In advance of the Sept. 14 Rockport Select Board meeting, Town Manager Jon Duke issued his monthly report, which follows. The Select Board meeting will be held in the Geoffrey C. Parker Meeting Room at the Rockport Opera House at 6 p.m. and streamed live.

From the Manager's Report:

2026 Property Tax Rate

The Town of Rockport’s 2026 property tax rate has been set at $13.65 per $1,000 of assessed value, the same rate as in 2025.

Maintaining the tax rate provides consistency for property owners; however, individual tax bills may still differ from last year due to changes in assessed property values, exemptions, or other adjustments.

Tax bills were mailed out the week of August 17, 2026. The first installment is due October 15, 2026, and the second installment is due April 15, 2027.

Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) – Maine Media

The Town of Rockport recently received a voluntary Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) contribution from Maine Media Workshops + College in the amount of $ 2,000. These contributions help offset the cost of municipal services and provide valuable revenue that benefits the entire community.

The Town extends its sincere thanks to Maine Media Workshops + College for its generous support and continued commitment to Rockport.

Rockport Common Construction Update

Construction at Rockport Common continues to move forward, with Farley, Inc., making steady progress on the site and Bowman Construction working on the fieldhouse. This long-awaited community project is beginning to take shape, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as the work continues. Approximately 100 new trees will be planted as part of the improvements, creating an attractive and welcoming landscape for residents and visitors to enjoy for years to come.

Thank you to our residents, neighboring property owners, and visitors for their continued patience and cooperation. We look forward to seeing the renewed Rockport Common become a beautiful gathering place for our community.

Police Department Update

Camden–Rockport Policing Partnership: In a swearing in ceremony late last month, Rockport and Camden police officers were officially sworn in to jointly serve Rockport and Camden residents. By working together, we can provide additional resources, support one another during critical incidents or busy periods, and ultimately better serve our communities. We are grateful for the continued cooperation between departments and the support of the communities we are sworn to protect.

Police Chief Search:Next week, the Town will open up its search for a new police chief. A new job description has been created and the job posting will be available. A hiring committee has been established to assist in reviewing candidates for the position. We hope to have a new chief selected in October following confirmation of the appointment by the Select Board.

Patrol Officer Opening: The Town continues to have openings for patrol positions within the police department. Due to last month’s departure of Chris Young, another position is now open to join our outstanding crew! Reach out to interim chief Jim Greeley to learn more.

Goose River Bridge Update

The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) continues to advance the Goose River Bridge project, with construction currently anticipated to begin in 2027. The project remains included in MaineDOT’s three-year Work Plan and is progressing through the design and funding process.

The proposed work includes replacing the bridge superstructure on Pascal Avenue over the Goose River to improve safety and extend the life of this important transportation connection.

The Town will continue coordinating with MaineDOT and will share additional information regarding the construction schedule, traffic impacts, and public meetings as it becomes available. We appreciate the community’s continued patience as this important infrastructure project moves forward.

Public Works Update:Water Crossings: The new box culvert on West Street Extension is nearly fully installed. We expect paving to conclude next week and the road to once again re-open to traffic! Many thanks to Farley, Inc., on a job well done!

Next on our list is the water crossing on Meadow Street just beyond Rockport Diner. Unfortunately, this busy road will require a road closure to complete the box culvert installation and work on this project will begin by Farley Inc. next week. A number of commuters use this road and school traffic will be dramatically impacted.

Through-traffic on Meadow Street will still allow those traveling southwest off of South Street to access Route 17, but access to Route 90 will be closed until the culvert is complete. After the project is finished, Meadow Street will be paved from Route 90 to Route 17. Road Construction: In addition to these major water crossing updates, our Public Works department remains engaged in road construction in various spots around town.

Paving has completed on two sections of South Street, Upham Lane, Main Street, and Ship Street. Brush cutting in advance of paving on High Street provided an opportunity to provide a facelift to Amsbury Hill Cemetery. A number of roads remain for us to continue work through the fall including Kimberly Drive, Beauchamp Street, Warrenton Street, and Calderwood Lane. 

Public Works has launched its own Facebook page called Rockport Public Works Department. On this page will be latest updates about progress on road projects and hazards that occur on Rockport’s roads. In addition, the Public Works Department has spruced up their section of the Town website to include information on projects occurring on Town roads and listed by each road, respectively.

You can visit the Public Works Department’s website at RockportMaine.gov/PublicWorks

Fire Department

Many residents were made aware of the accident which occurred at the Martime Farms -Tolman Pond Market location where a vehicle crashed into the gas tanks. Thankfully no one was seriously hurt in the process, but this incident required a great deal of effort from our fire department, and its largely volunteer crew, to ensure the neighborhood around the market was safe and to keep a close eye on the property into the next morning until Maine DEP could oversee the initiation a clean up of the extensive impacts to the site and the surrounding area. Many thanks to Chief Peasley and his crew for stepping up and doing their best to keep our residents and businesses safe.

Planning and Development Update

Proposed Ordinance Amendments

The Planning Board has recommended several ordinance amendments for inclusion on the November ballot. Most consist of housekeeping revisions and changes related to the Comprehensive Plan.

The most notable amendment would increase the maximum permitted building height from 34 feet to 42 feet to help support future housing projects.

The Planning Board is also recommending consideration of a Rental Housing Unit Ordinance. The proposed ordinance would require rental units to be registered with the Town and confirm that each unit has received a Certificate of Occupancy.

Incoming Development Projects

The Midcoast Regional Housing Trust is proposing an eight-unit apartment development on its property near the intersection of Cross Street and Route 90. A pre-application meeting was held during the August Planning Board meeting, with final review anticipated in October. 

Colby & Gale has proposed a refueling station for its propane service on a property near the Mid-Coast Recreation Center on Route 90. The Planning Board is scheduled to conduct a site walk on September 10 and continue its site plan review afterward.

407 West Street

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has completed its cleanup work of the tax-acquired property at 407 West Street and expects to remove the remaining storage containers by late September or early October. Once that work is complete, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection will evaluate the property and determine whether any additional cleanup is necessary. Following the completion of all required environmental work, the Town will be able to move forward with the sale of the property.

Sewer In-Fill Project

The Town will be working with C.E.M. to complete a sewer line extension between Pascal Avenue and the Fox Ridge development along Route 1. Traffic will be impacted by this construction over the next 6-8 weeks as sewer lines and stubs for connections are installed. If you have any questions regarding this project please reach out to the Planning and Community Development department.

Roux Institute Venture Forward Program

The Roux Institute’s Venture Forward program is scheduled for April and May 2027. The professional development program will work with up to 12 Rockport businesses, helping them identify challenges and develop practical solutions to support their continued growth and success.

Business owners looking for more information on this incredible opportunity should reach out to the Planning and Community Development department at the Town Office.

Comprehensive Plan Implementation

The Comprehensive Plan Implementation Task Force continues to track the Town’s progress on the goals and strategies outlined in the Comprehensive Plan. Departments that previously received a request for updates are asked tosubmit their comments as soon as possible so the Task Force can prepare an accurate assessment of the Town’s implementation efforts.

Workforce Housing Update

Attainable, year-round housing for working families remains a top Town priority. Rockport is working with regional partners, nonprofits, developers, and residents to expand workforce housing while preserving the community’s character.

The Town is partnering with the Midcoast Regional Housing Trust and Maine Coast Heritage Trust on a workforce housing initiative at the Erickson Fields Homestead on Route 90.The project will renovate the historic farmhouse and add workforce housing that complements the agricultural landscape. The remaining acreage will stay permanently conserved as farmland and public open space.

The Town supports housing consistent with Rockport’s Comprehensive Plan that serves local workers and families. 

The Planning Board has also reviewed a proposed 24-unit residential development on Cross Street within a designated growth area. Like many Maine communities, Rockport faces a shortage of attainable housing. Rising prices and limited availability make it difficult for local employees to live near their workplaces, affecting healthcare, education, public safety, municipal services, local businesses, skilled trades, hospitality, and tourism.

Regional studies found that about one in four job offers in the Midcoast are declined because candidates cannot find affordable nearby housing.Meeting this need will require collaboration among government, nonprofits, developers, employers, and residents. The Town remains committed to thoughtful solutions that support the workforce, preserve Rockport’s character, and help those who serve the community live here.

Harbor Update

The Town received notice we have been awarded another grant for $2 million for the Working Waterfront Project in Rockport Harbor, meaning this is a fully funded project ready to start once grant contracts have been signed.

The first step in this process will be to initiate the Design/Engineering efforts with Woodard & Curran who was awarded this project via bid process back in February 2026.

Woodard & Curran are tentatively scheduled to start their work this fall, pending contracts with a grant agency. Once Design/Engineering has finished, the construction portion will be placed