Email
from Governor Baldacci regarding Abbott
Sale
Dear
Bill,
Thank you for sharing your views about the purchase by
Maine Maritime Academy of Abbott House in Castine. If the
purchase goes ahead, it’s because a willing seller and
buyer have agreed to terms in this private transaction. The
only role for government would be to ensure that the buyer
of Abbott House, whether MMA or another purchaser, abide by
all town ordinances and land use plans. I asked my State
Planning Office Director to investigate how Castine is
positioned with regard to these. She discovered that
Castine has a comprehensive plan found to be consistent
with the state’s Growth Management Act by the State
Planning Office. In addition, in 2006 the State Planning
Office gave Castine a grant to update their comprehensive
plan. She understands that the town is still engaged in
that process. Perhaps your involvement in that effort might
help ensure that Castine has in place the land use tools to
protect what you cherish about your beautiful town.
I want to ensure you also that I take concerns about
communications with citizens by all government and
quasi-government institutions seriously. Effective
communications between public servants and those they serve
is essential and perhaps a more important tradition in
Maine than in some other places.
Thank you again for taking the time to communicate with me.
Sincerely,
John E. Baldacci
Governor
