Naples, ME

Controversy continues to surround the fate of the Naples causeway bridge project as the date nears for a local, non-binding referendum vote on the bridge options May 20th.

Two items in the local newspaper point out the difficulties in deciding this question.

The first describes the response to an appeal made to the Army Corps of Engineers to designate the Standish-to-Harrison waterway a "U.S. Navigable Waterway". Such a classification would make it incumbent upon the federal government to keep the waterway open which would impact the type of bridge that would be built to replace the aging swing bridge currently in place. The Corps of Engineers have told the town that the waterway does not qualify for such classification. However, Naples town manager Derik Goodine read the reasoning behind the judgement and felt that, given their criteria, this waterway should be classified as a "U.S. Navigable Waterway", with all the attending benefits. He has repetitioned the Corps of Engineers and is awaiting a response. You can read the full article in our Lake News.

The other item that caught out interest was a letter to the editor of the Bridgton News that says that the referendum on May 20th is a sham because many of the people that will be affected by the bridge decision are lakefront property owners and many of them are nonresidents - and therefore not able to vote their preferences. The writer has a bit more to say, as well, and you can also read the full text in our Lake News.

As always, we will try to post updates about this controversy as they develop.

Now, I know what you're thinking. When it comes to lakefront living, the thought of a condo leaves many lakefront buyers cold.

That's because in their mind's eye they see a concrete tower brimming with boxy units filled with indoor/outdoor carpeting, formica counters, vinyl sheet tile, avocado appliances and other vestiges of the seventies.

But, the truth is, lakefront condos in Vacationland, for the most part, are quite nicely appointed. They have woodburning fireplaces, screen porches, decks and master suites.

But what about privacy? Relax. Here in the lakes region there are no concrete hallways smelling of boiled cabbage and stale garlic. No grumpy asssociation members trying to outlaw fun.

Most condos have private entrances. Units are grouped tastefully in quads, threes, twos and even single "stand-alone". Condominium communities feature large, beautiful sandy beaches, private boat slips, garages, and private boat launches. Some have tennis courts and playgrounds for kids.

But the real reason for the growing popularity of condos is they are, in two words, PRACTICAL and CONVENIENT. There are no walkways to shovel or driveways to plow in winter. No lawns to cut or bushes to trim from spring to fall. No putting in and taking out your dock. The exterior of your unit is painted every few years and the roof is reshingled every 15 or 20 years. Monthly association fees take care of it all. Drive up on a Friday night and there's nothing to do but RELAX. What could be nicer?

Still skeptical? Okay, but seeing is believing. I happen to be listing a townhouse condo in Winsor Green, a lovely lakefront community in Naples right on Brandy Pond in the heart of the lakes region.

I am planning an Open House for Sunday May 4 from Noon to 3PM. Why not plan to visit and take a look. Who knows? Maybe you'll like what you see. Consider yourself invited!

The latest news out of Naples is that the local populace - business owners, waterfront property owners, and landlubbers alike - will be sounded out via a May 20th referendum on whether they would prefer to see a fixed bridge or moving bridge replacement for the existing, deteriorating swing bridge. The vote would be non-binding, but would help officials steer a course toward resolution with the Maine Department Of Transportation, who only have enough budget for a fixed span.

The other development that came out of the meeting was the acknowledgement of a quiet groundswell of support for the less expensive fixed bridge option. At a meeting in January there was a strong, vocal outcry against the fixed bridge option, with opinion at the meeting running about 80 to 20 against the fixed bridge option. But a local selectman says she thinks there's a lower key movement in favor of the fixed span and says she thinks the town is running about two to one in favor of the fixed bridge.

Proponents of the fixed bridge option cite not only the lower cost, but the benefits of having uninterrupted traffic flow throughout the summer, when traffic counts can reach as much as 20,000 a day. The current swing bridge brings all that traffic to a dead halt several times a day to allow boat traffic through the causeway.

A lengthy, more detailed article about this issue appeared in today's Bridgton News. You can read the full article here.

We'll post more information about this controversy and its effect on waterfront property owners and buyers as developments occur.

**********************************************************

If you are interested in lakefront real estate in the Naples area, you can use our Lakefront Locator to view all the currently available properties for sale in the area.

Strong resistance to a fixed bridge plan proposed by the Maine Department of Transportation to replace a Naples swing bridge is being voiced by a local group of Sebago Lakes region businesspeople and waterfront front property owners around Long Lake, Brandy Pond and Sebago Lake.

This grassroots group of concerned citizens met earlier in the week in Augusta with MDOT officials to air their concerns and objections. A meeting between Naples town officials and MDOT representatives is scheduled for March 31st at the Naples town office. The meeting is open to the public, but remarks will be limited to the officials participating.

Apparently, the MDOT is sticking to its guns about having a fixed bridge replace the current swing bridge, citing lack of money in the state budget to build the more expensive movable span.

Naples town manager Derik Goodine expects the state will try and "sweeten the pot" by offering the town some "extras" if they go ahead with the less expensive fixed span, but also feels the group of locals resisting the fixed bridge proposal will not be swayed by these extras.

Objections to the fixed bridge center around the long term negative economic impact that would occur if some of the larger commercial boat traffic is unable to pass between Long Lake and Brandy Pond, most notably the Songo River Queen.

Read the full story as it appeared in yesterday's Bridgton News.

The Maine Dept. of Transporatation has now scheduled a meeting to promote their fixed bridge plan, which has many Naples waterfront business owners and area residents up in arms. The local board of selectmen is urging everyone to keep an open mind, but there seems to be a groundswell of opposition to replacing the current swing bridge with a fixed bridge. The cost of the project, whatever happens, plays a large part in what the state is proposing as funds are short and many projects need attention.

The main bone of contention is that a fixed bridge, as proposed, would not be high enough to allow the Songo River Queen II or tall-masted sailboats sufficient room to pass under the span, thus confining them to one side of the bridge or the other.

In today's Bridgton News there is a full report on the latest developments in this ongoing issue. You can read all about it in our Maine Lake News.