09/24/2013

Greenbelt Plan update complete: Recommendation goes on to Town Council

After 10 months, the Cape Elizabeth Conservation Commission is done with its intensive work on updating the 2001 Greenbelt Plan.

At its Sept. 10 meeting, the all-volunteer commission voted to recommend the draft 2013 plan to the Town Council. This most recent draft plan follows plans adopted in 1977, 1988 and 2001. The town has expanded the original greenbelt vision from 1977 of a trail from Fort Williams to Crescent Beach to 1,100 acres of permanently preserved town open space and 24 miles of greenbelt trails.

The plan includes three case studies of how having a plan enhances expansion of the greenbelt. The first looks at Great Pond; the second at the Two Lights Trail

The third case study features Robinson Woods II. In 2001, the land now known as that was privately owned by the Robinson family. The family permitted public access over the trails on the property. These trails were shown on the 2001 Greenbelt Plan Potential Trails Map and identified as one of the top five priorities.

In 2011, the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust negotiated an agreement with the Robinson family to purchase land that included many of the trails. CELT began a fundraising campaign, including grant applications and a request to the town to contribute to the land purchase.

In 2012, the Town Council agreed to contribute $350,000 to the $1.1 million purchase price in exchange for a public-access easement over existing and proposed trails. The 2001 Greenbelt Plan was a key factor in the council’s decision to dedicate land-acquisition funds to the Robinson Woods II purchase. The plan also showed how Robinson Woods II was a key piece in a Fort Williams-to-town center trail.

The draft plan includes a potential trail link that makes the final connection between Robinson Woods II and the town center. Other potential trail links are proposed in conceptual locations. Actual trails will only be created with the permission of the property owner. Potential trails also will not be included on the Town Greenbelt Trail Map, which is available at the Town Hall and also on the town website.

The Town Council likely will consider the plan at its Oct. 7 meeting. If adopted, the plan will be the fourth that has guided growth of the greenbelt in Cape Elizabeth.

For more information, please contact Town Planner Maureen O'Meara, 207-799-0115.