The Town of Rockport Comprehensive Plan was last updated in 2004. This 304 page document is truly comprehensive. Most importantly:
“This 2004 Comprehensive Plan is the fundamental plan for the Town of Rockport, providing specific guidance to town officials, administrators, and volunteer committees as they govern, advise and regulate activities that affect the town’s citizens.”
The number one priority in the Comprehensive Plan is “Preservation of the aesthetics of Rockport, which includes its rural character, beauty of the hills, beauty of the harbor, and intimacy of its neighborhoods.”
Two recommendations in Governance are salient points with respect to the proposed hotel approval: 1) “To address conflicts of interest, the town should uphold the guidelines crafted by the Maine Municipal Association and require full disclosure of any personal involvement in an issue to be resolved by the board or committees dealing with that issue.” and 2) “Rockport does not necessarily need more ordinances: what is needed is consistent enforcement of ordinances already on the books.”
Much as we would like to participate in the process, it appears we have come to the table too late to formally do so (Penobscot Bay Pilot). It appears that these six vacancies were filled (Comprehensive Plan Committee), but it is unclear if any work has yet been done. Regardless, we will keep an eye out for scheduled meetings to ensure that some of us, and hopefully you, will attend to influence the process.