Southport voters overwhelming approved two amendments to the land use ordinance during a July 24 special town meeting. Just over 60 voters approved the two amendments. One regards state LD 2003, which requires municipalities to take action in creating more affordable housing. The law prohibits municipalities from limiting housing to one unit per lot and allows for less restrictive ordinances to meet state goals.

There was no debate on that amendment.

The second amendment did generate significant discussion about excluding public utilities from recently enacted blasting regulations. In March, voters approved a blasting ordinance requiring contractors to obtain a permit. The new ordinance also required a pre- and post-blasting survey. In April, Boothbay Region Water District Manager Jon Ziegra told the planning board his contractor “pulled out” of two projects scheduled for this year the day after voters approved the restrictive blasting ordinance. The district planned projects on Joppa and Capitol Island roads this year, and planned to begin another, using federal funds, to fix a saltwater intrusion problem.

Earlier this year, BRWD received approval for $3.8 million in federal funds for drinking water infrastructure improvements. The saltwater intrusion problem dates back to the 1980s. The project includes constructing a year-round water drinking extension beginning at Southport Central School, moving toward Newagen, and eventually past Grandview Road. But without blasting, all three projects cost would be prohibitive. This led to town officials drafting a blasting exclusion for utilities.

But the blasting ordinance put those projects in limbo. Resident Nancy Harriman supported the amendment. “Year-round water is something I’ve never thought I’d live to see. This would change a lot of people’s lives,” she said. The BRWD project would provide enhanced fire protection and year-round water in the future. Resident Dan Billings has a well but prefers the option of town water. “The quality isn’t great. Sometimes it’s orange,” Billings said of his private well. “It’s healthy, but the option of safe reliable town water is better. I think this is a pretty important project to sustain our year-round community.”

But Pratt’s Island resident Sarah Sherman believes past blasting has contributed to problems for local property owners. She strongly advocated for the strict ordinance approved at the annual town meeting.  She told residents in March about her past struggles with her wells. She said blasting turned them into salt. Sherman believes allowing an exclusion for utility blasting is risky.

Resident Bruce White had concerns about if BRWD blasting resulted in damaging his well. “What happens to me. I own my well. I don’t have to pay for water. If there is a problem how would the water district handle it?” White said. 

Selectman Gerry Gamage is also a BRWD trustee. “I’m sure the district would do everything it could,” he said. “But it’s hard to answer, now, not knowing all the details. I can’t promise we would provide you free water forever, but we would definitely try to do the right thing,” Gamage said.

According to Town Clerk Donna Climo, a quorum of 60 was needed for a special town meeting. She estimated just over 60 participated. 

The meeting was scheduled for 6 p.m. and delayed for about 25 minutes waiting for about a dozen more voters to arrive, according to Gamage. Skip Simonds was elected and served as moderator.