage nonresident use of the flowering annuals to increase its visual appeal. Plant- Town Landing through reducing the number of toi- ers are to be stored during the winter in the existing lets available to two. Convert vacated space within ex- restroom building. isting "depot" structure to added storage space for winter storage of planters and benches. Relocate 0 Installing indigenous plant material at the Town removed fixtures to new restroom facility to be con- Landing foraesthetic, pedestrian and habitat enhance- structed at Creamery site. ment. Views should not be significantly impaired by these plantings. 0 The town shall retain the option to further regulate the use of the Town Landing for boat launching and 0 Improving the edge of the wood deck at the parking parking, if the preferred measures for controlling over lot with facing board or granite curbing. use are not adequate. New measures could include hiring asummerstaff person to collect launching fees 0 Retaining the option to further increase the park-like (non-local users could be charged a higher fee) and setting by removing additional paving after additional ensure that parking is reserved for local use. A system parking has been provided at the Old Ferry Landing of free parking stickers could be used to allow contin- and through development of infill lot(s) in the village ued free use of the Town Landing by town residents center. and local fishermen. Management Policies CREAMERY SITE The town shall encourage or consider restricting the use of the Town Landing to residents, area fisherman Following the presentation of the concept alternatives, and worm harvesters. Visiting boaters would be di- meeting participants indicated that they favored improv- rected to use the launching facility at the Old Ferry ing the site by: 108 0 Maintaining the existing footprint of the Creamery ter on the deck. This structure should take its form Building for future use by town residents. from the existing architecture of the village. 0 Creating a predominantly pedestrian-oriented open 0Constructing community public restrooms to be in- space that maintains views ofthe riverand commemo- tegrated with the viewing deck structure or providing rates the town's maritime heritage. such a facility through town rental of space on the ground floor of the Port Wiscasset building. Providing 0 Improving the physical character of the site and public YestTooms closer to shops and businesses along maintaining the option to improve the site to accom- Route One would further deter nonresidents from modate the needs of maritime activities at a later date. using the Town Landing. 0 Improving the visual character of the site and its 0 Constructing a pedestrian walkway through the site ability to function as a pleasing "gateway" to the between the community deck and Port Wiscasset and village. existing sidewalks. No vehicular circulation or park- ingwould be constructed on the Creamery Site atthis 0 Expanding the usable area of the site by acquiring time. adjacent land and/or creating additional land where filling is appropiate.. 0Purchasing the small parcel south of the Creamery Site (lot 68 and 68 A, tax map U-1) and developing a 0 Relieving some of the seasonal use of the Town Land- community green space commemorating the marine ing by attracting visitors to this site instead. history of the waterfront. The masts and other arti- facts from the schooners would be part of this space. Specific recommendations to accomplish these improve- ments include the following: Visual Character 0Landscaping with low-growing shrub and tree plant- Pedestrian Environment ings which do not block views. Plant material that is 0 Improving the area of the existing wood deck and indigenous to the area and will provide food and cover replacing it with a new deck or a bulkhead with fill or for migrating birds and other types of wildlife is pre- a combination of the two to create an area forcommu- ferred. nity use. 0Acquiring additional land area between Creamerysite 0 Building a small single-story wood frame sitting she]- and Route One from MDOT. This area and the parcel 109 10 10 south of the Creamery mentioned above would be im- Hesper and LutherLittle to the improved green space proved with planting to provide a more attractive south of the viewing deck. gateway into town from the Davey Bridge. 0 Removing the Schooners and relocating the masts to Management Policy community green space as maritime memorial. Work- ) The town shall work with Coastal Enterprises, as shop discussions indicate that the schooners are dete- owners of the Port Wiscasset property, to coordinate riorating more rapidly and may be lost entirely with any improvements that are made to either site. the next large storm. Removal of the schooners would salvage important maritime artifacts for the town, 0 The town shall reserve the right to pursue "Phase Two" improve the appearance of the waterfront and the with a "preferred developer". Improvements to the ability of the area to flush itself from built up silt site, including deck, plantings and other site improve- deposits. ments listed, comprise 'Thase One" of the improve- ments. MDOT 8-ACRE PARCEL 0 7be town shall retain the option to advertise and choose a "preferred developer" to develop "Phase TWo" Based on the discussions of the preliminary concepts, the site improvements adjacent to the community view- participants indicated a preference for: ing deck on the small acquired parcel south of the Creamery site. Preferred uses might include a pier to 0 Improving the physical layout of parking for efficiency deep water with overnight boat rental slips; a marine and visual considerations; and boating supply shop selling ice, gasoline, and bait supplies, and a local fresh fish market with free boat 0 Creating a more park-like visual character for the tie-up space for fishermen. Development to be done benefit of the neighborhood; accordingly to town guidelines, including the right of community access over any piers constructed. Devel- Specific recommendations to accomplish these improve- oper may want to consider an option which includes ments include the following: rental/purchase of space within the Port Wiscasset Building as part of this preferred developer option. Physical Improvements 0 Improving the layout of the parking area by remoing Historical Character excess gravel area that is not needed for parking, and 0 Relocating the exist ing plaque commemorating the planting of this area to lawn. 110 0 Installing additional plantings to improve visual qual- 0 Reviewing treatment plant expansion plan and assure ity and habitat in this area. Plantings to consist of low that the architecture of any new structures blends in growing species that will not block views of the river with the existing built character of the village. from area residences. JOPPA COVE AND TOWN RIGHT-OF-WAY Management Policy 0 TheTownshall initiate a process to purchase all orpart Residents of this area and others attending the meeting in- of the MDOT lot to develop it as neighborhood green dicated a preference for: space and improve the layout of parking for village use. MDOT will need to maintain a right-of-way 0 Not improving pedestrian amenity or access which through this lot so that it can service the rail line and could encourage greater use of private propertyaround store some material for repairs if necessary. the cove by the public. COW ISLAND WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY 0 Landowners and residents around the Cove would like to see habitat improvements along the shor 'eline. Based on the discussions of the preliminary concepts, the Specific recommendations to accomplish these objectives participants indicated a preference for include the following: Improving the visual character of the treatment plant Habitat Improvements to reduce its negative visual impact. 0 Encouraging landowners to increase plantings along the Cove to provide food and cover for wildlife. Specific recommendations to accomplish these improve- ments include the following: 0 Requesting MDOT to reopen the formeropening in the rail line causeway or i nstall new culverts through it to Visual Character increase tidal flushing in the cove. The resulting 0 Planting atree and shrub buffer around the perimeter increase in water exchange rates will improve water of the island to screen the treatment facility, and quality and reduce siltation. improve the general visual character of this area. Plant species which are indigenous and provide food Management Policies and cover for wildlife are recommended. 0 The town shall encourage the involvement of local en- vironmental groups, such as the Chewonki Founda- ................ c-3 13 .......... ..... L ox ............ C3 .............. ...... ..... .. C-3 13 E' @ LAJWCH R-Qkrl@l cgE.Am rAr-v--LiKr- c4ikF;A(-'tx -rOV4Q LA@JOII COMMUNITY C-K@ EN HAk-@ low" PECe- 4 APP P.OW- F'l EX . ...... z @.2% 2 .......... :1: 4 'S ZEE 2 ----------- WATegF 7- M,@ @Tr--K ?1-AN VI LLA6E -mo Wl!bCA-J:;,E,T, MAINe- -50' ocromz 14, 1 U-3 0 CO 00 C3 MVPLF- ror *ATEPFF*ur 44 'y X.& @lv_ C-@- PLAN 1' -.50, 0--Tomr- r., mo tion and the Bluebird Association of Maine in the de- ery Site is privately owned and is to remain unim- velopment of information and guidelines that can be proved upon owners request. used voluntarily by private landowners to improve wildlife habitat on their properties. PARKING VILLAGE WATERFRONT SHORELINE Supportwasalso giventothe following recommendations: IMPROVEMENTS ) Purchasing lot 75 on Water Street and improving it for Based on the discussions of the preliminary concepts, the boat trailer parking to be used by local wormers. This participants indicated a preference for: would relieve some of the pressure currently on park- ing at the Town Landing and assure wormers of a Improving the visual appeal of village gateways along reliable place to park. the waterfront. 11 Improving the facility at the Old Ferry Landing to 10 Improving the general visual character and wildlife accommodate additional boat trailer parking in order habitat along the waterfront. to relieve the parking congestion at the Town Land- Specific recommendations to accomplish these improve- ing. ments include the following: 0 Working with the owners of Haggett's Garage and ad- jacent business owners to redesign and connect park- 0 Installing plantings on lot 60 (on the shoreline at the ing lots for greater capacity and efficiency in parking. north side of Route One) that complement those on the Creamery Site and complete the aesthetic im- 0 Purchasing the 8-acre MDOT parcel at Joppa Cove provementofthevillage "gateway" at the Davey Bridge. (lots 57 & 58, tax map U-2) and improving for limited parking as mentioned earlier. 0 Planting low naturalizing shrubs on MDOT rail line property along Joppa Cove and north of Route One, for 0 Coordinate with MDOT and adjacent land owners visual and habitat improvements. Town needs to re- immediately north of Route One to redesign parking quest MDOT approval for plantings. within the MDOT right-of-way for better efficiency. 11 The shoreline between the Town Landing and Cream- 114 ROUTE ONE to determine the best solution for improving the pedestrian crossing, traffic circulation and parking Three possible approaches for solving this problem were problems created by high seasonal traffic volumes on given preliminary consideration and were discussed within Route One. It is beyond the scope of this study to give the community workshops. These were: Minor crosswalk extensive consideration to this issue. improvements; a pedestrian "free crossing" zone; and construction of a pedestrian underpass. The underpass option was not favored because of crime and safety con- cerns. MDOT has given a positive response to the idea of a "free crossing"zone which they would support if the Town requested it This option wvuld require the installation of two traffic lights which would stop Route One traffic on a regular cycle within a 2 block area in the village center. Participants at the workshops have expressed some reser- vations that installing traffic lights may cause an increase in the speed of traffic passing through the village center. Workshop participants also expressed the belief that con- tinuingthe use of a crossing guard may be the only feasible option at the present time. The following minor improve- ments in crosswalk areas could support this method: 0 Providing new cross walks for pedestrians crossing Route One near Creamery site. Maximize visibility of all crosswalks by frequent repainting. ) Improving safety at majorRoute One pedestrian cross- ings by extending the sidewalk and curb to the edge of the travel lane to improve people/vehicle visibility and extend the pedestrian safety zone. 0 Conducting a comprehensive parking and traffic study 113 14 ---------------- TOWN LANDING PERSPECTIVE . . . ......... .... .... rv V-L@ 4"ju -- - -----------------------*-------- -Cb -1--r -Za S fFi CREAMERY SITE PERSPECTIVE LITE RATU RE CITED Bentley, Robert. President Massachusetts Central Rail- Dominie, H. and Droege, 1987. A Proposed Method for road. Personal Conversations. 1990. Coastal Scenic Landscape Assesment with Field Test Re- sults from Kittery to South Thomaston, Maine. State Bradley, Dr. Robert L. Assistant Director, Maine Historic Planning Office. Preservation Commission. Personal Letter. 21 February, 1990 Kay, lane H. 'Waterfront Renaissance." The Ch?istian ScienceMonitor Monthly, August 1989. Breen, Ann., Rigby, Dick. 'Whose Waterfront Is ItAnyway?" Planning, February, 1990. Lincoln, R. J., Boxshall, GA, and Clark P.F. 1984. A dictionary of ecology, evolution and systematics. Cambr- Chase, Francine S. 'Wiscasset and Pownalborough; A idge University Press. Cambridge. history of the Shire Town and the Salient Historical Fea- tures of the Territory between the Sheepscot and Ken- Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. 1989. nebec Rivers. Second Edition, copyright 1967. Anthoen- Significant fish and wildlife resources of mid-coastal Maine. son Press, Portland, Maine. Maine Department Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Augusta, Maine. "Conservation Easements in Maine." Maine Coast Heri- tage Trust., Brunswick, Maine. McCobb, Doug. Engineer of Traffic, Traffic Engineering Division. Maine Department of Transportation. Personal DeGraaf, R.M., Rudis, D.R. 1986. New England wildlife: Conversion. 1990. habitat, natural history, and distribution. Northeast For- est Experiment Station. USDA General Technical Report Murry, Mike. Maine Department of Transportation. Per- NE-108. sonal Conversations. 1990. Didato, Barry. "The Paths Less Travel ed."Planning, Janu- Sutter, Bill. Harbor Master, Town of Wiscasset. Memo to ary, 1990, pgg. 6 - 10. Town Engineer, 6 April 1990. Diehl, Lee Ann. Public Relations Director, Maine Yankee. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1980.An ecological charac- Personal Conversations. 1990. terization of Coastal Maine. FWS/OBS/29. Wiscasset Comprehensive Plan. 1989. Town of Wiscasset, Maine. 121 APPENDIX A IMPLEMENTATION PLAN Priority 3: Many crucial steps must be taken to 1992 0 Acquisition of DOT and implement the proposed master plan for Haggett property at Creamery the village waterfront, The actions Site needed, along with the assignment of 0 Floats and bulkhead at Town responsibility for undertaking them, are Landing listed below in a six-year timetable. 0 Site improvements at Throughout the process, the Waterfront Creamery Site Committee and Town Planner Consultant will coordinate and report upon progress Priority 4: to the Selectmen and townspeople. 1993 0 Amenities at Creamery Site and Town Landing Provision is made for putting planning 0 Parking and bulkhead at Old for the riverfront on the same timetable Ferry Landing as comprehensive planning. The timing of specific improvements reflects the Priority 5: Waterfront Committee's sense of how the 1994 0 Acquisition of 8-acre DOT public views their urgency and (Lots 57 & 58, U-2)) land at Old importance, and the opportunities that Depot Site currently exist for moving ahead. Briefly, priority is given to the following Priority 6: acquisitions and improvements: 1995 0 Site improvements at Old Depot Site 0 Site improvements along Priority 1: Village Waterfront Shoreline 1990-91 0 Removal of ship debris and storage of masts 0 Acquisition of options on DOT (Lot 62, U-1) and Haggett Detailed timetable by yearly quarter (0) properties (Lots 68 & 68a, U-1)) at Creamery Site 1990 Q 4 1. The Town Planner Consultant Priority 2: submits those portions of the Village 1991 0 Acquisition of Lot -*75 on Waterfront Master Plan that revise Water Street for Boat Trailer the Comprehensive Plan to the State Parkin g Office of Comprehensive Planning for state certification review. 123 2. The Waterfront Committee meeting approval, holding a public investigates the feasibility and hearing shortly beforehand. potential cost of salvaging the remains of the Hesper and Luther 7. The Selectmen's Property Little for on-shore display and safely Review Committee negotiates for clearing the harbor of debris, and purchase of an option adjacent to the reports findings to Selectmen. Haggett parcel adjacent to Creamery Property; and Selectmen recommend 3. The Selectmen make an official to Town Meeting the purchase of Lot request to the Maine Department of 75 on Water Street for boat trailer Transportation for purchase of the parking. Old Depot site and the parcel adjacent to Creamery Property; and explore 8. The Waterfront Committee any legal arrangements needed for recommends to Town Meeting an making improvements within the appropriation for engineering and right-of-way. Town also raises funds design costs for the development of to hire a consultant to conduct an final plans, cost estimates, and environmental impact study of water permits for floats and bulkhead at circulation patterns in Joppa and Town Landing and development of Tuckers Coves. the Creamery Site. 5. The Waterfront Committee 9. The Selectmen and Town continues discussing with Coastal Engineer discuss with the Maine Enterprises, Inc. opportunities for Department of Transportation and integrating future use of Port Maine Coast Railroad proposed Wiscasset properties with waterfront improvements and any agreements master plan objectives. necessary for implementing the Master Plan such as landscaping within the right-of-way and 1991 signalization on Route One. Q 1 6. The Waterfront Committee incorporates any state comments that 10. The Waterfront Committee and it deems important to make and Harbor Master continue to discuss presents those portions of the Village with CMP possibility of public access Waterfront Master Plan that revise and parking at the Mason Station. the Comprehensive Plan for town 124 11. The Selectmen appoint a 1992 committee to study improvements to Q 1 17. Waterfront Committee village parking. recommends appropriations to Town Meeting for purchasing DOT and Q2 12. The Selectmen's Property Haggett property adjacent to Review Committee negotiates an Creamery; developing the Creamery arrangement with Maine Yankee for Site; constructing floats and a additional parking space at the Old bulkhead at the Town Landing; and Ferry Landing. developing final plans for the Old Ferry Landing. Q3 13. Parking Committee reports its 02 18. The Selectmen and Town findings to the Selectmen. Engineer request bids for developing 14. The Selectmen and Town the Creamery Site and constructing Engineer integrate Master Plan floats and bulkhead at Town Landing. recommendations relating to the 19. The Town Engineer develops a Sewage Treatment Plant with work plan for installing site planning for facility improvements. amenities at the Town Landing and 15. The Selectmen appoint a Creamery Property. Committee to develop a three year 1993 capital improvement plan for making site improvements identified in the 01 20. The Waterfront Committee and Master Plan. Selectmen request an appropriation for amenity improvements at the 16. The Waterfront Committee, Town Creamery Site and Town Landing, and Engineer, and Town Planner for parking improvements at the Old Consultant prepare guidelines and Ferry Landing. request proposals from developers Q2 21. The Selectmen and Town and entrepreneurs exploring the Engineer request bids for any possibility of jointly developing and portion of the site work that requires managing the Creamery site for a contractor, and directs Cemeteries water-related purposes. 125 and Highways Department to undertake remaining portions as appropriate. 1994 Q 3 22. Waterfront Committee recommends an. appropriation at Town Meeting for acquisition of the 8 acre Old Depot Site from DOT, and the development of final plans for making site improvements to it and the remaining portions of the village shoreline as specified in the plan. 1995 Q I 231he Waterfront Committee and Selectmen request an appropriation for site improvements at the Old Depot site and along the Village Shoreline. Q 2 24.The Selectmen and Town Engineer request bids for any portion of the Old Depot or Village Shoreline site work that requires a contractor, and directs Cemeteries and Highways Department to undertake remaining portions as appropriate. 126 APPENDIX B COASTAL YALDLIFE CONCENTRATIONS Coastal wildlife concentration areas are areas identified by the Maine Department of Inland Fish and Wildlife (MDIFW) as important habitat for wildlife in Maine's coastal waters. These areas are special because of the abundance and diversity of wildlife they support, and also because of their importance to rare species. Coastal wildlife concentration areas were identified from data collected during aerial surveys of tidal waters. These surveys of were conducted during winter, spring migration, nesting, post nesting and fall migration periods. Once survey data were mapped for each season, areas with clumped observations were identified as coastal wildlife concentration areas. A rating of A, B, or C was assigned to each area denoting its value for coastal wildlife reflective to other areas. RATING SCHEME FOR COASTAL YALDLIFE CONCENTRATION AREAS RATING VALUE DEFINITION Class -A Significant on national or state level. Areas with highs pecies abundance. Areas with very high species diversity. Areas of importance to a state or federally listed Endangered or Threatened species. Class - B Significant within a region of the Maine coast. Areas with high species abundance. Areas with high species diversity. Areas of importance to a state listed Special Concern, In determinate Status, or Watch List species. Class - C Significant on local level. Areas with moderate species abundance. Areas with moderate species diversity. An area's rating was determined by the abundance of species it supports, as well as its documented importance to rare species. This entire mapping process continues to evolve at the State. It does server as an important measure ofthe health of the habitat areas along the Wiscasset riverfront. 127 APPENDIX C SPECIES UST Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) The following is a list of species typically found in the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucephalus) habitattypes encountered within the riverfront study area: Mouring Dove (Zenaida macroura) Great-homed Owl (Bubo virginianus) MAMMALS Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadius) Masked Shrew (Sorex cinereus) Downy Woodpecker (Picoides; pubescens) Smoky Shrew (Sorex ftimeus) Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) Short-tail Shrew (Blarina, brevicuada) Alder Flycatcher (Empidonax alnorum) Snowshoe Hare (Lepus americanus) Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) Red Squirriel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) Deer Mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) Northern Red-backed Vole (Clethrionomys gapperi) Common Raven (Corvus corax) Woodland Jumping Mouse (Napaeozapus insignis) Black-capped Chickadee (Parus atricapillus) Porcupine (Erithizon dorsatum) Red-breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) Skunk (Mephitis mephitis) Winter Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) Coyote (Canis latrans) Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) Raccoon (Procyon lotor) Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) Weasel (Mustela spp.) Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedorum) White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceous) Northern Parula (Parula americana) BIRDS Yellow Warbler (Dendroical petechia) Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa. umbellus) Magnolia Warbler (Dendrocia magnolia) American Woodcock (Scolopax minor) Black-throated Blue Warbler (Dendroica caerulescens) Common Loon (Gavia immer) Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) White-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) Blacked-backed Gull (Larus marinus) Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyernalis Ringed-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) Black Duck Was rubripes) REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS Mallard Duck (Anas platyrhynchos) Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) Red-spotted Newt (Notopthalmus v. viridescens) White-winged Scoter (Melanitta fusca) Redback salamander (Plethodon cinereus) Pintail (Anus acuta) Northern Spring Peeper (Hyla crucifer) Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica) Bufflehead (Buchephala albeola) Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis s. sirtalis) 128 APPENDIX D Wiscasset Riverfront Greenway Study Survey Results Methodology March 14, 1990 Survey Tabulation Conducted by Kenneth W. Fredette -------------------------------------------------- 1. 19 surveys were submitted for tabulation. 2. Each of the surveys were given a specific reference number. 3. The directions told the responder to rate the categories "using a numerical scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most important." 4. The numbers were manipulated on a I point scoring system. I = .20 2 = .40 3 = .60 4 = BO 5 = I 5. The total number of responses was summed up. 6. A non-response or illegible response was not calculated into the final computation. 7. After coding the data Into the computer, the data was summed together and divided by the total number of responses for that specific question. The results would range from .2 to 1. with 1 representing a perfect score. 8. The resulting scores, or "Total Average Quality Points", were then sorted by category with the highest score indicating the most important obJective sought by the responders. 9. Thereafter, sub-categories within categories were manipulated by the same process with the results reported in the same way. 129 Wiscasset Riverfront Greenway Study Survey Results Total March 1, 1990 Average Quality Category Points ---------------------------------- - ---------------- 7 ----------------- 1. Habitat Protection (Wildlife/Rare Plants) 0.33 2. Visual and Historic Character Protection 0. 78 3. Environmental Protection 0.76 4. Community Character 0.63 5. Land Uses That Depend Upon Waterfront Locations 0.56 S. Public Access and Use 0.53 7. Economic Development 0.4S Objectives Within Category 1. HABITAT PROTECTION (0.63) Important Habitat 0.90 Adequate Space 0.61 Travel Corridors 0.59 2. VISUAL AND HISTORIC CHARACTER (0.76) Views 0.80 Historic Sites 0.76 Village Sounded by Rural Setting 0.72 ' Reorientation of Villace Activs. Toward River 0.63 Traditional Working Waterfront 0.62 Undeveloped River Setting 0.62 3. 'ENVIROMENTAL PROTECTION (D.76) Wetlands, Floodplains, Tributaries 0.84 Ecosystem Functioning 0.82 Undeveloped Shoreland Buffer 0.64 4. COMMUNITY CHARACTER (0-63) Tie Parts of Town Together (Visual I y/Funct ional ly) 0.73 Movement Between Parts of Town 0.6121 .Social Interaction/Neighborliness 0.58 5. WATER DEPENDANT USES (0.58) Reserve Appropriate Sites 0.77 Working Waterfront 0. GO 6. PUBLIC ACCESS AND USE (0. 5:D Least Disruptive (Landowns? Neighborhoodsp Environment) 0.84 Paths Accessible From Vill., Neighborhoods, Special Sites 0.81 Limited Parking 0.80 Variety Of Activities For Year-Round Use: 0.67 Railroad Right-Of-Way 0.59 On And From Water 0.59 On Land 0. 54 Easily Maintained/Managed 0.63 Permanent Access to: 0.63 Water 0.70 Land 0.54 Flexible Spaces 0.58 7. TAX BASE DIVERSIFICATION (9(aK0-;- CO. 4a) Greater Economic Use of Village Waterfront 0.55 130. EDUCATION School Studies/Access 0.67 Interperative Signs 0.64 Wiscasset Piverfront Greenway Study Survey Results Total March 1, 1990 Averaae Quality Sub-Category Rankings Points --------------------------------------------------------------------- Important Habitat 0.90 Wetlands, Floodplains, Tributaries 0.94 Least Disruptive (Landowns, Neighborhoods, Environment') 0.84 Ecosystem Functioning 0.62 Paths Accessible From Vill., Neighborhoods, Special Sites 0.81 Limited Parking 0.80 Views 0.80 Reserve Appropriate Sites 0.77 Historic Sites 0.76 Tie Parts of Town Together (Visually/Functionally) 0.73 Village Bounded by Rural Setting 0.72 Working Waterfront 0.68 School Studies/Access 0.67 Variety Of Activities For Year-Round Use: 0.67 Railroad Right-Of-Way 0.59 On And From Water 0.59 On Land 0.54 Undeveloped Shoreland Buffer 0.64 Interperative Siqns 0.64 Permanent Access to: 0.63 Water 0.70 Land 0.54 Reorientation of Village Activs. Toward River 0.63 Easily Maintained/Managed 0.63 Traditional Working Waterfront 0.62 Movement Between Parts of Town 0.62 Undeveloped River Setting 0.62 Adequate Space 0.61 Travel Corridors 0.59 Social Interaction/Neighborliness 0.58 Flexible Spaces 0.5a Greater Economic Use of Village Waterfront 0.55 131 Wiscasset Riverfront Greenway Study Survey Results March 1, 1990 Category Frequency -------------------- - ----------------------------------------------- Environmental Protection 19 Habitat Protection (Wildlife/Rare Plants) 16 Visual and Historic Character Protection 19 Public.Access and Use is Land Uses That Depend Upon Waterfront Locations 17 Economic Development 15 Community Character Is Frequency ---------------------------------- --------------- ----------------- ENVIROMENTAL PROTECTION Undeveloped Shoreland Buffer is Ecosystem Functioning is Wetlands, Floodplains, Tributaries 19 HABITAT PROTECTION Important Habitat is 4 Travel Corridors is Adequate Space 17 VISUAL AND HISTORIC CHARACTER Undeveloped River Setting 19 4 Village Bounded by Rural Setting 19 Reorientation of Village Activs. Toward River is Historic Sites is 4 Views 19 Traditional Working Waterfront 17 "4 PUBLIC ACCESS AND USE Permanent Access to: 12 Land 14 Water 14 Variety Of Activities For Year-Round Use: 12 14 On Land 14 On And From Water 14 Railroad Right-Of-Way 14 Flexible Spaces 16 Easily Maintained/Managed 19 Paths Accessible From Vill., Neighborhoods, Special Sites is Limited Parking 15 4 Least Disruptive (Landowns, Neighborhoods, Environment) 16 WATER DEPENDANT USES Reserve Appropriate Sites is Working Waterfront 19 TAX BASE DIVERSIFICATION Greater Economic Use of,Villaqe Waterfront 16 EDUCATION School Studies/Access 18 Interperative Signs 17 132 COMMUNITY CHARACTER Tie Parts of Town Together (Visually/Functionally) Is Movement Between Parts of Town 18 Social Interaction/Neighbor'liness Is Wiscasset Riverfront Greenway Study Administered March 1, 1990 0@83 3.8 0.76 3.7 - E@ 0.63 % 3.6 - 0.58 0.53 X 0.5 - 0.48 3.4 - 3.3 E- 3.2 0.1 0 - Habitat Character Environmentql Community Land Uses Public Use Economic Dev Survey Results of Responders Protection/Uses 133 WISACSSET RIVERFRONT GREENWAY STUDY -3/1/90 1. Rank the relative importance or each of the following greenway design objectives, using a numerical scale of I to 5, with 5 being the most imporLan L: A. Environmental protection B. Habitat protection (vildlife/rare plants) - C. Visual and historic character protection - D. Public access and use - E. Land uses that depend upon waterfront locations F. Economic development G. Community character IL Now rank the importance of objectives -within each category in the same way: 1. Environmental protection - undeveloped shoreland buffer (250') - ecosystem functioning - wetlands, floodplains. tributaries B. Habitat protection - important habitat - travel corridors - adequate space C. Visual & historic character undeveloped river setting -village bounded by rural setting.* reorientation of village activs. toward river - historic sites - views - traditional -working waterfront D. Public access and use - permanent access to: - land -water - variety of activities for year-round use: - on land - on and from water - railroad righL-or-way - flexible spaces - easily main Lain ed/man aged paths accessible from vill., neighbrhds, special sites - limited parking - least disruptive (landowns, neighbhds.. env.) E. Water-depeadenL uses - reserve appropriate sites -working waterfront F. Tax base diversification - greater economic use of village waterfron L G. Education - school studies/access - interpretive signs H. Community character - tie parts of town together (visually/ functionally) - movement between parts of town - social interaction/neighborliness 134 Proposed by consultants. All other objectives are derived from comprehensive plan or commiLtee discussions. 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 :T - 4 @\, . JOHNSON i 3 6668 14102 6684 1