#protectthewetlands — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #protectthewetlands, aggregated by home.social.
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Oh, and of course, I knew once #AmazonCorp announced plans to build a warehouse in #GorhamME, the #GorhamConnector would rear its ugly head again... And even though #JanetMills' brother #PeterMills is no longer in charge of #MDOT doesn't mean the new director won't be pushing this... Instead of a light rail system or rapid bus transit on the existing roads (and / or safer bike lanes. I knew friends who used to bike from Gorham to Portland, but it got too dangerous because of a lack of dedicated bike lanes and speeders).
#MDOT will launch new examination of traffic issues west of Portland
The state study will focus on Gorham, #ScarboroughME, #SouthPortlandME and #WestbrookME.
Robert Lowell, April 22, 2026
Excerpt: "The announcement of the new study comes just days before Amazon goes to the Gorham Planning Board on May 4, seeking approval for a warehouse and distribution center on Main Street (Route 25). Traffic will likely be one issue fueling concerns about the Amazon project.
"The study also comes in the aftermath of plans the Maine Turnpike Authority shelved last year for a four-lane toll road connector to Gorham. The connector was aimed at reducing commuter rush-hour traffic in the routes 22 and 114 commuter corridor [which the #Maine Legislature failed to make go away!]
"A connector would have linked the roundabout at South Street (Route 114) and the southerly end of Gorham’s Bernard Rines Bypass with the turnpike’s Exit 45 in South Portland. The connector proposal was met with a public outcry because it called for cutting a swath through #SmilingHillFarm in #WestbrookME."
Archived version:
https://archive.md/Rh3bH#MainePol #InducedSprawl #Maine #RuralLife #SaveTheFarms #SaveRedBrook #MainersForSmarterTransportation #Maine #MaineNews #GorhamBypass #GorhamSpur #Maine #RapidTransit #SaveTheFarms #ProtectTheForest #InducedDemand #Sprawl #SaveRedBrook #ProtectTheWetlands #BrookTrout #SaveTheForest #Wildlife #HuskyLine #RapidBusTransit
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Oh, and of course, I knew once #AmazonCorp announced plans to build a warehouse in #GorhamME, the #GorhamConnector would rear its ugly head again... And even though #JanetMills' brother #PeterMills is no longer in charge of #MDOT doesn't mean the new director won't be pushing this... Instead of a light rail system or rapid bus transit on the existing roads (and / or safer bike lanes. I knew friends who used to bike from Gorham to Portland, but it got too dangerous because of a lack of dedicated bike lanes and speeders).
#MDOT will launch new examination of traffic issues west of Portland
The state study will focus on Gorham, #ScarboroughME, #SouthPortlandME and #WestbrookME.
Robert Lowell, April 22, 2026
Excerpt: "The announcement of the new study comes just days before Amazon goes to the Gorham Planning Board on May 4, seeking approval for a warehouse and distribution center on Main Street (Route 25). Traffic will likely be one issue fueling concerns about the Amazon project.
"The study also comes in the aftermath of plans the Maine Turnpike Authority shelved last year for a four-lane toll road connector to Gorham. The connector was aimed at reducing commuter rush-hour traffic in the routes 22 and 114 commuter corridor [which the #Maine Legislature failed to make go away!]
"A connector would have linked the roundabout at South Street (Route 114) and the southerly end of Gorham’s Bernard Rines Bypass with the turnpike’s Exit 45 in South Portland. The connector proposal was met with a public outcry because it called for cutting a swath through #SmilingHillFarm in #WestbrookME."
Archived version:
https://archive.md/Rh3bH#MainePol #InducedSprawl #Maine #RuralLife #SaveTheFarms #SaveRedBrook #MainersForSmarterTransportation #Maine #MaineNews #GorhamBypass #GorhamSpur #Maine #RapidTransit #SaveTheFarms #ProtectTheForest #InducedDemand #Sprawl #SaveRedBrook #ProtectTheWetlands #BrookTrout #SaveTheForest #Wildlife #HuskyLine #RapidBusTransit
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Oh, and of course, I knew once #AmazonCorp announced plans to build a warehouse in #GorhamME, the #GorhamConnector would rear its ugly head again... And even though #JanetMills' brother #PeterMills is no longer in charge of #MDOT doesn't mean the new director won't be pushing this... Instead of a light rail system or rapid bus transit on the existing roads (and / or safer bike lanes. I knew friends who used to bike from Gorham to Portland, but it got too dangerous because of a lack of dedicated bike lanes and speeders).
#MDOT will launch new examination of traffic issues west of Portland
The state study will focus on Gorham, #ScarboroughME, #SouthPortlandME and #WestbrookME.
Robert Lowell, April 22, 2026
Excerpt: "The announcement of the new study comes just days before Amazon goes to the Gorham Planning Board on May 4, seeking approval for a warehouse and distribution center on Main Street (Route 25). Traffic will likely be one issue fueling concerns about the Amazon project.
"The study also comes in the aftermath of plans the Maine Turnpike Authority shelved last year for a four-lane toll road connector to Gorham. The connector was aimed at reducing commuter rush-hour traffic in the routes 22 and 114 commuter corridor [which the #Maine Legislature failed to make go away!]
"A connector would have linked the roundabout at South Street (Route 114) and the southerly end of Gorham’s Bernard Rines Bypass with the turnpike’s Exit 45 in South Portland. The connector proposal was met with a public outcry because it called for cutting a swath through #SmilingHillFarm in #WestbrookME."
Archived version:
https://archive.md/Rh3bH#MainePol #InducedSprawl #Maine #RuralLife #SaveTheFarms #SaveRedBrook #MainersForSmarterTransportation #Maine #MaineNews #GorhamBypass #GorhamSpur #Maine #RapidTransit #SaveTheFarms #ProtectTheForest #InducedDemand #Sprawl #SaveRedBrook #ProtectTheWetlands #BrookTrout #SaveTheForest #Wildlife #HuskyLine #RapidBusTransit
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Oh, and of course, I knew once #AmazonCorp announced plans to build a warehouse in #GorhamME, the #GorhamConnector would rear its ugly head again... And even though #JanetMills' brother #PeterMills is no longer in charge of #MDOT doesn't mean the new director won't be pushing this... Instead of a light rail system or rapid bus transit on the existing roads (and / or safer bike lanes. I knew friends who used to bike from Gorham to Portland, but it got too dangerous because of a lack of dedicated bike lanes and speeders).
#MDOT will launch new examination of traffic issues west of Portland
The state study will focus on Gorham, #ScarboroughME, #SouthPortlandME and #WestbrookME.
Robert Lowell, April 22, 2026
Excerpt: "The announcement of the new study comes just days before Amazon goes to the Gorham Planning Board on May 4, seeking approval for a warehouse and distribution center on Main Street (Route 25). Traffic will likely be one issue fueling concerns about the Amazon project.
"The study also comes in the aftermath of plans the Maine Turnpike Authority shelved last year for a four-lane toll road connector to Gorham. The connector was aimed at reducing commuter rush-hour traffic in the routes 22 and 114 commuter corridor [which the #Maine Legislature failed to make go away!]
"A connector would have linked the roundabout at South Street (Route 114) and the southerly end of Gorham’s Bernard Rines Bypass with the turnpike’s Exit 45 in South Portland. The connector proposal was met with a public outcry because it called for cutting a swath through #SmilingHillFarm in #WestbrookME."
Archived version:
https://archive.md/Rh3bH#MainePol #InducedSprawl #Maine #RuralLife #SaveTheFarms #SaveRedBrook #MainersForSmarterTransportation #Maine #MaineNews #GorhamBypass #GorhamSpur #Maine #RapidTransit #SaveTheFarms #ProtectTheForest #InducedDemand #Sprawl #SaveRedBrook #ProtectTheWetlands #BrookTrout #SaveTheForest #Wildlife #HuskyLine #RapidBusTransit
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Oh, and of course, I knew once #AmazonCorp announced plans to build a warehouse in #GorhamME, the #GorhamConnector would rear its ugly head again... And even though #JanetMills' brother #PeterMills is no longer in charge of #MDOT doesn't mean the new director won't be pushing this... Instead of a light rail system or rapid bus transit on the existing roads (and / or safer bike lanes. I knew friends who used to bike from Gorham to Portland, but it got too dangerous because of a lack of dedicated bike lanes and speeders).
#MDOT will launch new examination of traffic issues west of Portland
The state study will focus on Gorham, #ScarboroughME, #SouthPortlandME and #WestbrookME.
Robert Lowell, April 22, 2026
Excerpt: "The announcement of the new study comes just days before Amazon goes to the Gorham Planning Board on May 4, seeking approval for a warehouse and distribution center on Main Street (Route 25). Traffic will likely be one issue fueling concerns about the Amazon project.
"The study also comes in the aftermath of plans the Maine Turnpike Authority shelved last year for a four-lane toll road connector to Gorham. The connector was aimed at reducing commuter rush-hour traffic in the routes 22 and 114 commuter corridor [which the #Maine Legislature failed to make go away!]
"A connector would have linked the roundabout at South Street (Route 114) and the southerly end of Gorham’s Bernard Rines Bypass with the turnpike’s Exit 45 in South Portland. The connector proposal was met with a public outcry because it called for cutting a swath through #SmilingHillFarm in #WestbrookME."
Archived version:
https://archive.md/Rh3bH#MainePol #InducedSprawl #Maine #RuralLife #SaveTheFarms #SaveRedBrook #MainersForSmarterTransportation #Maine #MaineNews #GorhamBypass #GorhamSpur #Maine #RapidTransit #SaveTheFarms #ProtectTheForest #InducedDemand #Sprawl #SaveRedBrook #ProtectTheWetlands #BrookTrout #SaveTheForest #Wildlife #HuskyLine #RapidBusTransit
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What's on my mind? Why #SmilingHillFarm! And yeah, I suspect #MTA / #MDOT is going to try and build the #GorhamConnector again, since the bill to kill the connector failed. I heard the new Maine Turnpike Authority director on WMPG earlier today. It sounds like they are going to have MDOT push the connector through -- rather than build #LightRail or a #RapidTransitBusSystem or safer #BikeLanes! smh...
#Maine - Bill to kill Gorham Connector crashes in committee
PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • May 8, 2025
"A bill that would ensure the controversial Gorham Connector proposal is dead was soundly rejected by the Legislature’s transportation committee this week. LD 1020 would repeal 2017 legislation that directed the Maine Turnpike Authority to plan and build a toll highway extension from South Portland, through Scarborough and Westbrook, to Gorham. The bill follows the authority’s announcement in March that it enlisted the Maine Department of Transportation to consider alternative solutions to commuter traffic congestion west of Portland. Neither agency has said the connector proposal has been dropped entirely."
https://www.restore.org/maineenvironews/2025/5/9/bill-to-kill-gorham-connector-crashes-in-committee
#SaveTheFarms #SaveSmilingHillFarm #GorhamConnector #InducedSprawl #SaveRedBrook #Maine #InducedDemand #ProtectTheWetlands #BrookTrout #HuskyLine #RapidBusTransit #MainersForSmarterTransportation
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What's on my mind? Why #SmilingHillFarm! And yeah, I suspect #MTA / #MDOT is going to try and build the #GorhamConnector again, since the bill to kill the connector failed. I heard the new Maine Turnpike Authority director on WMPG earlier today. It sounds like they are going to have MDOT push the connector through -- rather than build #LightRail or a #RapidTransitBusSystem or safer #BikeLanes! smh...
#Maine - Bill to kill Gorham Connector crashes in committee
PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • May 8, 2025
"A bill that would ensure the controversial Gorham Connector proposal is dead was soundly rejected by the Legislature’s transportation committee this week. LD 1020 would repeal 2017 legislation that directed the Maine Turnpike Authority to plan and build a toll highway extension from South Portland, through Scarborough and Westbrook, to Gorham. The bill follows the authority’s announcement in March that it enlisted the Maine Department of Transportation to consider alternative solutions to commuter traffic congestion west of Portland. Neither agency has said the connector proposal has been dropped entirely."
https://www.restore.org/maineenvironews/2025/5/9/bill-to-kill-gorham-connector-crashes-in-committee
#SaveTheFarms #SaveSmilingHillFarm #GorhamConnector #InducedSprawl #SaveRedBrook #Maine #InducedDemand #ProtectTheWetlands #BrookTrout #HuskyLine #RapidBusTransit #MainersForSmarterTransportation
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What's on my mind? Why #SmilingHillFarm! And yeah, I suspect #MTA / #MDOT is going to try and build the #GorhamConnector again, since the bill to kill the connector failed. I heard the new Maine Turnpike Authority director on WMPG earlier today. It sounds like they are going to have MDOT push the connector through -- rather than build #LightRail or a #RapidTransitBusSystem or safer #BikeLanes! smh...
#Maine - Bill to kill Gorham Connector crashes in committee
PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • May 8, 2025
"A bill that would ensure the controversial Gorham Connector proposal is dead was soundly rejected by the Legislature’s transportation committee this week. LD 1020 would repeal 2017 legislation that directed the Maine Turnpike Authority to plan and build a toll highway extension from South Portland, through Scarborough and Westbrook, to Gorham. The bill follows the authority’s announcement in March that it enlisted the Maine Department of Transportation to consider alternative solutions to commuter traffic congestion west of Portland. Neither agency has said the connector proposal has been dropped entirely."
https://www.restore.org/maineenvironews/2025/5/9/bill-to-kill-gorham-connector-crashes-in-committee
#SaveTheFarms #SaveSmilingHillFarm #GorhamConnector #InducedSprawl #SaveRedBrook #Maine #InducedDemand #ProtectTheWetlands #BrookTrout #HuskyLine #RapidBusTransit #MainersForSmarterTransportation
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What's on my mind? Why #SmilingHillFarm! And yeah, I suspect #MTA / #MDOT is going to try and build the #GorhamConnector again, since the bill to kill the connector failed. I heard the new Maine Turnpike Authority director on WMPG earlier today. It sounds like they are going to have MDOT push the connector through -- rather than build #LightRail or a #RapidTransitBusSystem or safer #BikeLanes! smh...
#Maine - Bill to kill Gorham Connector crashes in committee
PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • May 8, 2025
"A bill that would ensure the controversial Gorham Connector proposal is dead was soundly rejected by the Legislature’s transportation committee this week. LD 1020 would repeal 2017 legislation that directed the Maine Turnpike Authority to plan and build a toll highway extension from South Portland, through Scarborough and Westbrook, to Gorham. The bill follows the authority’s announcement in March that it enlisted the Maine Department of Transportation to consider alternative solutions to commuter traffic congestion west of Portland. Neither agency has said the connector proposal has been dropped entirely."
https://www.restore.org/maineenvironews/2025/5/9/bill-to-kill-gorham-connector-crashes-in-committee
#SaveTheFarms #SaveSmilingHillFarm #GorhamConnector #InducedSprawl #SaveRedBrook #Maine #InducedDemand #ProtectTheWetlands #BrookTrout #HuskyLine #RapidBusTransit #MainersForSmarterTransportation
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What's on my mind? Why #SmilingHillFarm! And yeah, I suspect #MTA / #MDOT is going to try and build the #GorhamConnector again, since the bill to kill the connector failed. I heard the new Maine Turnpike Authority director on WMPG earlier today. It sounds like they are going to have MDOT push the connector through -- rather than build #LightRail or a #RapidTransitBusSystem or safer #BikeLanes! smh...
#Maine - Bill to kill Gorham Connector crashes in committee
PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • May 8, 2025
"A bill that would ensure the controversial Gorham Connector proposal is dead was soundly rejected by the Legislature’s transportation committee this week. LD 1020 would repeal 2017 legislation that directed the Maine Turnpike Authority to plan and build a toll highway extension from South Portland, through Scarborough and Westbrook, to Gorham. The bill follows the authority’s announcement in March that it enlisted the Maine Department of Transportation to consider alternative solutions to commuter traffic congestion west of Portland. Neither agency has said the connector proposal has been dropped entirely."
https://www.restore.org/maineenvironews/2025/5/9/bill-to-kill-gorham-connector-crashes-in-committee
#SaveTheFarms #SaveSmilingHillFarm #GorhamConnector #InducedSprawl #SaveRedBrook #Maine #InducedDemand #ProtectTheWetlands #BrookTrout #HuskyLine #RapidBusTransit #MainersForSmarterTransportation
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YES! VICTORY! Public pushback makes a difference!
#MaineTurnpikeAuthority drops controversial #GorhamConnector project
by WGME Staff Thu, March 6th 2025 at 7:56 PM
GORHAM (WGME) – "The Maine Turnpike Authority is now dropping its controversial Gorham connector project.
"The project would have built a new highway from South Portland to Gorham, with the goal of easing heavy road congestion.
"The MTA paused the project last year after receiving backlash from local residents.
"The project would have required the demolition of nearly a dozen homes and confiscation of #farmland."
"'There was a lot of concern, and people wondered if it's the right-sized tool for the job, a lot of people have concerns that, building another highway, there's concerns that it will just fill up,' MTA Director of Communications Erin Courtney said.
The MTA says it's heading back to the drawing board to re-examine traffic conditions and review past mobility studies to find better ways to ease congestion in the area." [Like #LightRail, #RapidTransitBusLines and more #BikeLanes!]
https://wgme.com/news/local/maine-turnpike-authority-drops-controversial-gorham-connector-project-south-portland
#Maine #SaveSmilingHillFarm #SmilingHillFarm #InducedSprawl #GorhamConnector #MainersForSmarterTransportation #Maine #MaineNews #GorhamBypass #GorhamSpur #Maine #RapidTransit #SaveTheFarms #ProtectTheForest #InducedDemand #Sprawl #SaveRedBrook #ProtectTheWetlands #BrookTrout #SaveTheForest #Wildlife #HuskyLine #RapidBusTransit -
YES! VICTORY! Public pushback makes a difference!
#MaineTurnpikeAuthority drops controversial #GorhamConnector project
by WGME Staff Thu, March 6th 2025 at 7:56 PM
GORHAM (WGME) – "The Maine Turnpike Authority is now dropping its controversial Gorham connector project.
"The project would have built a new highway from South Portland to Gorham, with the goal of easing heavy road congestion.
"The MTA paused the project last year after receiving backlash from local residents.
"The project would have required the demolition of nearly a dozen homes and confiscation of #farmland."
"'There was a lot of concern, and people wondered if it's the right-sized tool for the job, a lot of people have concerns that, building another highway, there's concerns that it will just fill up,' MTA Director of Communications Erin Courtney said.
The MTA says it's heading back to the drawing board to re-examine traffic conditions and review past mobility studies to find better ways to ease congestion in the area." [Like #LightRail, #RapidTransitBusLines and more #BikeLanes!]
https://wgme.com/news/local/maine-turnpike-authority-drops-controversial-gorham-connector-project-south-portland
#Maine #SaveSmilingHillFarm #SmilingHillFarm #InducedSprawl #GorhamConnector #MainersForSmarterTransportation #Maine #MaineNews #GorhamBypass #GorhamSpur #Maine #RapidTransit #SaveTheFarms #ProtectTheForest #InducedDemand #Sprawl #SaveRedBrook #ProtectTheWetlands #BrookTrout #SaveTheForest #Wildlife #HuskyLine #RapidBusTransit -
YES! VICTORY! Public pushback makes a difference!
#MaineTurnpikeAuthority drops controversial #GorhamConnector project
by WGME Staff Thu, March 6th 2025 at 7:56 PM
GORHAM (WGME) – "The Maine Turnpike Authority is now dropping its controversial Gorham connector project.
"The project would have built a new highway from South Portland to Gorham, with the goal of easing heavy road congestion.
"The MTA paused the project last year after receiving backlash from local residents.
"The project would have required the demolition of nearly a dozen homes and confiscation of #farmland."
"'There was a lot of concern, and people wondered if it's the right-sized tool for the job, a lot of people have concerns that, building another highway, there's concerns that it will just fill up,' MTA Director of Communications Erin Courtney said.
The MTA says it's heading back to the drawing board to re-examine traffic conditions and review past mobility studies to find better ways to ease congestion in the area." [Like #LightRail, #RapidTransitBusLines and more #BikeLanes!]
https://wgme.com/news/local/maine-turnpike-authority-drops-controversial-gorham-connector-project-south-portland
#Maine #SaveSmilingHillFarm #SmilingHillFarm #InducedSprawl #GorhamConnector #MainersForSmarterTransportation #Maine #MaineNews #GorhamBypass #GorhamSpur #Maine #RapidTransit #SaveTheFarms #ProtectTheForest #InducedDemand #Sprawl #SaveRedBrook #ProtectTheWetlands #BrookTrout #SaveTheForest #Wildlife #HuskyLine #RapidBusTransit -
YES! VICTORY! Public pushback makes a difference!
#MaineTurnpikeAuthority drops controversial #GorhamConnector project
by WGME Staff Thu, March 6th 2025 at 7:56 PM
GORHAM (WGME) – "The Maine Turnpike Authority is now dropping its controversial Gorham connector project.
"The project would have built a new highway from South Portland to Gorham, with the goal of easing heavy road congestion.
"The MTA paused the project last year after receiving backlash from local residents.
"The project would have required the demolition of nearly a dozen homes and confiscation of #farmland."
"'There was a lot of concern, and people wondered if it's the right-sized tool for the job, a lot of people have concerns that, building another highway, there's concerns that it will just fill up,' MTA Director of Communications Erin Courtney said.
The MTA says it's heading back to the drawing board to re-examine traffic conditions and review past mobility studies to find better ways to ease congestion in the area." [Like #LightRail, #RapidTransitBusLines and more #BikeLanes!]
https://wgme.com/news/local/maine-turnpike-authority-drops-controversial-gorham-connector-project-south-portland
#Maine #SaveSmilingHillFarm #SmilingHillFarm #InducedSprawl #GorhamConnector #MainersForSmarterTransportation #Maine #MaineNews #GorhamBypass #GorhamSpur #Maine #RapidTransit #SaveTheFarms #ProtectTheForest #InducedDemand #Sprawl #SaveRedBrook #ProtectTheWetlands #BrookTrout #SaveTheForest #Wildlife #HuskyLine #RapidBusTransit -
YES! VICTORY! Public pushback makes a difference!
#MaineTurnpikeAuthority drops controversial #GorhamConnector project
by WGME Staff Thu, March 6th 2025 at 7:56 PM
GORHAM (WGME) – "The Maine Turnpike Authority is now dropping its controversial Gorham connector project.
"The project would have built a new highway from South Portland to Gorham, with the goal of easing heavy road congestion.
"The MTA paused the project last year after receiving backlash from local residents.
"The project would have required the demolition of nearly a dozen homes and confiscation of #farmland."
"'There was a lot of concern, and people wondered if it's the right-sized tool for the job, a lot of people have concerns that, building another highway, there's concerns that it will just fill up,' MTA Director of Communications Erin Courtney said.
The MTA says it's heading back to the drawing board to re-examine traffic conditions and review past mobility studies to find better ways to ease congestion in the area." [Like #LightRail, #RapidTransitBusLines and more #BikeLanes!]
https://wgme.com/news/local/maine-turnpike-authority-drops-controversial-gorham-connector-project-south-portland
#Maine #SaveSmilingHillFarm #SmilingHillFarm #InducedSprawl #GorhamConnector #MainersForSmarterTransportation #Maine #MaineNews #GorhamBypass #GorhamSpur #Maine #RapidTransit #SaveTheFarms #ProtectTheForest #InducedDemand #Sprawl #SaveRedBrook #ProtectTheWetlands #BrookTrout #SaveTheForest #Wildlife #HuskyLine #RapidBusTransit -
The Importance of #Mangroves
#Florida mangroves provide protection from #storms, nurseries for #wildlife and recreation for people.
May 04, 2020 | Last updated April 05, 2023
Threats to #MangroveForests
"Unfortunately, there are many challenges that place mangrove forests under threat. Human impact such as #dredging, #filling, #WaterPollution from #herbicides and #development can lead to mangrove erosion and #HabitatDestruction. When mangrove forests are cleared and destroyed, they release massive amounts of #CarbonDioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to #ClimateChange."
#Hurricanes #HumanDevelopment #Florida #Overdevelopment #ProtectTheWetlands #ProtectMangroveForests
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The Importance of #Mangroves
#Florida mangroves provide protection from #storms, nurseries for #wildlife and recreation for people.
May 04, 2020 | Last updated April 05, 2023
Threats to #MangroveForests
"Unfortunately, there are many challenges that place mangrove forests under threat. Human impact such as #dredging, #filling, #WaterPollution from #herbicides and #development can lead to mangrove erosion and #HabitatDestruction. When mangrove forests are cleared and destroyed, they release massive amounts of #CarbonDioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to #ClimateChange."
#Hurricanes #HumanDevelopment #Florida #Overdevelopment #ProtectTheWetlands #ProtectMangroveForests
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The Importance of #Mangroves
#Florida mangroves provide protection from #storms, nurseries for #wildlife and recreation for people.
May 04, 2020 | Last updated April 05, 2023
Threats to #MangroveForests
"Unfortunately, there are many challenges that place mangrove forests under threat. Human impact such as #dredging, #filling, #WaterPollution from #herbicides and #development can lead to mangrove erosion and #HabitatDestruction. When mangrove forests are cleared and destroyed, they release massive amounts of #CarbonDioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to #ClimateChange."
#Hurricanes #HumanDevelopment #Florida #Overdevelopment #ProtectTheWetlands #ProtectMangroveForests
-
The Importance of #Mangroves
#Florida mangroves provide protection from #storms, nurseries for #wildlife and recreation for people.
May 04, 2020 | Last updated April 05, 2023
Threats to #MangroveForests
"Unfortunately, there are many challenges that place mangrove forests under threat. Human impact such as #dredging, #filling, #WaterPollution from #herbicides and #development can lead to mangrove erosion and #HabitatDestruction. When mangrove forests are cleared and destroyed, they release massive amounts of #CarbonDioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to #ClimateChange."
#Hurricanes #HumanDevelopment #Florida #Overdevelopment #ProtectTheWetlands #ProtectMangroveForests
-
The Importance of #Mangroves
#Florida mangroves provide protection from #storms, nurseries for #wildlife and recreation for people.
May 04, 2020 | Last updated April 05, 2023
Threats to #MangroveForests
"Unfortunately, there are many challenges that place mangrove forests under threat. Human impact such as #dredging, #filling, #WaterPollution from #herbicides and #development can lead to mangrove erosion and #HabitatDestruction. When mangrove forests are cleared and destroyed, they release massive amounts of #CarbonDioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to #ClimateChange."
#Hurricanes #HumanDevelopment #Florida #Overdevelopment #ProtectTheWetlands #ProtectMangroveForests
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Healthy #mangrove forests can help protect inland areas from #hurricane damage
But coastal development and shrimp farming disrupt mangrove #ecosystems, weakening those protections.
by YCC Team August 24, 2023
"During a hurricane, #TropicalMangroveForests can help buffer inland areas from wind and reduce erosion.
"In the process, these forests themselves may suffer a lot of damage. Strong winds can rip leaves from branches and topple whole trees.
"Ken Krauss of the United States Geological Survey says that how fast mangrove forests recover after a storm depends on how healthy they were beforehand.
"'If they’re healthy before the storm hit, they regenerate fairly quickly,' he says.
"But he says many of the world’s mangrove forests are not healthy.
"For example, coastal development and #ShrimpFarms often change how water flows in and out of these ecosystems.
"That interferes with how mangrove seeds naturally disperse and makes it harder for trees to regrow after a disaster.
"Krauss says there are proven strategies for restoring the natural flow of water through mangrove forests. So he says it’s important to work proactively to repair vulnerable areas.
"'The systems may still take a lot of damage during a storm, even after you fix the hydrology, but the recovery is going to be a lot better,' he says.
"So they will be ready to protect coastal communities again when the next storm comes."
#ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis #ProtectTheWetlands #ProtectMangroveForests
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Healthy #mangrove forests can help protect inland areas from #hurricane damage
But coastal development and shrimp farming disrupt mangrove #ecosystems, weakening those protections.
by YCC Team August 24, 2023
"During a hurricane, #TropicalMangroveForests can help buffer inland areas from wind and reduce erosion.
"In the process, these forests themselves may suffer a lot of damage. Strong winds can rip leaves from branches and topple whole trees.
"Ken Krauss of the United States Geological Survey says that how fast mangrove forests recover after a storm depends on how healthy they were beforehand.
"'If they’re healthy before the storm hit, they regenerate fairly quickly,' he says.
"But he says many of the world’s mangrove forests are not healthy.
"For example, coastal development and #ShrimpFarms often change how water flows in and out of these ecosystems.
"That interferes with how mangrove seeds naturally disperse and makes it harder for trees to regrow after a disaster.
"Krauss says there are proven strategies for restoring the natural flow of water through mangrove forests. So he says it’s important to work proactively to repair vulnerable areas.
"'The systems may still take a lot of damage during a storm, even after you fix the hydrology, but the recovery is going to be a lot better,' he says.
"So they will be ready to protect coastal communities again when the next storm comes."
#ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis #ProtectTheWetlands #ProtectMangroveForests
-
Healthy #mangrove forests can help protect inland areas from #hurricane damage
But coastal development and shrimp farming disrupt mangrove #ecosystems, weakening those protections.
by YCC Team August 24, 2023
"During a hurricane, #TropicalMangroveForests can help buffer inland areas from wind and reduce erosion.
"In the process, these forests themselves may suffer a lot of damage. Strong winds can rip leaves from branches and topple whole trees.
"Ken Krauss of the United States Geological Survey says that how fast mangrove forests recover after a storm depends on how healthy they were beforehand.
"'If they’re healthy before the storm hit, they regenerate fairly quickly,' he says.
"But he says many of the world’s mangrove forests are not healthy.
"For example, coastal development and #ShrimpFarms often change how water flows in and out of these ecosystems.
"That interferes with how mangrove seeds naturally disperse and makes it harder for trees to regrow after a disaster.
"Krauss says there are proven strategies for restoring the natural flow of water through mangrove forests. So he says it’s important to work proactively to repair vulnerable areas.
"'The systems may still take a lot of damage during a storm, even after you fix the hydrology, but the recovery is going to be a lot better,' he says.
"So they will be ready to protect coastal communities again when the next storm comes."
#ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis #ProtectTheWetlands #ProtectMangroveForests
-
Healthy #mangrove forests can help protect inland areas from #hurricane damage
But coastal development and shrimp farming disrupt mangrove #ecosystems, weakening those protections.
by YCC Team August 24, 2023
"During a hurricane, #TropicalMangroveForests can help buffer inland areas from wind and reduce erosion.
"In the process, these forests themselves may suffer a lot of damage. Strong winds can rip leaves from branches and topple whole trees.
"Ken Krauss of the United States Geological Survey says that how fast mangrove forests recover after a storm depends on how healthy they were beforehand.
"'If they’re healthy before the storm hit, they regenerate fairly quickly,' he says.
"But he says many of the world’s mangrove forests are not healthy.
"For example, coastal development and #ShrimpFarms often change how water flows in and out of these ecosystems.
"That interferes with how mangrove seeds naturally disperse and makes it harder for trees to regrow after a disaster.
"Krauss says there are proven strategies for restoring the natural flow of water through mangrove forests. So he says it’s important to work proactively to repair vulnerable areas.
"'The systems may still take a lot of damage during a storm, even after you fix the hydrology, but the recovery is going to be a lot better,' he says.
"So they will be ready to protect coastal communities again when the next storm comes."
#ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis #ProtectTheWetlands #ProtectMangroveForests
-
Healthy #mangrove forests can help protect inland areas from #hurricane damage
But coastal development and shrimp farming disrupt mangrove #ecosystems, weakening those protections.
by YCC Team August 24, 2023
"During a hurricane, #TropicalMangroveForests can help buffer inland areas from wind and reduce erosion.
"In the process, these forests themselves may suffer a lot of damage. Strong winds can rip leaves from branches and topple whole trees.
"Ken Krauss of the United States Geological Survey says that how fast mangrove forests recover after a storm depends on how healthy they were beforehand.
"'If they’re healthy before the storm hit, they regenerate fairly quickly,' he says.
"But he says many of the world’s mangrove forests are not healthy.
"For example, coastal development and #ShrimpFarms often change how water flows in and out of these ecosystems.
"That interferes with how mangrove seeds naturally disperse and makes it harder for trees to regrow after a disaster.
"Krauss says there are proven strategies for restoring the natural flow of water through mangrove forests. So he says it’s important to work proactively to repair vulnerable areas.
"'The systems may still take a lot of damage during a storm, even after you fix the hydrology, but the recovery is going to be a lot better,' he says.
"So they will be ready to protect coastal communities again when the next storm comes."
#ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis #ProtectTheWetlands #ProtectMangroveForests
-
New tourism restrictions to protect #Bangladesh’s unique #wetlands and #coral-rich island
by Abu Siddique
14 Oct 2024"In a bid to protect #biodiversity hotspots in the country, Bangladesh plans to restrict tourism and introduce environment-friendly guidelines and directions for tourists visiting the Ecologically Critical Areas (#ECAs).
"The coral reef-rich #SaintMartinsIsland and one of the largest #haors — a type of wetland #ecosystem — in the country, #TanguarHaor, known to be a habitat for breeding fish and waterfowls, will soon see the first restrictions on tourism.
"Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the newly appointed advisor for the environment, forest and #ClimateChange ministry, said, 'Initially, we will impose restrictions on night stays at Saint Martin’s Island to reduce the pressure on the island soon. Gradually, we will increase the level of restrictions as well as the number of ECAs under tourism restrictions.'
"She added that some of these restrictions would include banning the use of single-use plastic, minimizing the number of visitors and banning all kinds of tourism during the breeding season of the region’s #wildlife.
"'After implementing the tourism restrictions on the coral-rich island, we will focus on Tanguar Haor,' she said, adding that the government is working with different stakeholders, including tour operators and local communities, to find a #sustainable way to protect these ecologically important areas.
"Since 1999, Bangladesh has declared 13 biodiversity-rich areas as ECAs under the Environment Protection Act, 1995. According to the ECA rules, any development work and other activities like tourism that threaten biodiversity and ecology are strictly prohibited in the ECAs.
"However, the former governments had failed to conserve the ECAs over the years, though some protection measures have been put in place in Saint Martin’s Island, Tanguar Haor, #HakalukiHaor, #CoxsBazarBeach, the #Sundarbans and #SonadiaIsland through different projects.
"The new non-political government, formed by civil society members in August following the collapse of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, plans to implement the ECA rules to protect the biodiversity hotspots."
-
New tourism restrictions to protect #Bangladesh’s unique #wetlands and #coral-rich island
by Abu Siddique
14 Oct 2024"In a bid to protect #biodiversity hotspots in the country, Bangladesh plans to restrict tourism and introduce environment-friendly guidelines and directions for tourists visiting the Ecologically Critical Areas (#ECAs).
"The coral reef-rich #SaintMartinsIsland and one of the largest #haors — a type of wetland #ecosystem — in the country, #TanguarHaor, known to be a habitat for breeding fish and waterfowls, will soon see the first restrictions on tourism.
"Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the newly appointed advisor for the environment, forest and #ClimateChange ministry, said, 'Initially, we will impose restrictions on night stays at Saint Martin’s Island to reduce the pressure on the island soon. Gradually, we will increase the level of restrictions as well as the number of ECAs under tourism restrictions.'
"She added that some of these restrictions would include banning the use of single-use plastic, minimizing the number of visitors and banning all kinds of tourism during the breeding season of the region’s #wildlife.
"'After implementing the tourism restrictions on the coral-rich island, we will focus on Tanguar Haor,' she said, adding that the government is working with different stakeholders, including tour operators and local communities, to find a #sustainable way to protect these ecologically important areas.
"Since 1999, Bangladesh has declared 13 biodiversity-rich areas as ECAs under the Environment Protection Act, 1995. According to the ECA rules, any development work and other activities like tourism that threaten biodiversity and ecology are strictly prohibited in the ECAs.
"However, the former governments had failed to conserve the ECAs over the years, though some protection measures have been put in place in Saint Martin’s Island, Tanguar Haor, #HakalukiHaor, #CoxsBazarBeach, the #Sundarbans and #SonadiaIsland through different projects.
"The new non-political government, formed by civil society members in August following the collapse of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, plans to implement the ECA rules to protect the biodiversity hotspots."
-
New tourism restrictions to protect #Bangladesh’s unique #wetlands and #coral-rich island
by Abu Siddique
14 Oct 2024"In a bid to protect #biodiversity hotspots in the country, Bangladesh plans to restrict tourism and introduce environment-friendly guidelines and directions for tourists visiting the Ecologically Critical Areas (#ECAs).
"The coral reef-rich #SaintMartinsIsland and one of the largest #haors — a type of wetland #ecosystem — in the country, #TanguarHaor, known to be a habitat for breeding fish and waterfowls, will soon see the first restrictions on tourism.
"Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the newly appointed advisor for the environment, forest and #ClimateChange ministry, said, 'Initially, we will impose restrictions on night stays at Saint Martin’s Island to reduce the pressure on the island soon. Gradually, we will increase the level of restrictions as well as the number of ECAs under tourism restrictions.'
"She added that some of these restrictions would include banning the use of single-use plastic, minimizing the number of visitors and banning all kinds of tourism during the breeding season of the region’s #wildlife.
"'After implementing the tourism restrictions on the coral-rich island, we will focus on Tanguar Haor,' she said, adding that the government is working with different stakeholders, including tour operators and local communities, to find a #sustainable way to protect these ecologically important areas.
"Since 1999, Bangladesh has declared 13 biodiversity-rich areas as ECAs under the Environment Protection Act, 1995. According to the ECA rules, any development work and other activities like tourism that threaten biodiversity and ecology are strictly prohibited in the ECAs.
"However, the former governments had failed to conserve the ECAs over the years, though some protection measures have been put in place in Saint Martin’s Island, Tanguar Haor, #HakalukiHaor, #CoxsBazarBeach, the #Sundarbans and #SonadiaIsland through different projects.
"The new non-political government, formed by civil society members in August following the collapse of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, plans to implement the ECA rules to protect the biodiversity hotspots."
-
New tourism restrictions to protect #Bangladesh’s unique #wetlands and #coral-rich island
by Abu Siddique
14 Oct 2024"In a bid to protect #biodiversity hotspots in the country, Bangladesh plans to restrict tourism and introduce environment-friendly guidelines and directions for tourists visiting the Ecologically Critical Areas (#ECAs).
"The coral reef-rich #SaintMartinsIsland and one of the largest #haors — a type of wetland #ecosystem — in the country, #TanguarHaor, known to be a habitat for breeding fish and waterfowls, will soon see the first restrictions on tourism.
"Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the newly appointed advisor for the environment, forest and #ClimateChange ministry, said, 'Initially, we will impose restrictions on night stays at Saint Martin’s Island to reduce the pressure on the island soon. Gradually, we will increase the level of restrictions as well as the number of ECAs under tourism restrictions.'
"She added that some of these restrictions would include banning the use of single-use plastic, minimizing the number of visitors and banning all kinds of tourism during the breeding season of the region’s #wildlife.
"'After implementing the tourism restrictions on the coral-rich island, we will focus on Tanguar Haor,' she said, adding that the government is working with different stakeholders, including tour operators and local communities, to find a #sustainable way to protect these ecologically important areas.
"Since 1999, Bangladesh has declared 13 biodiversity-rich areas as ECAs under the Environment Protection Act, 1995. According to the ECA rules, any development work and other activities like tourism that threaten biodiversity and ecology are strictly prohibited in the ECAs.
"However, the former governments had failed to conserve the ECAs over the years, though some protection measures have been put in place in Saint Martin’s Island, Tanguar Haor, #HakalukiHaor, #CoxsBazarBeach, the #Sundarbans and #SonadiaIsland through different projects.
"The new non-political government, formed by civil society members in August following the collapse of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, plans to implement the ECA rules to protect the biodiversity hotspots."
-
New tourism restrictions to protect #Bangladesh’s unique #wetlands and #coral-rich island
by Abu Siddique
14 Oct 2024"In a bid to protect #biodiversity hotspots in the country, Bangladesh plans to restrict tourism and introduce environment-friendly guidelines and directions for tourists visiting the Ecologically Critical Areas (#ECAs).
"The coral reef-rich #SaintMartinsIsland and one of the largest #haors — a type of wetland #ecosystem — in the country, #TanguarHaor, known to be a habitat for breeding fish and waterfowls, will soon see the first restrictions on tourism.
"Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the newly appointed advisor for the environment, forest and #ClimateChange ministry, said, 'Initially, we will impose restrictions on night stays at Saint Martin’s Island to reduce the pressure on the island soon. Gradually, we will increase the level of restrictions as well as the number of ECAs under tourism restrictions.'
"She added that some of these restrictions would include banning the use of single-use plastic, minimizing the number of visitors and banning all kinds of tourism during the breeding season of the region’s #wildlife.
"'After implementing the tourism restrictions on the coral-rich island, we will focus on Tanguar Haor,' she said, adding that the government is working with different stakeholders, including tour operators and local communities, to find a #sustainable way to protect these ecologically important areas.
"Since 1999, Bangladesh has declared 13 biodiversity-rich areas as ECAs under the Environment Protection Act, 1995. According to the ECA rules, any development work and other activities like tourism that threaten biodiversity and ecology are strictly prohibited in the ECAs.
"However, the former governments had failed to conserve the ECAs over the years, though some protection measures have been put in place in Saint Martin’s Island, Tanguar Haor, #HakalukiHaor, #CoxsBazarBeach, the #Sundarbans and #SonadiaIsland through different projects.
"The new non-political government, formed by civil society members in August following the collapse of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, plans to implement the ECA rules to protect the biodiversity hotspots."
-
#ScarboroughMaine Town Council rescinds support for #GorhamConnector
The 6-1 vote on the resolution follows increasing opposition among town residents to the controversial $331 million, 5-mile highway, which would affect 35 property owners in town.
by Drew Johnson
10/2/2024"The vote was not unexpected; a majority of councilors had voiced support for the resolution at a meeting last month.
"Myles Smith, a member of the #MainersForSmarterTransportation group that organized a rally outside Town Hall Wednesday night, commended the council for taking up the resolution.
"'We’ve heard a lot of people say, ‘There’s nothing we can do about this project,’ ‘It’s a done deal,’ or ‘It’s decided by the state,’ ' Smith said. 'But that’s not true. When people come together and stand up for what they believe in, and our elected leaders listen to their concerns, we can make changes that people want to see in their community.'
"The resolution rescinds the council’s support for the connector, citing the failure of the #MaineTurnpikeAuthority to fulfill the terms of its agreement with Scarborough and three other communities, as well as town residents’ widespread opposition to the project.
"The resolution is not binding on future councils and leaves open the possibility of collaborating with state and regional transportation groups to resolve traffic issues should such efforts garner significant public support.
"The Maine Turnpike Authority, Scarborough, Gorham, South Portland and Westbrook signed an agreement in May 2022 pledging support for the project. While those other communities have not officially considered withdrawing their support, officials in the other municipalities have been watching the Scarborough council’s deliberations closely as public opposition to the project mounts.
"The project, estimated to cost at least $331 million, was proposed by the turnpike authority to alleviate traffic congestion through the Gorham area and has been contentious from the outset.
"The four-lane, 5-mile connector would stretch from Route 114 at the Gorham Bypass into Scarborough with interchanges at County and Running Hill roads before linking up with Interstate 95 at Exit 45 in South Portland. It’s designed to alleviate traffic in other parts of those communities, such as on Route 114 and Route 22, which provide connections to the highway.
"According to a turnpike authority presentation to the Scarborough council in February, about 50 landowners would be impacted by the project via easements, 35 of them in Scarborough. The connector also would weave through #wetlands in the northern portion of town, sparking #environmental concerns.
"The preferred path also is set to cut through a portion of #SmilingHillFarm in #WestbrookMaine, a family-owned farm on 500 acres that has been in the Knight family for 13 generations, which spurred widespread opposition to the project.
"'I’m hoping today that the Town Council members decide to put a pause on this and to talk to the MTA about finding alternate routes or scrapping this project altogether,' Ben Wallace, a 12th-generation farmer at Smiling Hill Farm, said ahead of the vote."
Original article:
https://www.pressherald.com/2024/10/02/scarborough-town-council-votes-to-rescind-support-for-gorham-connector-project/Archived version:
https://archive.md/dkvkB#selection-2485.0-2541.254#Maine #MaineNews #SaveSmilingHillFarm #GorhamBypass #SaveSmilingHill #GorhamSpur
#Maine #RapidTransit #LightRail #SaveTheFarms #ProtectTheForest #InducedDemand #Sprawl #SaveRedBrook #ProtectTheWetlands #BrookTrout -
#ScarboroughMaine Town Council rescinds support for #GorhamConnector
The 6-1 vote on the resolution follows increasing opposition among town residents to the controversial $331 million, 5-mile highway, which would affect 35 property owners in town.
by Drew Johnson
10/2/2024"The vote was not unexpected; a majority of councilors had voiced support for the resolution at a meeting last month.
"Myles Smith, a member of the #MainersForSmarterTransportation group that organized a rally outside Town Hall Wednesday night, commended the council for taking up the resolution.
"'We’ve heard a lot of people say, ‘There’s nothing we can do about this project,’ ‘It’s a done deal,’ or ‘It’s decided by the state,’ ' Smith said. 'But that’s not true. When people come together and stand up for what they believe in, and our elected leaders listen to their concerns, we can make changes that people want to see in their community.'
"The resolution rescinds the council’s support for the connector, citing the failure of the #MaineTurnpikeAuthority to fulfill the terms of its agreement with Scarborough and three other communities, as well as town residents’ widespread opposition to the project.
"The resolution is not binding on future councils and leaves open the possibility of collaborating with state and regional transportation groups to resolve traffic issues should such efforts garner significant public support.
"The Maine Turnpike Authority, Scarborough, Gorham, South Portland and Westbrook signed an agreement in May 2022 pledging support for the project. While those other communities have not officially considered withdrawing their support, officials in the other municipalities have been watching the Scarborough council’s deliberations closely as public opposition to the project mounts.
"The project, estimated to cost at least $331 million, was proposed by the turnpike authority to alleviate traffic congestion through the Gorham area and has been contentious from the outset.
"The four-lane, 5-mile connector would stretch from Route 114 at the Gorham Bypass into Scarborough with interchanges at County and Running Hill roads before linking up with Interstate 95 at Exit 45 in South Portland. It’s designed to alleviate traffic in other parts of those communities, such as on Route 114 and Route 22, which provide connections to the highway.
"According to a turnpike authority presentation to the Scarborough council in February, about 50 landowners would be impacted by the project via easements, 35 of them in Scarborough. The connector also would weave through #wetlands in the northern portion of town, sparking #environmental concerns.
"The preferred path also is set to cut through a portion of #SmilingHillFarm in #WestbrookMaine, a family-owned farm on 500 acres that has been in the Knight family for 13 generations, which spurred widespread opposition to the project.
"'I’m hoping today that the Town Council members decide to put a pause on this and to talk to the MTA about finding alternate routes or scrapping this project altogether,' Ben Wallace, a 12th-generation farmer at Smiling Hill Farm, said ahead of the vote."
Original article:
https://www.pressherald.com/2024/10/02/scarborough-town-council-votes-to-rescind-support-for-gorham-connector-project/Archived version:
https://archive.md/dkvkB#selection-2485.0-2541.254#Maine #MaineNews #SaveSmilingHillFarm #GorhamBypass #SaveSmilingHill #GorhamSpur
#Maine #RapidTransit #LightRail #SaveTheFarms #ProtectTheForest #InducedDemand #Sprawl #SaveRedBrook #ProtectTheWetlands #BrookTrout -
#ScarboroughMaine Town Council rescinds support for #GorhamConnector
The 6-1 vote on the resolution follows increasing opposition among town residents to the controversial $331 million, 5-mile highway, which would affect 35 property owners in town.
by Drew Johnson
10/2/2024"The vote was not unexpected; a majority of councilors had voiced support for the resolution at a meeting last month.
"Myles Smith, a member of the #MainersForSmarterTransportation group that organized a rally outside Town Hall Wednesday night, commended the council for taking up the resolution.
"'We’ve heard a lot of people say, ‘There’s nothing we can do about this project,’ ‘It’s a done deal,’ or ‘It’s decided by the state,’ ' Smith said. 'But that’s not true. When people come together and stand up for what they believe in, and our elected leaders listen to their concerns, we can make changes that people want to see in their community.'
"The resolution rescinds the council’s support for the connector, citing the failure of the #MaineTurnpikeAuthority to fulfill the terms of its agreement with Scarborough and three other communities, as well as town residents’ widespread opposition to the project.
"The resolution is not binding on future councils and leaves open the possibility of collaborating with state and regional transportation groups to resolve traffic issues should such efforts garner significant public support.
"The Maine Turnpike Authority, Scarborough, Gorham, South Portland and Westbrook signed an agreement in May 2022 pledging support for the project. While those other communities have not officially considered withdrawing their support, officials in the other municipalities have been watching the Scarborough council’s deliberations closely as public opposition to the project mounts.
"The project, estimated to cost at least $331 million, was proposed by the turnpike authority to alleviate traffic congestion through the Gorham area and has been contentious from the outset.
"The four-lane, 5-mile connector would stretch from Route 114 at the Gorham Bypass into Scarborough with interchanges at County and Running Hill roads before linking up with Interstate 95 at Exit 45 in South Portland. It’s designed to alleviate traffic in other parts of those communities, such as on Route 114 and Route 22, which provide connections to the highway.
"According to a turnpike authority presentation to the Scarborough council in February, about 50 landowners would be impacted by the project via easements, 35 of them in Scarborough. The connector also would weave through #wetlands in the northern portion of town, sparking #environmental concerns.
"The preferred path also is set to cut through a portion of #SmilingHillFarm in #WestbrookMaine, a family-owned farm on 500 acres that has been in the Knight family for 13 generations, which spurred widespread opposition to the project.
"'I’m hoping today that the Town Council members decide to put a pause on this and to talk to the MTA about finding alternate routes or scrapping this project altogether,' Ben Wallace, a 12th-generation farmer at Smiling Hill Farm, said ahead of the vote."
Original article:
https://www.pressherald.com/2024/10/02/scarborough-town-council-votes-to-rescind-support-for-gorham-connector-project/Archived version:
https://archive.md/dkvkB#selection-2485.0-2541.254#Maine #MaineNews #SaveSmilingHillFarm #GorhamBypass #SaveSmilingHill #GorhamSpur
#Maine #RapidTransit #LightRail #SaveTheFarms #ProtectTheForest #InducedDemand #Sprawl #SaveRedBrook #ProtectTheWetlands #BrookTrout -
#ScarboroughMaine Town Council rescinds support for #GorhamConnector
The 6-1 vote on the resolution follows increasing opposition among town residents to the controversial $331 million, 5-mile highway, which would affect 35 property owners in town.
by Drew Johnson
10/2/2024"The vote was not unexpected; a majority of councilors had voiced support for the resolution at a meeting last month.
"Myles Smith, a member of the #MainersForSmarterTransportation group that organized a rally outside Town Hall Wednesday night, commended the council for taking up the resolution.
"'We’ve heard a lot of people say, ‘There’s nothing we can do about this project,’ ‘It’s a done deal,’ or ‘It’s decided by the state,’ ' Smith said. 'But that’s not true. When people come together and stand up for what they believe in, and our elected leaders listen to their concerns, we can make changes that people want to see in their community.'
"The resolution rescinds the council’s support for the connector, citing the failure of the #MaineTurnpikeAuthority to fulfill the terms of its agreement with Scarborough and three other communities, as well as town residents’ widespread opposition to the project.
"The resolution is not binding on future councils and leaves open the possibility of collaborating with state and regional transportation groups to resolve traffic issues should such efforts garner significant public support.
"The Maine Turnpike Authority, Scarborough, Gorham, South Portland and Westbrook signed an agreement in May 2022 pledging support for the project. While those other communities have not officially considered withdrawing their support, officials in the other municipalities have been watching the Scarborough council’s deliberations closely as public opposition to the project mounts.
"The project, estimated to cost at least $331 million, was proposed by the turnpike authority to alleviate traffic congestion through the Gorham area and has been contentious from the outset.
"The four-lane, 5-mile connector would stretch from Route 114 at the Gorham Bypass into Scarborough with interchanges at County and Running Hill roads before linking up with Interstate 95 at Exit 45 in South Portland. It’s designed to alleviate traffic in other parts of those communities, such as on Route 114 and Route 22, which provide connections to the highway.
"According to a turnpike authority presentation to the Scarborough council in February, about 50 landowners would be impacted by the project via easements, 35 of them in Scarborough. The connector also would weave through #wetlands in the northern portion of town, sparking #environmental concerns.
"The preferred path also is set to cut through a portion of #SmilingHillFarm in #WestbrookMaine, a family-owned farm on 500 acres that has been in the Knight family for 13 generations, which spurred widespread opposition to the project.
"'I’m hoping today that the Town Council members decide to put a pause on this and to talk to the MTA about finding alternate routes or scrapping this project altogether,' Ben Wallace, a 12th-generation farmer at Smiling Hill Farm, said ahead of the vote."
Original article:
https://www.pressherald.com/2024/10/02/scarborough-town-council-votes-to-rescind-support-for-gorham-connector-project/Archived version:
https://archive.md/dkvkB#selection-2485.0-2541.254#Maine #MaineNews #SaveSmilingHillFarm #GorhamBypass #SaveSmilingHill #GorhamSpur
#Maine #RapidTransit #LightRail #SaveTheFarms #ProtectTheForest #InducedDemand #Sprawl #SaveRedBrook #ProtectTheWetlands #BrookTrout -
#ScarboroughMaine Town Council rescinds support for #GorhamConnector
The 6-1 vote on the resolution follows increasing opposition among town residents to the controversial $331 million, 5-mile highway, which would affect 35 property owners in town.
by Drew Johnson
10/2/2024"The vote was not unexpected; a majority of councilors had voiced support for the resolution at a meeting last month.
"Myles Smith, a member of the #MainersForSmarterTransportation group that organized a rally outside Town Hall Wednesday night, commended the council for taking up the resolution.
"'We’ve heard a lot of people say, ‘There’s nothing we can do about this project,’ ‘It’s a done deal,’ or ‘It’s decided by the state,’ ' Smith said. 'But that’s not true. When people come together and stand up for what they believe in, and our elected leaders listen to their concerns, we can make changes that people want to see in their community.'
"The resolution rescinds the council’s support for the connector, citing the failure of the #MaineTurnpikeAuthority to fulfill the terms of its agreement with Scarborough and three other communities, as well as town residents’ widespread opposition to the project.
"The resolution is not binding on future councils and leaves open the possibility of collaborating with state and regional transportation groups to resolve traffic issues should such efforts garner significant public support.
"The Maine Turnpike Authority, Scarborough, Gorham, South Portland and Westbrook signed an agreement in May 2022 pledging support for the project. While those other communities have not officially considered withdrawing their support, officials in the other municipalities have been watching the Scarborough council’s deliberations closely as public opposition to the project mounts.
"The project, estimated to cost at least $331 million, was proposed by the turnpike authority to alleviate traffic congestion through the Gorham area and has been contentious from the outset.
"The four-lane, 5-mile connector would stretch from Route 114 at the Gorham Bypass into Scarborough with interchanges at County and Running Hill roads before linking up with Interstate 95 at Exit 45 in South Portland. It’s designed to alleviate traffic in other parts of those communities, such as on Route 114 and Route 22, which provide connections to the highway.
"According to a turnpike authority presentation to the Scarborough council in February, about 50 landowners would be impacted by the project via easements, 35 of them in Scarborough. The connector also would weave through #wetlands in the northern portion of town, sparking #environmental concerns.
"The preferred path also is set to cut through a portion of #SmilingHillFarm in #WestbrookMaine, a family-owned farm on 500 acres that has been in the Knight family for 13 generations, which spurred widespread opposition to the project.
"'I’m hoping today that the Town Council members decide to put a pause on this and to talk to the MTA about finding alternate routes or scrapping this project altogether,' Ben Wallace, a 12th-generation farmer at Smiling Hill Farm, said ahead of the vote."
Original article:
https://www.pressherald.com/2024/10/02/scarborough-town-council-votes-to-rescind-support-for-gorham-connector-project/Archived version:
https://archive.md/dkvkB#selection-2485.0-2541.254#Maine #MaineNews #SaveSmilingHillFarm #GorhamBypass #SaveSmilingHill #GorhamSpur
#Maine #RapidTransit #LightRail #SaveTheFarms #ProtectTheForest #InducedDemand #Sprawl #SaveRedBrook #ProtectTheWetlands #BrookTrout