BOOTHBAY, Maine (NEWS CENTER) - Town officials in the coastal community of Boothbay are facing a difficult task, trying to accommodate a hugely popular attraction, while also taking into consideration concerns of neighbors and other townspeople.
At issue is a major expansion plan for the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. The success of the gardens has been greater than anyone could have imagined.
“Our wildest aspirations were maybe we’d get 40, 000 people a year. The first year we opened we got 40,000 people”, said Bill Cullina, CMBG President.
With a wildy popular holiday lights display added for November and December, that number is expected to grow to 160,000 per year. Operators say it’s time for a major expansion to accommodate the growing crowds. Plans include a new visitor’s center with a restaurant, expanded horticultural education and research programs and a new conservatory.
“Probably the crown jewel of the project is a conservatory. The largest glass conservatory in New England”, Cullina said.
Neighbors say the plans are too big for the residential neighborhood.
“I think its way too much. I don’t think any time would be good for this much development, in this location”, said Kevin Anthony.
Anthony’s parents live quietly next to the garden. He says the expansion would change that by placing parking lots, to accommodate 900 vehicles, right next door. He feels the gardens’ plan to more than double in size is fueled by money.
Anthony also has concerns about the impact on the environment and nearby Knickerbocker Lake. the lake is a secondary source of water for the town. His concerns are echoed by the general manager of the local water district.
“We definitely support the Botanical Gardens, but not at the expense of public health and safety”, said John Zeigra of the Boothbay Region Water District.
The gardens’ president says the plan has already gone through rigorous environmental reviews and cleared those hurdles.
The last big hurdle is the Boothbay Planning Board. The board meets on the plan next Thursday December 17th.