Heather Jeske

The document outlines the shoreland building permit fee schedule, including fees for new residences, additions, changes of use, garages, decks, small and large garden sheds, residential solar panels, ramps and floats, docks, piers, steps to shore, shore stabilization, tree removal, and commercial buildings. It also specifies that after-the-fact permits are three times the normal fee and that all applicants will pay for advertising fees published in the newspaper.

The meeting addressed the vulnerability of the Deer Isle Causeway to storms and sea level rise. Discussions included the potential consequences of a causeway failure, such as impacts on schools, businesses, medical needs, and the transportation of resources. The economic impacts were highlighted, including the transportation of lobster, construction materials, and the reliance on the causeway for tourism and employment. Emergency management plans and the importance of securing funding for mitigation were also discussed.

This final report from the Interlocal Housing Task Force outlines strategies and recommendations to address critical housing challenges in Deer Isle and Stonington. The plan focuses on developing owner-occupied family-friendly homes, increasing year-round and seasonal workforce housing options, encouraging the conversion of seasonal rentals to year-round use, improving financial education, and supporting building rehabilitations and Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) construction. Key recommendations include developing mixed-income manufactured home neighborhoods, fostering moderate-income rental development, promoting homeownership and workforce stability, leveraging municipal and regional tools, and implementing comprehensive housing and financial education programs. The overarching goal is to support a resilient year-round community, maintain economic stability, and address workforce shortages by expanding access to stable and affordable housing options.

This document, an employer survey conducted by the Interlocal Housing Taskforce, identifies a critical housing crisis on Deer Isle that threatens the island's economic viability and employment. It proposes a multi-faceted approach through immediate actions, strategic initiatives, and supporting infrastructure. Key focus areas include developing seasonal workforce housing, converting underperforming short-term rentals to year-round, creating a Community Rental Assurance Fund, encouraging Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) construction, developing family-friendly starter homes, rehabilitating abandoned housing, and hiring a housing opportunity coordinator. The plan aims to address the housing affordability gap and labor market challenges to prevent a downward spiral and ensure the island's future sustainability.

This Infrastructure Resilience Plan for Maine outlines a comprehensive approach to integrate resilience principles into decision-making across all levels of government. It is structured around three main pillars: strengthening infrastructure and reducing disaster risk, improving disaster preparedness, response, and rebuilding, and sustaining momentum through strategic investments. The plan aims to chart a path towards a stronger, more resilient Maine, protecting its people, environment, and economy against future storms and climate-related impacts, and positioning the state as a national leader in hazard mitigation.