I am glad to see that the Maine Department of Transportation and Trillium Engineering are planning increased parking at the Rockland Ferry Terminal.

I wonder if conversations might be had to discuss private-public collaborations for a parking structure? I read that the Planning Board asked why the proposed structure did not have a third level.

Might a three-level (or more) parking structure create a few first level retail spaces and a top level have a restaurant/cafe connected to the Main Street green space and the Harbor Trail design?

To have only parking planned for this site misses an opportunity to enliven the area that offers views and access to our harbor, and connect the active south end of Main Street to the less visited north end of Main Street.

I write this letter in the event that some readers may have access to a variety of individuals who might find a multi-use structure a possibility.

I am always looking for ways to increase land use for tax benefits, create appealing spaces and have "pocket parks" near walkable parts of Rockland. And making this connection across a dead space would be valuable with some lively space instead of just a parking structure with no street life.

Connie Hayes lives in Rockland