Select Board approves two wharf applications after site reviews

The Harpswell Select Board approved two wharf applications at its June 18 meeting after staff summarized site findings.

Staff reported that the 15 Nautical Way application (Map 42, Lot 47) is within a 25-foot setback but that a site visit found no eelgrass or clamming flats and no public comments; the harbour master said the wharf posed no navigation hazard and the board approved the permit. For 247 Basin Point Road (Map 15, Lot 45) two neighbors attended and had submitted letters expressing concern about usage patterns rather than structure or length. Staff told the board the second site is pinned to good ledge and not in eelgrass; members discussed broader questions about short-term rentals (VRBO/Airbnb) and whether town policies address use changes but concluded those policy questions need separate ordinance work. The board approved the second wharf application after discussion.

Both permits will be processed per usual harbor permit procedures; staff noted permitting does not alter state-owned intertidal jurisdiction where applicable and that separate policy work may be required to address rental/use concerns.