Letter to the editor: Misunderstanding Article 2; Vote Yes on 2
The opponents are correct that zoning should not be written to benefit a few, but it also should not be written to Penalize a few. In the 1980s, the zoning code was amended to take away rights from the Inns on Lower High Street. There are currently 17 lodgings in Camden that can serve meals to their guests:
Harstone Inn
Inn at Camden Place
Whitehall Inn
Towne Motel
The Lodge at Camden Hills
The Norumbega Inn
Lord Camden Inn
Brewster Inn
High Tide Inn
Cedar Crest Inn
Captain Swift Inn
Camden River House
Camden Harbor Inn
Blue Harbor House
Inns At Blackberry
Birchwood Motel
Beloin’s Motel
The three inns on lower High Street would not be obtaining a special privilege. They would be restoring a privilege that was taken away.
I think it is unfortunate that other lodging owners are against this change. As an industry we have to work together to make tourism options for our guests.This is a low impact use (we would even have to stop serving at 8 p.m.). The article amends an amendment. As a group we should be appalled that limits were put on our businesses.
The inns that would be allowed to serve are 500 feet from the downtown. The Comprehensive Plan encourages business growth where there already is business to prevent sprawl. The inns are all on commercial Route 1. The Village District is not a purely residential district. It says residential compatible businesses are allowed and I think serving meals is truly a residential compatible option.
Vote Yes on 2 to promote creative business plans and the ability for Camden to be flexible in a changing economy.
Kristi Bifulco is co-owner of the Windward House in Camden.