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

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                                    WIS ASSET, MAINE


















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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        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



























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                                                                                                                                       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








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                                                                                                                                                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
















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                                                                                                                                              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







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                                                                                                                                               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






































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                                                                                                                       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



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

                                                      -- - -- ---------


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                                                           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








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                                                       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










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                          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-














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                                                            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



































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                                                                                                                                                                        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.






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