Letter to the editor: Misunderstanding Article 2; Vote Yes on 2

Thu, 10/30/2014 - 1:30pm

 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.