Strong resistance to a fixed bridge plan proposed by the Maine Department of Transportation to replace a Naples swing bridge is being voiced by a local group of Sebago Lakes region businesspeople and waterfront front property owners around Long Lake, Brandy Pond and Sebago Lake.
This grassroots group of concerned citizens met earlier in the week in Augusta with MDOT officials to air their concerns and objections. A meeting between Naples town officials and MDOT representatives is scheduled for March 31st at the Naples town office. The meeting is open to the public, but remarks will be limited to the officials participating.
Apparently, the MDOT is sticking to its guns about having a fixed bridge replace the current swing bridge, citing lack of money in the state budget to build the more expensive movable span.
Naples town manager Derik Goodine expects the state will try and "sweeten the pot" by offering the town some "extras" if they go ahead with the less expensive fixed span, but also feels the group of locals resisting the fixed bridge proposal will not be swayed by these extras.
Objections to the fixed bridge center around the long term negative economic impact that would occur if some of the larger commercial boat traffic is unable to pass between Long Lake and Brandy Pond, most notably the Songo River Queen.
Read the full story as it appeared in yesterday's Bridgton News.
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