04/17/2012

Download Draft Fort Williams Park 2011 Master Plan update (37 MB)

Council caps Fort Williams Park Master Plan review process with final public hearing May 14

The Town Council will hold a public hearing on a draft update to the master plan for Fort Williams Park at 7 p.m. Monday, May 14, 2012 at Town Hall.

The hearing is the final stage of review for the master plan, the guiding document for zoning in the park.

Both the Fort Williams Advisory Commission and the Planning Board have reviewed and recommended the 2011 update for adoption. Following a public hearing March 20, the Planning Board recommended that language be added to the plan to address vendors in the park, a practice in its second trial season; and, address the possibility of including restrooms, especially as part of a visitor's center envisioned for central parking area.

Adopting the Fort Williams Master Plan update is one of the Town Council's goals for 2012.

At the Town Council's meeting April 9, Town Councilor Jim Walsh, liaison to the Fort Williams Advisory Commission, said he believes the plan outlines a very "robust" schedule, "but one that is needed as we plan and prioritize the work that will be done over the next several years."

In recent years an effort to make the park self-sustaining has generated between $150,000-$170,000 annually from rental fees, vendor fees, events and the new motor coach and trolley fee. "The commission is going to use this master plan to prioritize and determine where they spend those dollars," Walsh said. "So, it's all part of an overall strategy that I think is very good for the community and good for this park, which is considered a tremendous asset here by the citizens of Cape Elizabeth," he said.

Several opportunities for public input, including a public forum, two formal hearings and an online survey, have been part of the master plan update review process.