LUBEC, Maine — Nearly 40 Lubec residents gathered Wednesday night to look into the future.
Townspeople shared their dreams and goals for Lubec from 10 to 15 years in the future.
Their desires? Jobs, jobs and more jobs. Economic development and protection of the environment topped their priorities, according to a well-responded survey circulated before the meeting.
The session was part of an update of the town’s 1992 comprehensive plan, necessary to put Lubec in line for state economic development funds. The Washington County Council of Governments, and planner Jeremy Gabrielson are leading the process.
“The goal tonight is to map out where you want Lubec to go, not to create specific policies,” Gabrielson told residents. “The comprehensive plan reflects what Lubec wants, but also what we can get through the state review.”
A comprehensive plan illustrates a community’s desires and goals, including spelling out which governmental arm would be responsible for attaining the goals. Financing, however, is always a consideration, Gabrielson said.
Such plans are merely a guide, a direction for future town officials and boards, and if the goals are unaffordable, they do not have to be accomplished.
Gabrielson said the response by Lubec residents to the survey was surprising. “It is the best response we have ever had,” he said. By Wednesday’s meeting, 170 surveys had been returned, with 105 of them coming online.
Some of the survey responses were:
— “Keep the small-town feel.”
— “Establish a business association.”
— “Be proud and aware of the fishing industry’s role.”
— “Preserve the working waterfront. We don’t want to be Camden or Bar Harbor.”
— “We need growth to survive.”
— “Create parks and open space.”
— “Work with neighboring communities.”
Gabrielson said the planning process gives town residents a chance to “step back and take a broad look at the town. The overall goal is economic growth and the creation of strategies to get there.”
Gabrielson said there would be a follow-up meeting later this year to encourage seasonal residents to express their views.
He said the process has been under way for almost two years and should be completed and ready for a town vote later this year.
The next Comprehensive Planning Committee meeting is set for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, at the town office. More information and a draft vision statement will be posted at www.wccog.net.