ROCKLAND — What is important to you about Rockland’s downtown waterfront?

The City of Rockland’s Ad Hoc Downtown Waterfront Advisory Committee wants to know. Fill out the questionnaire at www.rocklanddw.info.

“The City is fortunate to own an amazing portfolio of parks and piers downtown, including Harbor Park and the Public Landing, Buoy Park and Middle Pier, Mildred Merrill Park, the Police Station condo, and more,” said the City of Rockland, in a news release.

Together, there is nearly 7 acres and more than 1,000 feet of publicly-owned shoreline.
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“We know we have a need to address age-related deterioration and make our infrastructure more resilient to storms,” said Tom Luttrell, City Manager. “The Advisory Committee also is considering what additional improvements could benefit the community.”

The Advisory Committee’s charge is to develop a shared community vision for these properties and a practical, phased approach for achieving it. The project is building on the goals and objectives included in the recently approved Harbor Management Plan, and considering the work of past committees that advanced potential visions for Harbor Park. And thanks to a grant from the Maine Coastal Program, the Committee is assisted in its planning work by a team of consultants led by the Musson Group.

“With some of the federal grant programs for infrastructure that are expected to be available post COVID, this may be a once in a lifetime opportunity for Rockland to set itself up for success with grants,” said Lutrell. “We need the shared community vision and up to date cost estimates that this project will provide.”

The project consultant provided an update on project progress at the City Council’s September 8 meeting.

The meetings of the Downtown Waterfront Advisory Committee are also open to the public. For information on meetings and on project progress, and to fill out the survey, go to www.rocklandmainedw.info.