Table of
Contents
Section
page
1.
Introduction……………………………………………………….. 3
2. History of
Whitefield…………………………………….. ……….5
3. A Vision for
Whitefield…………………………………………….9
4. Goals and
Policies……………………………………………….10
5. Implementation
Strategies………………………………………18
Appendix
A:
Inventories
A-I. Population and
Demographics……………………………,30
A-2. Land
Use…………………………………………………....37
A-3. Local
Economy……………………………………………..41
A-4.
Housing……………………………………………………...44
A-5.
Transportation………………………………………………48
A-6. Public Services and
Facilities……………………………..58
A-7. Recreation
Resources……………………………………..73
A-8. Cultural
Resources…………………………………………77
A-9. Historic and Archaeological
Resources………………….80
A-10. Natural
Resources………………………………………….84
A-11. Fiscal
Capacity……………………………………………...92
Appendix
B: Maps
B-1 Buildings in Whitefield:
1893-2001
B-2 Churches, Cemeteries, Historic Buildings
& Sites
B-3 Soils
B-4 Landcover
B-5 Shoreland
Zones
B-6 Surface and Groundwater Issues
B-7 Wetlands and Related Habitat &
Deer Wintering Areas
B-8 Elevation, Natural Features, Conserved
B-9 MNAP Exemplary Communities,
Rare Animal Occurrences
B-10 Proposed “Village” & Business
Development Preferred Use Areas
1. Introduction
Whitefield
is the fastest growing town in
Whitefield’s
last town-approved comprehensive plan dates from 1977. The present plan updates data and documents the numerous
changes, with the issues they raise, that have taken place in recent years, and
proposes policies and strategies to address them.
The
Whitefield Comprehensive Planning Committee was authorized by the Town’s
selectmen, and modest funding was approved at the 2003 Town Meeting. The
committee was charged with taking stock (inventory) of town resources, issues,
and trends in order to develop a current comprehensive plan that would be
presented to the State and the residents of the town for approval in 2004/2005.
The Committee chair was Charlene Donahue. Active committee members included
Charles Acker, Alice Davis, David Dixon, Erik Ekholm, Libby Harmon, Herb
Hartman, Pat Jennings, Ann Marie Maguire, Tony Marple, Lucy Martin, Sue McKeen
(vice-chair), Marie Sacks, and Lester Sheaffer Jr.
(secretary).
The
purpose of the Comprehensive Planning Committee’s work, in which many
neighboring towns are presently engaged, is to develop a plan for guiding change
within the community for the next ten to twenty years.
A
survey sent by the committee to 1000 Whitefield residents in the summer of 2002
indicated that a majority of the 220 respondents favored maintaining the town’s
“rural character” in the face of rapidly growing population and increased
development, both residential and commercial.
A
bus tour taken by the planning committee in the fall of 2003 reacquainted
members with the many beautiful stretches of woods and open fields that are an essential component of the town’s
“rural character” and make Whitefield a special place to live. At the same time,
the numerous new homes that had sprouted along byways and back roads testified
to the attractiveness of the town to a rapidly growing number of new
residents.
The
planning committee held meetings on the third Thursday of every month; hired
facilitator Erik Hellsted from Planning Decisions of South Portland to advise
and assist in the preparation of materials; and received invaluable assistance
from the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association, which prepared numerous
maps, and the Lincoln County Planner, Bob Faunce, who prepared the
transportation section. A newsletter was sent to residents in March 2004;
presentations on the progress of the planning process and the plan itself were
made to the selectmen on several occasions and at the 2003 and 2004 Town
Meetings; a “visioning” session for residents was held in April, 2004; portions
of the developing plan were sent electronically to a mailing list of interested
parties; and extensive outreach efforts were made to inform residents of the
plan’s findings and solicit review and comment on the inventories and the
committee’s proposed goals and strategies. “Neighborhood” discussion meetings
were held in Coopers Mills and Kings Mills in July 2005; a public hearing was
held on
A
comprehensive plan is only the first step of the planning process. In some
cases, this plan recommends the establishment of several new local committees to
implement the policies, gathering new information and refining actions to make
them responsive to the needs and wishes of the community. Community involvement
and fine- tuning of the plan are essential if it is to serve as an effective
framework for local decisions.
While
the plan recommends changes in ordinances that, if approved by the town’s
citizens, could affect what persons may do with their properties, the plan
essentially stresses voluntary compliance and the use of incentives that would
both benefit landowners and facilitate wise land use. The plan also calls for
greater flexibility in ordinances governing land use to encourage open space
preservation and village development. Any change to an existing ordinance or a
new ordinance will need to be approved at Town Meeting.
The
bulk of the committee’s work, and a great deal of information about Whitefield,
will be found in Appendix A, which contains the inventories of the eleven
subject areas considered relevant to the town and its residents. Appendix B
contains the maps cited in the inventories. Section 2 presents a history of the
town; Section 3 elements of a vision of a future Whitefield; Section 4 the
town’s goals for each of the inventory subject areas, a discussion of the
findings of the inventories contained in the Appendix, and a listing of the
issues and implications raised by the findings; and Section 5 presents the
strategies by which the town will address the issues presented in the preceding
section.
2. History of Whitefield
(This is an abstract of A Brief
History of Whitefield 1760-2004,
available through the Whitefield
Historical Society.)
The Town of
Although the
forests of Ballstown were logged for years, and white pine trees suitable for
masts for the King’s Navy were marked, settlement did not commence in earnest
until after the end of the Indian Wars in 1760. Most settlers were not wealthy;
they were looking only to establish homesteads for themselves and their
children. Some settlers obtained legitimate grants from the proprietors, but
many did not get legal title to their lands until after the courts had resolved
difficulties with the Proprietors in 1815.
The political
organization of the Ballstown Plantation is somewhat obscure. Apparently never
incorporated under
Not everyone came simply to
establish a homestead. Some saw the wilderness as a place for gaining wealth
from land speculation, lumber and mill operations. Mill sites on the
At
The other main mill site was
at Coopers Mills, north of where the road now crosses the river. The first
mills, one on each side of the river, were built about 1804. The mill on the
east side of the river was acquired by Jesse Cooper of
Besides the Ball lime kiln
on the
From earliest settlement and
for at least 100 years,
Their distance from the seat
of government in Kings Mills prompted the residents of the Hunts Meadow and the
Coopers Mills settlements to petition the state of Massachusetts in 1819 to
redraw the northern boundary of Whitefield to make those settlements part of
Malta (Windsor). The petition was opposed by the town and denied by the state.
Again in 1843 when the Town House was built halfway between North Whitefield and
Kings Mills, the Coopers Mills and Hunts Meadow people felt excluded from town
meeting and voting. This building was relocated in 1989 to a site near the
present school. It sits atop a new foundation where the Town Office is located.
The 1843 structure now houses the Whitefield Historical Society. Voting is still
held in the old Town House, although the town meeting has been held in the
Many of our early settlers,
especially around Kings Mills, could trace their roots to the Newburyport area
where they or their parents had been touched by the preaching of the Reverend
George Whitefield, an English evangelical Calvinistic minister who preached
throughout the colonies from the 1730s to 1770. When the town was incorporated
in 1809, it is likely that this group of settlers were instrumental in choosing
a name that would honor George Whitefield. Although the First Baptist
congregation built a meeting house in 1804, the location is not certain,
probably at the corner of
While the majority of
Ballstown settlers came primarily from a Protestant and English heritage, Irish
Catholic immigrants began arriving here about 1800. About 1820 Rev. Denis Ryan
came to serve the Whitefield Irish community. The first Catholic Church, a
wooden structure, was built in 1822 and named St. Denis to commemorate the
French priests who first served the Catholic population of
About 115 Revolutionary War
veterans were living in Ballstown by 1800. In the War of 1812 nearly 100
Whitefield residents served. This war had a lasting effect on Whitefield’s
economy because it devastated the maritime activity of the
While social interactions in
Whitefield have traditionally revolved around church, neighborhood and farm
interests, after the Civil War, benevolent societies aimed at improving local
life sprang up. The Union veterans of the Civil War established an organization
known as the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR). In about 1869, about 40
Whitefield veterans formed the Erskine Post #24 of the GAR. The GAR Hall in
North Whitefield was completed in 1885. It also housed a free high school and
has been important in the social and intellectual life of the town. The
Whitefield Grange #101 was organized in Kings Mills in 1875. The Arlington
Grange #528, was chartered in 1914 and met in North Whitefield in the GAR Hall,
which it acquired in 1919. The hall is now known as the Arlington Grange Hall.
In 1969,the Whitefield Grange merged with the Arlington Grange which continues
to have suppers and programs today.
In 1899, the Whitefield Fish
and Game Club was established as a conservation society pledged to care for the
fish and game in the river and forests. The club joined forces with the
Whitefield Grange to build the Whitefield Union Hall in Kings Mills in 1900. The
Fish and Game Club was famous for its annual game suppers. It continued in
operation until 1972.
Women also carried out
benevolent activities. The Helping Hand Society at the Whitefield Union Church,
organized in 1909, raised money by ice cream socials and “fancy” work
(crocheting, hand-sewn articles, embroidery, etc.) The Willing Workers Club,
organized in the Plains section of town in 1904 by eight women, raised enough
money by sewing quilts and aprons to start a Sunday School, and eventually built
a two-story chapel. After the fire departments were organized in the 1940s, the
Women’s Auxiliaries held suppers and fairs to raise money.
The Gov. Kavanaugh Council,
Knights of Columbus, was founded in 1909 at St. Denis Church. In 1956 a hall was
built just below the church on
There are also three
volunteer fire departments, one for each village. The North Whitefield Fire
Volunteer Department was organized in 1944, the Kings Mills Department in 1947.
After a devastating fire which wiped out the general store and post office in
The health needs of the
community were met by home remedies and common sense. There are no doctors
listed in the Ballstown records. In the 19th and early 20th centuries,
doctors were available from Gardiner,
Perhaps nothing demonstrates
the influence of outside forces on Whitefield’s evolution more than the changes
in population over the years since the earliest settlement, shown in the graph
below. After about 60 years of rapid in-migration, Whitefield experienced a
decline in population which continued for nearly 100 years. The
The arrival of the Narrow
Gauge Railroad (the Wiscasset and
During the depression and
after World War II, a slow trickle of people began to return to Whitefield. Some
became dairy or poultry farmers. The broiler industry collapsed in the 1970s.
Only several dairy farms exist today.
The sharp rise in population
which began in 1970 coincides with the movement of “back-to-the-land” city
dwellers, who began buying and restoring Whitefield’s abandoned farmhouses or
who built houses on large tracts of former farm or forest land. Many of these
were non-farmers whose work took them out of town but who maintained some
relationship with the land. Some became sustenance farmers and developed crafts
as a way of earning a living. The population rise over the last decade or so
coincides with the continuing decline of farming and rapidly rising land values
which have encouraged people with large holdings to sell their land. More and
more farmland is being sold off in small parcels and fewer and fewer people earn
their living in Whitefield. Social patterns are no longer dependent on
neighborhood or farm interests. Not since the beginning of settlement, when the
aboriginal forest was cut down and land cleared for farming, has there been such
a potential for profound changes in the physical and social landscape of the
town.
3. ELEMENTS OF A VISION FOR WHITEFIELD
Residents who responded
to queries about why they moved to Whitefield, or what they wanted to change as
little as possible, cited maintaining the community’s “rural
character” as the future brings
continued population growth, social change, and development. “Rural character”
is not defined in this plan, and may have different meanings for different
people, whether they are descendants of original settlers, multi-generational
residents, or newcomers. The traditional economic bases of “rural character”,
agriculture and forestry, have declined in importance. Whitefield has more
houses, more cultural and socio-economic diversity, more traffic, and higher
property taxes, to name a few changes. Ironically “rural character”, in
Whitefield’s case, also means affordable property, in an attractive and friendly
“rural” setting, the very reasons for the rapid increase in population and
social change that most threaten to change the community. Where “rural
character” once, years ago, may have meant stability and a great degree of
individual independence with few restrictions on land use, change has occurred.
As population and development increase controls are increasingly necessary to
protect the health and safety of the community’s citizens, and to attempt to
conserve those elements that the citizens value.
The elements
listed below represent the Comprehensive Planning Committee members’ impressions
of the most salient features of Whitefield’s “rural character”.
·
A sense of
community fostered through a broad understanding of and respect for the town’s
history, its diverse population; support for the elementary school and its
programs, community suppers and fund raising; the Town Meeting; restoration of
old structures; locally-produced crafts, artwork, and food; places where people can gather
such as Uncas Farm, the Union Hall, the school;
·
neighborliness;
·
farms and
farmlands, with barns and silos, gardens, fields of corn and hay, glimpses of
horses, cows, sheep, llamas;
·
concentrated
residential and commercial development in traditional “village” areas: North
Whitefield, Coopers Mills, and along Route 17;
·
unpolluted
lakes, wetlands, rivers, and streams, habitats for various species and
accessible to the public for recreation;
·
scenic views
of open space —fields and forest—and residential and commercial development
sensitive to the value of such open space to the
community;
·
woods
harboring songbirds, game birds, predators and large and small game--deer,
moose, fox, raccoon;
·
opportunities
for various dispersed and organized forms of outdoor recreation—hunting,
fishing, cross-country skiing, walking, bicycling, horseback riding,
snowmobiling, boating, golf, swimming, soccer, baseball;
·
country
roads, some unpaved, with undeveloped corridors, light traffic, low
speeds;
·
a variety of
small businesses, many of which are home-based, that provide employment and
income to residents of Whitefield without significant negative impact on its
scenic, rural, and environmental qualities.
·
an efficient
and effective municipal government mindful of the need for limited property
taxation, meeting the needs of residents.
4. Goals and Policies
Whitefield’s
comprehensive planning effort has produced extensive “inventories” of eleven
subject areas relative to the future of the town and its residents: population
and demographics; land use; local economy; housing; transportation; public
services and facilities; recreational resources; cultural resources; historic
and archeological resources; natural resources; and fiscal capacity. These
inventories with their figures and tables contain a significant amount of
information about the town and comprise Appendix A. The maps cited in the
inventories comprise Appendix B.
This
section contains the goal(s) for each inventory subject, presents a condensed
discussion of the findings and issues, and proposes policies under which the
issues will be addressed. Strategies intended to implement the policies appear
in the next section.
1.
Population and
Demographics
Goal: Anticipate
the rapid population growth of the community and develop policies and strategies
that best serve this increasing population while preserving the community's
rural, scenic, and natural qualities.
Discussion: As the
fastest growing town in
Our survey
has shown that high among the values which our citizens desire to conserve are
Whitefield's rural character, scenic vistas, and natural resources. Our
expanding population will bring increasing pressures for development with the
threats of urban sprawl, increasing traffic, impairment of scenic vistas and
natural resources, and demands upon the town for greater
services.
Policy: Policies
and implementation strategies to respond to this general goal are detailed in
the sections that follow.
2.
Land Use
Goal: Provide for
orderly development while preserving open space, retaining forestry and
agriculture, and protecting critical resources such as aquifers and
environmentally sensitive areas.
Discussion: With
significant residential growth, driven by relatively affordable land and low
taxes, the rural character of Whitefield is being altered. Most residential
development tends to occur along roadways, but as the corridors become lined
with houses, subdivisions on interior lands will encroach upon important
wildlife habitat. To date there are relatively few subdivisions, but given
projected growth rates, improved roads and available land, more subdivisions are
likely. Currently, there is a minimum lot size requirement of 1.5 acres along
with road frontage requirements. At present, Whitefield's Subdivision Ordinance
does not make allowances for alternative housing patterns that would promote
open space, conserve rural character, and allow flexibility of
development.
Gravel
mining is a significant economic activity in Whitefield. Compliance with
standards for reclamation and buffer zones has not been consistent.
A large
aquifer, a major source of drinking water and vulnerable to pollution, runs
through Whitefield from north to south under sand and gravel
deposits.
There is no
definition for types of commercial development that differentiates between high
and low impact on the environment or residential values; such development can
occur practically anywhere in the town.
Whitefield
requires property owners to file a Notice to Build form prior to construction.
This notice, approved by the Planning Board and the Code Enforcement Officer can
assist the Board of Selectmen in assessing property in a timely and equitable
manner and to monitor what type of development is occurring. Compliance with the
requirement to file a NTB is estimated to be about 75%.
Policies:
1. The Town shall endeavor to manage
land use and development through incentives, tax increment financing (TIF), and
voluntary cooperation, without the use of zoning.
2. The Town shall make use of ordinances
where necessary to promote orderly development, protect aquifers, prevent
pollution of air and water, and ensure public safety.
3. The Town shall designate “preferred use
areas” for purposes such as village development, business development, and
protection of natural resources.
[“Preferred
use areas” are not districts designated for legal restrictions on land use, but
are rather areas for which voluntary cooperation, incentives, grants, etc.,
might be sought to achieve the goals of the comprehensive plan.]
3.
Local Economy
Goal: Encourage
economic growth and opportunity consistent with the town's rural character and
scenic values.
Discussion: Despite
Whitefield's rural setting, we are becoming a suburb of
Whitefield
has a large number of gravel deposits, a resource being extracted for use in
construction throughout the region. Gravel transportation can accelerate the
degradation of the town's transportation network.
Whitefield
has a number of small and home-based businesses, including garden farms, home
professional businesses, and seasonal occupations that are critical to the
livelihood of the town.
Some areas
are more suitable for business development than others. There is currently some
clustering of businesses in Coopers Mills and North Whitefield. Except for
limitations imposed by Shoreland Zoning there is little to preclude any type of
business from locating anywhere in town.
While
Whitefield receives economic development representation from the Lincoln County
Economic Development Office, our town has no economic development strategy,
local program, or organization to promote economic activity in the
community.
Policies:
1. The Town shall encourage the
continuation of rural and resource-based activities such as forestry and
farming.
2. The Town shall create a comprehensive
approach to economic development which complements the town's rural
character.
3. The Town shall attract and
encourage appropriate business development.
4.
Housing
Goal: Encourage
the development of new housing and fuller use of existing housing to accommodate
a growing and aging population
Discussion: While
At present
there are no building codes to ensure the safety of new
dwellings.
Policies:
1. The Town shall create greater
flexibility in lot size requirements in order to preserve open space while
minimizing sprawl, and permitting village and multi-unit
development.
2. The Town shall encourage full
utilization of existing housing such as use of accessory
units.
3. The Town shall encourage the
development of housing suitable for senior citizens such as multi-unit
development and assisted living facilities.
4. The Town shall ensure that new
housing meets the minimum requirements for safety.
5.
Transportation
Goal: Improve the
safety, efficiency, and scenic character of the town's transportation
network.
Discussion: Increased
development will lead to increased traffic on Whitefield's roadways, and road
improvements may be associated with increased speed. The Town lacks standards for new and
existing roads and bridges that both ensure quality and safety and protect
scenic values. The Town does not have a long-range plan for bridge replacement
and roadway improvement.
Policies:
1. The Town shall continue to improve
the quality of its transportation network.
2. The Town shall strive to improve
the safety and usability of our roads and corridors.
3. The Town shall strive to retain
the scenic character of our transportation network.
6.
Public Services and
Facilities
Goal: Provide
services and facilities that are effective, efficient, and adequate to meet the
needs of the citizens of Whitefield.
Discussion: The
existing town office is inadequate for the amount of business currently conducted, and service demands will
increase with the expanding population. There is no adequate and comfortable
space for meetings of boards and commissions. Space and security provisions for
town records are inadequate for future needs. There is no long-range plan for
financing, maintaining, and/or replacing town facilities. There is no capital
improvement fund setting aside money for future capital
improvements.
The town
water supply was found to contain bacteria and may need to be treated or another
source may need to be developed. Requirements for trash disposal may increase as
the population grows.
The Coopers
Mills Dam is in poor condition and hinders fish passage.
The year
2009 is the Bicentennial Year for Whitefield; a warrant article was passed in
2004 to start a fund to pay for a celebration.
The
school requires capital improvements and additional space may be required in the
future to meet anticipated population growth.
There
is no transportation for secondary school students, a factor in school
dropout.
Policies:
1. The Town shall plan for the long-term
maintenance, development, or replacement of facilities.
2. The Town shall safeguard the
3. The Town shall ensure the safety of the
town water supply.
4. The Town shall support the
Whitefield Bicentennial Celebration.
Fire and
Rescue Services:
Discussion: From north
to south the town of
While there
is a First Responder unit, the Town does not have its own rescue service.
The Town
does not have a long-range plan for apparatus and equipment replacement.
Personal and
business insurance costs of Whitefield citizens could be lower with a better
Insurance Standards Organization (ISO) rating.
The major
problems facing the volunteer fire associations are the aging of volunteers and
the difficulties in recruiting, training, and retaining
personnel.
Policies:
1. The Town shall continue to support
three local fire associations, as well as a rescue
service.
2. For the fire services, the Town shall
develop a long-range plan for equipment replacement, maintenance of services, and
personnel replacement.
7.
Recreational
Resources
Goal: Enhance
recreational opportunities for Whitefield residents.
Discussion: As the town
grows and becomes more suburban, the demand for higher- intensity recreational
areas (ball fields, gymnasiums, etc.) will likely increase. Existing resources
are limited and could be overwhelmed. Lower-intensity recreation areas (for
hiking, hunting, etc.) tend to be privately-owned. Projected growth and changing
community values (contrary to a strong tradition of public access to private
land) could reduce available private land or access to resources in the future.
Access points to the
Snowmobile
registration revenues are used by the local snowmobile club to maintain trails
without consideration of other recreational opportunities that could be
supported.
Policies:
1. The Town shall improve its ability
to respond to changing recreation needs.
2. The cost and funding of facilities
shall be determined on an individual project basis.
3. The Town shall increase the number
and improve the quality of recreational facilities that it
provides.
4. The Town shall support
efforts to keep as much private land open and accessible to the public as is
possible.
8.
Cultural Resources
Goal: Ensure that
Whitefield residents have access to cultural events, programs, and
facilities.
Discussion: The
Policies:
1. The Town shall provide adequate and
appropriate space for cultural activities.
2. The Town shall support the efforts
of private organizations that provide cultural programs and opportunities to
Whitefield residents.
9.
Historic and Archaeological
Resources
Goal: Ensure the
appreciation of our historical heritage by Whitefield residents through
education, and preservation of and access to historical features such as houses,
cemeteries, and records.
Discussion: Whitefield,
with an interesting colonial and post-colonial past, has a large number of
historically significant structures, and records. Residents tend to have a
limited appreciation of local history. The only structure presently on the
National Register of Historic Places is the St. Denis church. There is no survey
of other buildings in the community that might qualify for the National Register
of Historical Places. Several important cemeteries are in disrepair; there is no
plan for prioritizing and funding restoration of town-owned cemeteries. In
addition there are potential archaeological sites that have not been
investigated. Historical town records are subject to deterioration because of
insufficient storage facilities.
Policies:
1. The Town shall preserve important
historic sites and archaeological resources.
2. Whitefield shall seek to restore
the Town’s cemeteries.
3. The Town shall ensure the
preservation of historic records.
10.
Natural Resources
Goal: Preserve
for future generations the quality of our town's natural resources, including
water bodies, aquifers, wetlands, wildlife habitat, and agricultural and forest
resources.
Discussion: Rapidly
changing land use, resulting from population pressures and development, could
threaten our natural resources including water, fragile soils, and wildlife.
Water quality impacts the genetically distinct and naturally reproducing
Atlantic salmon population of the
Policies:
1. The Town shall develop plans to guide
protection of our natural resources.
2. The Town shall enforce existing
ordinances established for the protection of natural resources and modify them
as needed.
3. The Town shall identify and
preserve areas with important wildlife habitat.
4. The Town shall update or expand
development performance standards with regard to environmental
protection.
5. The Town shall support and
advance agriculture and forestry.
11.
Fiscal Capacity
Goal: Maintain
the Town's fiscal soundness and provide a stable, fair and equitable level of
funding for education and municipal services.
Discussion: Some forms
of State aid are based on valuation. Whitefield's valuation is substantially
less than the State’s valuation which is based on current property sales
information. Given the same level of municipal income and expenditures,
increased local valuation would result in a lower tax (mill) rate.
Noncompliance
with the Town’s required Notice to Build hampers fair and timely adjustment of
valuations.
Policies:
1. The Town shall ensure that
Whitefield's real estate valuation is fair, timely, and exceeds the State’s
minimum assessment ratio of 70%.
2. The Town shall ensure that the
provision of municipal and education services is as cost-efficient as
possible.
5. Implementation
Strategies
The
following strategies are designed to implement the policies that address the
issues for each Inventory subject as summarized in the preceding chapter and
stated more fully in Appendix A.
1. Population and Demographics
Policies: Policies
and implementation strategies to respond to this general goal are detailed in
the sections that follow.
2. Land Use
Policies:
1. The town
shall endeavor to manage land use and development through incentives, tax
increment financing (TIF), and voluntary cooperation, without the use of
zoning.
Strategies:
A. The
Planning Board should propose amendments to ordinances pertaining to minimum lot
size, road frontage, and subdivisions to permit cluster development and
multi-family units, i.e., smaller lot sizes and/or greater density in a portion
of the tract in exchange for permanent dedication of a portion of the land for
open space. Seek town approval in
2007.
B. The
Planning Board will consider the recommendations of the Conservation Commission
and propose amendments to ordinances to allow for voluntary transfer or purchase
of development rights so that environmentally sensitive areas can be protected
in exchange for smaller lot size/higher density or other features beneficial to
the developer at development locations. Seek town approval in
2007/2008.
C. The
Planning Board, following the recommendations of the Economic Development
Committee, should draft a business development ordinance to identify incentives
such as smaller lot size, tax abatement, or technical assistance in buffering,
etc., in exchange for businesses locating in areas designated as most
appropriate for business development; create appropriate formal definitions of
different types of businesses including home-based, commercial activities, and
development in view of anticipated significant impacts on traffic levels or
environmental and scenic values; and
establish "good neighbor" performance standards such as buffering, setback,
noise, lighting, and parking requirements for businesses to minimize adverse
impact on the town’s rural character. Seek town approval in
2008.
2. The Town
shall make use of ordinances where necessary to promote orderly development,
protect aquifers, prevent pollution of air and water and ensure public
safety.
Strategies:
A. The
Planning Board should ensure that the Town’s requirement to file a Notice to
Build form is widely understood and is fully complied with by residents, and
that the Selectmen are made aware of approved NTBs to permit fair and timely
evaluation of new construction for assessment purposes and to monitor rates and
types of development. Ongoing.
B. The
Planning Board should review all land use ordinances to ensure that: (1)
performance standards are adequate to serve this policy; and (2) definitions are
clear, precise, and easily understood. If
amendments are needed seek town approval in 2007 or concurrently with other
amendments to ordinances.
C. The
Conservation Committee should propose to the Planning Board performance
standards for aquifer protection. Seek
town approval in 2008.
D. The Code
Enforcement Officer should enforce all ordinances fully and consistently. Ongoing oversight and support by Selectmen
and Planning Board.
3. The Town
shall designate “preferred use areas” for purposes such as village development,
business development, and protection of natural resources
Strategies:
A. The Conservation Committee should identify
and recommend (2007) to the Planning
Board those areas of the town that are environmentally sensitive, or have unique
rural or scenic qualities that should have the highest priority for conservation
or protection. Seek town approval in
2008, if needed.
B. The
Economic Development Committee should recommend (2007) to the Planning Board for
designation “business development” overlay areas in which incentives for
locating certain types of business would be present. Seek town approval in
2008.
C. The
Planning Board should define and propose the reduction of the minimum lot size
requirements in “village” areas. Seek
town approval in 2008.
3. Local Economy
Policies:
1. The Town
shall encourage the continuation of home-based businesses and rural and
resource-based economic activities such as forestry and
farming.
Strategies:
A. The Board
of Assessors (Selectmen) should support and encourage landowners to preserve use
of their open land by means of the Farmland Current Use, Tree Growth Current
Use, and Open Space Current Use Tax Programs by increasing awareness of the tax
incentives these programs include. Ongoing.
2. The town
shall create a comprehensive approach to economic development that complements
the town's rural character.
Strategies:
A. The
Selectmen should appoint an Economic Development Committee to: develop a plan
for: encouraging appropriate business development; ensuring a healthy future for
farming and forestry; and identifying benefits and costs of different industries
and propose strategies for minimizing costs. Seek town approval in
2006.
3. The Town shall attract and
encourage appropriate business development.
Strategies:
A. The
Selectmen, on advice from the Economic Development Committee, should create a
formal Tax Increment Financing (TIF) policy as well as other economic
development incentives to help attract and locate appropriate businesses. Seek town approval in
2008.
B. The
Planning Board should encourage home-based business where there will be minimal
impact on road traffic and environmental and scenic values, and should develop
strategies to encourage the location of commercial enterprises in “preferred
use” districts when there will be significant impact on traffic as well as on
environmental and scenic values. Seek
town approval in 2008.
4. Housing
Policies:
1. The Town
shall create greater flexibility in lot size requirements in order to preserve
open space and minimize sprawl, permit village and multi-unit development, and
encourage fuller use of existing structures.
Strategies:
Refer to the
strategies in Section 2, Land Use.
2. The Town
shall encourage the development of housing suitable for senior citizens such as
multi-unit development and assisted living facilities.
Strategy:
The Planning
Board should review ordinances to ensure that they allow construction of
assisted-living and multi-family living situations suitable for senior citizens.
If they do not, amendments should be proposed. Seek town approval in 2008, if
necessary.
5. Transportation
Policies:
1. The Town
shall continue to improve the quality of its transportation network
Strategies:
A. The
Selectmen should appoint a Transportation Advisory Committee to conduct research
and survey local opinion, and advise them and the Road Commissioner on
implementation of these strategies. 2006
B. The
Transportation Advisory Committee should recommend to the Selectmen a
maintenance and improvement plan that monitors the condition of roads, bridges,
and culverts and schedules improvements so that these costs have minimal impact
on the town’s budget. 2007.
C. The
Selectmen should adopt minimum standards for acceptance of new roads (sight
distances for driveways, drainage provisions, width standards) to avoid
financial liability in upgrades, and develop criteria for when and if gravel
roads should be paved. 2007.
D. The
Selectmen should work with neighboring communities to resolve regional
transportation issues. Ongoing.
E. The
Transportation Advisory Committee should explore methods to encourage
car-pooling and other measures to reduce commuter traffic. 2007.
2. The Town
shall strive to improve the safety and usability of our roads and
corridors.
Strategies:
A. The Road
Commissioner should monitor the accident rates at intersections and other
locations and recommend to the Selectmen improvement of those considered most
dangerous. Ongoing
B. The
Selectmen, on advice of the Road Commissioner and the Transportation Advisory
Committee, should consider guidelines for curb cuts and other safety-related
issues and adopt standards, perhaps similar to those of the State Department of
Transportation. 2007.
C. In
conjunction with road improvements, the Selectmen should seek to expand the
shoulders of important roads to allow safe pedestrian and bicycle use. Ongoing.
D. As roads
improvements are made, the Selectmen should provide limited parking within the
right-of-way as needed (e.g., for canoe access to the
3. The town
shall strive to retain the scenic character of our transportation
network.
Strategy:
The Transportation Advisory Committee, in conjunction with the
Conservation Committee and other groups, should identify scenic vistas of high
value, trees, and other features that should be preserved, and monitor proposed
road improvements to ensure that they do not significantly change the rural
character of the town’s transportation corridors. Ongoing.
6. Public
Services and Facilities
Policies:
1. The Town
shall plan for the maintenance, development, or replacement of facilities over
the long range.
Strategies
A. The
Selectmen should create a planning process to examine the need for new
facilities (town office, School Superintendent's office, community center, fire
station, water supply) and appropriate use(s) for the property recently acquired
by the town adjacent to the location of the current town office. 2007
B. The
Selectmen should review and refine this pan to create a long-range capital
improvement plan for the maintenance and/or replacement of facilities. 2007.
C. Table 6.7
presents a draft major capital improvement plan. The Selectmen should review and
refine such a plan, create a capital improvement fund, and set aside funds for
capital improvements as they become necessary. Seek town approval
2007.
D. The Town
office staff, in conjunction with the Whitefield Historical Society, should
continue the town records restoration project, which should include an inventory
of records, provision for safe and secure storage facilities, and records and
minutes of meetings backup. Ongoing.
E. The
Selectmen should continue the town’s participation in the Lincoln County
Recycling Program. Ongoing.
F. The
Selectmen should explore ways to collaborate with other towns to reduce costs
while improving the quality of goods and services. Ongoing.
2. The Town
shall safeguard the
Strategy:
A. The
Selectmen should support the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association in its
effort to protect the river system. Ongoing.
B. The
Conservation Committee should work with the SVCA, other committees, and groups
to study the environmental costs and benefits of removal of the Coopers Mills
Dam. 2007.
3. The Town
shall ensure the safety of the town water supply.
Strategy:
The
Selectmen, with the School Committee, should monitor the bacterial count of the
school well and, if needed, consider acquiring a treatment system or finding
another source of water. Ongoing.
4. The
Selectmen shall continue town support for the Whitefield Bicentennial
Celebration
Strategy:
The
Selectmen should continue to support contributions of town funds to the fund for
the 2009 celebration. Seek town support
for funding 2006, 2007, 2008.
5. The
School Committee shall continue to work with the Selectmen, Budget Committee,
and School Union to contain the escalating costs of operating the
school.
Strategies:
The School
Committee, Selectmen, and School Union should contain costs by:
(1)
Establishing a long-range plan for capital improvements, replacement of buses,
technological, office and classroom equipment, furnishings, books and supplies;
2007
(2) Using
bidding, locked-in pricing, and regional cooperative efforts to reduce costs. Ongoing.
6. The Town shall continue to support three
local fire associations, as well as a rescue service.
Strategies:
A. The
Selectmen should support the three local fire associations in their fundraising
activities. Ongoing.
B. The
Selectmen, in conjunction with officers of the fire associations, should study
the feasibility of a new fire/rescue station as part of a new town office
complex (see Strategy 6.1.A). 2007.
C. The
Selectmen should support funding for the Whitefield Rescue Service. Ongoing.
2. The Town
shall develop a long-range plan for equipment replacement, maintenance of
services, and adequate personnel for the fire services.
Strategies:
A. The fire
departments should identify current deficiencies in the fire services and
initiate processes to upgrade existing capabilities to achieve a lower ISO
rating. 2007.
B. The fire
associations should explore and recommend additional benefits and other measures
to recruit new fire and rescue personnel and ensure that their training meets
state and federal requirements. Ongoing.
7. Recreational Resources
Policies:
1. The Town
shall improve its ability to respond to the changing recreational needs of its
citizens.
Strategies:
A. The
Selectmen should appoint a Recreation Committee to monitor recreation resources,
ensure their maintenance, and facilitate discussion with recreational
organizations and landowners. 2006.
B. The
Recreation Committee should develop a recreation plan, with recommendations to
the Selectmen. 2007.
2. The cost
and funding of facilities shall be determined on an individual project basis. Ongoing.
3. The Town
shall increase the number and improve the quality of recreational facilities
that it provides.
Strategies:
A. The
Recreation Committee should seek funding for recreational facility development
and programs from fees, grants, donations, etc. Ongoing.
B. The
Recreation Committee should work with the Lions Club and collaborate with others
to ensure the recreational plan for the town property on Route 17, the Harold B.
Olsen Recreational Area, complements the changing recreational needs of the
town. 2006,2007.
C. The town
property on
D. The
Recreation Committee should seek ways to better utilize our network of lakes,
ponds, and rivers by providing access and parks. Ongoing.
E. The
Selectmen should support the Town’s acquisition of public access rights at the
western end of
4. The Town
shall encourage keeping as much private land open and accessible to the public
as possible.
Strategies:
A. The
Recreation Committee should encourage private landowners to make land accessible
by developing, in conjunction with landowners, ground rules for public access
and conditions for continued availability, educational materials, etc., and
should coordinate with the Whitefield Athletic Association, Lions Club,
Snowmobile Club, and others to expand formal access, provide signage and post
ground rules and conditions of use. Ongoing.
8.
Cultural Resources
Policies:
1.
The Town
shall provide adequate and appropriate space for cultural
activities.
Strategy:
The
Selectmen should study the feasibility of a town center that would include the
town office, a community center, and other facilities for cultural and
recreational activities (see Strategy 6.1.A). 2007.
2. The Town shall support the efforts of
private organizations that provide cultural programs and opportunities to
Whitefield residents.
Strategy:
The
Selectmen should provide space in Town mailings to residents for cultural
organizations to describe their activities. Ongoing.
9. Historic and Archaeological Resources
Policies:
1. The town
shall preserve important historic sites and archaeological
resources.
Strategies:
The
Selectmen should continue to support the Whitefield Historical Society in its
efforts to implement these policies. The Society, in conjunction with
appropriate experts, should supervise the identification, mapping, evaluation,
marking and cataloging of historical sites, and education of landowners and the
general public about these sites through programs and publications. Activities
would include:
(1). A
survey to identify structures and sites of historic significance; 2007
(2).
Education of current landowners about the historic significance of their
properties and encouragement to protect historic features; Ongoing.
(3). In
conjunction with the Maine Historic Preservation Commission, investigation of
potential archeological sites on the shores of
2.
Whitefield shall seek to restore Town-owned cemeteries.
Strategy:
The
Selectmen should earmark a percentage of cemetery trust funds to restore old,
town-owned cemeteries and encourage volunteer efforts to support the project. Ongoing.
3. The Town
shall ensure the preservation of its historic records.
Strategies:
A. See Strategy
6.1.D.
B.. The
Historical Society should develop guidelines for public use of historic records
to be recommended to the Selectmen. 2006.
10. Natural Resources
Policies:
1. The Town
shall develop plans to guide protection of our natural
resources.
Strategies:
A. The
Selectmen should appoint a Conservation Committee to monitor and advocate for protection of natural
resources. Ongoing.
B. The
Conservation Committee should propose a Natural Resources Protection Plan to the
Selectmen, seek grants, coordinate with other organizations, and develop
educational opportunities for promoting the wise use of natural resources, and
advise the Selectmen and Planning Board. Ongoing.
2. The Town shall enforce existing
ordinances established to ensure the protection of natural resources and modify
them as needed.
Strategies:
A. See Section 2, Land Use, Strategy 2.2.B.
3. The town shall identify and preserve
areas with important wildlife habitat.
Strategies:
A. The Conservation Committee should
identify the most important wildlife habitat areas as wildlife “preferred use”
areas; work with landowners to seek voluntary protection of important wildlife
areas; and together with the Selectmen explore strategies such as grants for
purchase and transfer of development rights to preserve important habitat
areas. Ongoing
4. The Town shall update or expand
development performance standards with regard to environmental
protection.
Strategies:
A. See Section 2, Land Use, Strategies 2.
A-D and 3. A, B.
B The
Planning Board should consider a Flood Plain Ordinance and prepare
recommendations for or against joining a National Flood Insurance Program. 2007.
5. The Town
shall support and advance agriculture and forestry.
Strategies: See
Section 3, Local Economy.
11. Fiscal Capacity
Policies:
1. The Town shall ensure that Whitefield's
real estate valuation is fair, timely, and within State
conditions.
Strategies:
A. The Selectmen (Board of Assessors)
should review the assessment process and ensure timely and equitable valuation
that at least exceeds the State’s minimum
assessment
ratio of 70%.
Ongoing
B. The Selectmen should ensure compliance
with the Town’s required Notice to Build and be made aware by the Planning Board
of NTBs as they are processed. (see Strategy 2.2.A) Ongoing
2. The Town shall ensure that the provision
of municipal and education services is as cost-efficient as
possible.
Strategies:
A. Selectmen, School Committee, and Budget
Committee should continue their efforts to efficiently manage budgets. Ongoing.
B. The Selectmen should study how current and projected development patterns are likely to impact the town's budgets for education and general services and make necessary adjustments in planning (See Public Services and Facilities Section). Ongoing
APPENDIX
A:
INVENTORIES
Page
A-1. Population
and Demographics…………………..30
A-2. Land Use…………………………………………..
37
A-3. Local
Economy…………………………………….41
A-4.
Housing……………………………………………..44
A-5.
Transportation………………………………………48
A-6. Public
Facilities……………………………………..58
A-7. Recreation
Resources……………………………..72
A-8. Cultural Resources…………………………………76
A-9. Historic and Archaeological
Resources………….79
A-10.
Natural Resources…………………………………83
A-11.
Fiscal Capacity……………………………………..91
A-1.
Population and Demographics
Population
Change
In the last
30 years, our town's population has doubled in size, from 1,131 residents in
1970 to a new high of 2,273 in 2000.
Figure
1.1. Whitefield’s Historical
Population Change
Source:
The prior
peak of population was in the1840’s when more than 2,150 people lived in
town. A period of steady decline
bottomed out in the 1920’s when the town was less than half its original
size (see the Historical Section
for a discussion of possible reasons). This was followed by steady,
moderate increase until the mid-70's when a period of rapid population growth
began. Between 1990 and 2000
Whitefield grew by 18%. (See Table
1.1) Alna and Windsor grew at
similar rates and
Table 1.1.
Population Change, 1970 - 2000
|
|
1970 |
1980 |
1990 |
2000 |
%
Change, 1990 – 2000 |
|
Whitefield |
1,131 |
1,606 |
1,932 |
2,273 |
18% |
|
Alna |
315 |
425 |
573 |
675 |
18% |
|
|
1,097 |
1,702 |
1,895 |
2,204 |
16% |
|
|
1,242 |
1,616 |
2,111 |
2,388 |
13% |
|
|
20,537 |
25,691 |
30,357 |
33,616 |
11% |
|
|
992,048 |
1,124,660 |
1,227,928 |
1,274,923 |
4% |
|
Pittston |
|
2,267 |
2,440 |
2,548 |
4% |
|
|
2,095 |
2,522 |
2,483 |
2,559 |
3% |
|
|
|
21,819 |
21,325 |
18,560 |
-13% |
Source:
US Census
The Maine
State Planning Office projects that Whitefield’s population will reach 2,451
residents in 2005, 2,590 residents in 2010, and 2,685 residents in 2015 (Figure 1.2). While this rate is slightly lower than
our experience in the last three decades, it still represents a significant
amount of change.
Figure
1.2. Projected Population
Change
Source: US
Census,
This
projected growth rate is higher than surrounding communities, the county, and
the State as a whole. Moreover,
there are reasons to believe that even these projections may underestimate
actual growth; SPO uses a formula
applicable to the State in general, while there are specific factors such as the
new
Household
Change
In 2000, the
number of households in Whitefield reached 849, an increase of 34% since
1990. This rate of growth is
significantly larger than surrounding communities,
Table 1.2. Household Change,
1980 - 2000
|
|
1980 |
1990 |
2000 |
%
Change 1990 – 2000 |
|
Whitefield |
492 |
635 |
849 |
34% |
|
|
553 |
685 |
846 |
24% |
|
|
542 |
760 |
945 |
24% |
|
Pittston |
712 |
840 |
1,010 |
20% |
|
|
9,494 |
11,889 |
14,158 |
19% |
|
Alna |
not
available |
226 |
266 |
18% |
|
|
690 |
831 |
959 |
15% |
|
|
395,184 |
465,729 |
518,200 |
11% |
|
|
8,405 |
8,889 |
8,565 |
-3.6% |
Source: US Census
While
our town's population grew by 18%,
the number of households increased by 34%.
This
means that there is a significant decrease in the average size of
households. There were
3.18 persons per household in 1980 and
2.62 persons per household in 2000.
This decrease for Whitefield matches State and nation-wide trends (Figure
1.3.), attributed to increasing life expectancy, postponement of child-rearing
by young families and increase in the number of single-parent
households.
Figure
1.3. Average Household
Size
This trend
towards smaller households is expected to continue and has significant
implications for the future of the community. If we project that our average household
size will reach 2.30 persons by 2015, 144 new households would be required for
the present number of 2,273 residents.
The 412 additional residents projected by the State Planning Office would
occupy 180 more new
households. In other words, to
house the present population plus the projected 412 additional residents by
2015, we will have to add 324 new households. To meet this demand at present, it is
probable that some old houses are being converted into 2- or 3-unit
buildings.
Age
Whitefield
residents are growing older.
Between 1990 and 2000, the town's median age increased from 33.6 years to
37.8 years. The number of children
under 20 years of age remained about the same, the number of residents 65 and
older has increased slightly, but the number of residents between 45 and 64 has
roughly doubled. This is consistent
with national trends, as the "baby boom" generation becomes middle
aged.
Despite the
aging population, in 2000 Whitefield was considerably younger than the county
and State:
·
our town is
attractive to younger couples and families looking to buy reasonably-priced land
within commuting distance from Bath-Brunswick, the Midcoast, and
·
the lack of
elderly housing or services makes
Whitefield less attractive to those in the highest age
brackets.
Figure
1.4. Age of
Residents
Occupation
In 2000, 1,170 residents over 15 years
old reported being employed in various occupations. Nearly 40% of these were employed
in managerial or professional positions.
Approximately 20% of these were employed in the traditional blue-collar
trades (operators, fabricators, repair, laborers, precision production,
etc.). More than 15% were employed
in service-oriented jobs. Less than
three percent were employed in forestry, farming, and fishing. This occupational pattern reflects
the national trend away from an agricultural-rural base of
employment.
Income
In 1999,
Whitefield's median household
income was $38,477. This was about
the same median as for
Figure
1.5. Whitefield Household Income,
1999
Source:
US Census
Sources of
income for Whitefield households differed somewhat from those for the County and
State. More than three-quarters of
Whitefield households had wage/salary income, compared with 70% for the
County. Significantly fewer
Whitefield households relied on Social Security income (24% for the town
compared to 33% for the County) and on retirement income (17% for the town compared to 21% for the County). This suggests that Whitefield residents
are more likely to be actively employed than residents of
In 1999, 277
Whitefield residents lived below the poverty level (13% of all residents).This
was significantly higher than the County's rate (7%), although it was close to
the State as a whole (11%) as well as to rates for Augusta and Chelsea. The communities of Jefferson, Pittston,
Windsor, and Alna had significantly lower poverty levels.
In 2003, 80
Whitefield households, (161 total residents) relied on the State's food stamp
program for support. In addition,
17 households (41 persons) received Temporary Aid for Needy Families. These levels are roughly in line with
rates for surrounding communities when adjusted for population size.
Issues and
Implications
1. Whitefield's
population is growing rapidly, doubling since 1970. Since 1990, Whitefield has been the
fastest growing town in the county.
This rapid growth is projected to continue as families in the Augusta and
Midcoast areas seek to live in peaceful, inexpensive
communities.
2. The number of households is growing faster than the population, a change associated with decrease in average household sizes. In order to house the projected 412 new residents projected by 2015, Whitefield will have to create an additional 324 households.
3. Whitefield is a relatively young
community. But there has been a
dramatic increase in the proportion of persons 45 to 65 years of age from 1990
to 2000. This reflects the
movement of younger and middle-aged persons into town and possibly elderly
needing assisted living moving out of town. These demographic trends are
expected to continue in the future.
4. Despite Whitefield's generally good
income level (we are slightly below
5. When
compared with neighboring towns, the County and the State,
Whitefield:
·
Has a lower
percentage of seasonal housing (7%). (
·
Is tied with
o
(Maine
29%; Lincoln County 64%; Jefferson 92%; Chelsea 86%)
·
Has the
greatest projected rate of population growth (18%) 2000-2015
(
·
Has the
greatest percentage of mobile homes (24%). (
·
Has the
lowest per capita ($16.4K) income.
(US $21.5K; Maine $19.5 K; Lincoln County $20.7K; Jefferson $20.3K;
Windsor $16.7K)**
·
Has the
greatest increase in the percentage (33%) of single family homes 1990-2002
(
·
Has the
greatest percentage of houses built (28.2%) between 1990-2000. (Jefferson 21.5%;
Windsor 25.9%; Chelsea 24.1%)*
·
Has the most
unemployment (4.6%) in 2000
(
·
Has the
lowest median age (33.6 yrs) in 2000.
(
·
Has
population forecasts of: 2, 451 in
2005: 2,590 in 2010: and 2,685 in 2015.
*See
Housing Section
**See Economy
Section
6.
Whitefield's rapid growth, along with decreasing household size, which is
expected to continue in the next one or two decades, suggests that many new
homes will be built, resulting in greater pressure for services, such as paving
of roads, snow plowing, fire protection, perhaps even for public
transportation.
7. More land will be developed, with more
roadside driveway (curb) cuts,
possibly subdivisions. The rural character of Whitefield, its natural
undeveloped land and scenic views could be threatened if there are not
incentives for preservation of open space.
8. A
significant proportion of new dwellings will be mobile homes with a resulting
mix of lower valuations and tax base.
Town services may have to be curtailed, or tax rates will need to be
increased.
9. Though Whitefield's population will
probably continue to be younger than surrounding towns, our present age bulge
will be in the 60 to 80 year old range.
Thought should be given to providing for elder housing, possibly
subsidized, and to assisted living facilities and services appropriate for
elderly citizens, such as community shopping and recreational facilities within
walking distances. The alternative
to this is a large exodus of elderly people.
10. Though the expansion of the school-age
population will be comparable to that in the State and surrounding communities,
there will be an increase in the number of school children, requiring more
classrooms and facilities. It is probable that computer-based education will be
more expensive. This will create
another demand on the tax base.
A-2.
Land Use
Pattern of
Development
Whitefield is a rural
community with roots in agriculture and forestry. Many townspeople still view the town as
a rural, farming community despite the fact that there are only a handful of
full time farmers and that 75% of the residents work out of town. Farming currently occurs primarily in
the North Whitefield section of town down both sides of the
The extreme southern tip of
town is being heavily mined for gravel over an aquifer unconnected to the
primary aquifers running through town.
There is another large pit located just north of the school on the
Housing is almost strictly
single family homes widely spaced from one another with the exception of the
three small “village” areas—Coopers Mills, North Whitefield, Kings Mills-- where
houses are more closely spaced. New
houses are going in on single lots, rarely as developments. The most concentrated building activity
is occurring on the middle section of
Small businesses are also
becoming more prevalent as the community grows. These are interspersed amid the houses
as owners frequently start businesses adjacent to their homes. The business
development is more concentrated in the northern part of town. Route 17 has many business endeavors, as
does Route 218. Whitefield is home to numerous artists and artisans who value
the tranquility of the rural countryside and draw inspiration from it. On the flip side, the town currently has
a problem with unlicensed junkyards.
Coopers Mills in the
northeastern most corner has the
Land Use Ordinances
Whitefield has developed the
following ordinances related to land use:
·
The Minimum Lot Size Ordinance applies to
all seasonal, permanent or mobile housing, and other physical structures such as
barns or garages.
o
Dwellings constructed
prior to 1976 are exempt from the ordinance.
o
Dwellings must be
situated on no less than 1.5 acres of land.
o
A new structure must be
no less than 70 feet from the center of a traveled way, and 15 feet from the
nearest property line.
o
The Planning Board has
the discretion to waive aspects of this ordinance if it determines that
conditions create a hardship on the property owner.
·
The Development Ordinance regulates
commercial, residential, industrial, and institutional development. It requires
the developer to participate in a pre-application conference with the Planning
Board and present a general overview of the project. The Planning Board reviews a checklist
of information listed in the ordinance and determines what is pertinent to the
proposed development. The developer
is required to provide this information in the formal application submitted to
the Planning Board along with a fee.
The Planning Board decides whether a public hearing is necessary;
however, a hearing is required if 15 or more persons petition the Planning Board
for one. The Planning Board must
make its decision within 60 days of receiving the application or within 30 days
of the date of the public hearing. In making its decision, the Planning Board
may require certain modifications to the plan to fulfill the requirements of the
minimum lot size ordinance and to preserve the public health of the residents or
the natural beauty of the town.
·
The Shoreland Use Regulation Ordinance
is used in conjunction with the State of
o
The ordinance sets
standards for sedimentation control.
o
Logging within 25 feet of
a high water mark is prohibited.
o
No structure shall be
erected closer than 200 feet of a shoreland zone.
o
Frontage in the shoreland
zone will not be less than 150 feet.
o
No structure will be less
than 25 feet from the nearest property line.
o
The ordinance sets
standards for septic design, and generally requires that a septic tank be
located no less than 200 feet from the high water mark.
o
The ordinance sets
standards for forest management activities and timber harvesting.
·
The Manufactured Housing Ordinance
establishes minimum requirements for manufactured housing
units.
o
The unit must have a
minimum width of 14' and a minimum of 750 square feet of living space.
o
The unit must meet
federal and state building code requirements, have residential siding, and must
be placed on a permanent foundation with the appropriate
skirting.
·
The Subdivision Ordinance applicability
is defined by the Maine Revised Statutes Title 30, Section 4956. Subdivisions exceeding 5 units are
classified as major, fewer than five units minor. The applicant must attend a
pre-application conference with the Planning Board and present a description of
the plan along with sketch plans.
o
For a minor subdivision,
the applicant shall submit two original plans, tax plan numbers, verification of
title, a description of the proposed sewage system(s), soil surveys, contour
lines, and various other information required by the ordinance. The Planning Board will make an on-site
inspection of the property. The
applicant then submits a formal application within six months, along with a
fee. When a completed application
has been accepted, the Planning Board organizes a public hearing and notifies
interested parties, e.g., the school and fire department. The information from these steps will be
incorporated in a final plan, which The Planning Board must act on within 60
days, or 30 days of a public hearing
o
A major subdivision
requires, in addition to the requirements of a minor subdivision, road design
specifications, approval by the Maine Department of Environmental protection and
the Maine Department of Human Services, a soil and sedimentation control plan,
possible open space requirements and, depending on location, notification of
municipal officers of neighboring towns.
·
The Wireless Communications Facilities Ordinance
bans the installation of large lattice-tower facilities, but would allow
monopole and other telecommunication facilities designed with the least
intrusive impact. Facilities with
low visual impact would have priority over those with high impact. In cases where no alternatives exist,
standard monopole towers would be permitted. The ordinance also provides for public
input concerning the siting and type of facility.
·
The Septage and Residuals Ordinance applies to utilization, land
application, storage, processing or other handling of residuals (including
sewage sludge) or septage within Whitefield. While the State has the capacity to
regulate land spreading of residuals and septage, it is limited in its ability
to closely monitor the spreading operations in individual towns. This ordinance provides the opportunity
for local review, monitoring, and enforcement of utilization activities and is
administered by the Town’s Planning Board.
Issues and
Implications
1. Our
town has its own rural character. This character has been altered with
recent development, and could continue to change if the current pattern and pace
of development continues or increases in the future. Whitefield is experiencing
significant residential growth. Relatively affordable housing, available
land, and relatively low taxes have helped drive this recent growth.
Whitefield's housing stock has increased 30% in the 1990s and nearly one-half of
the houses in the town have been built since 1980.
2. Gravel mining
is a significant economic activity in Whitefield. Compliance with
standards for reclamation and buffer zones have not been
consistent.
3. A large aquifer runs through the center of Whitefield
from north to south. The aquifer needs to be protected as it is a source
of drinking water for a large part of the community.
4. Whitefield
requires that property owners receive Planning Board approval of a Notice to Build form before new
construction occurs to ensure that the requirements of existing ordinances are
observed. The NTB form should also assist the Board of Selectmen in timely and
equitable property assessment, and helps the Planning Board and the Code
Enforcement Officer monitor where and what type of development is
occurring. Noncompliance with this requirement hampers the work of both
boards and the COE.
5.
We have a Subdivision Ordinance which regulates major subdivisions (containing
more than five lots or dwelling units or a proposed road) and Minor Subdivisions
(containing five lots or less with no proposed road). Currently there are very
few major subdivisions. However, given growth trends and the amount of
available land and improved roads, major subdivisions are likely
eventually. At present Whitefield's Subdivision Ordinance does not make an
allowance for alternative and innovative housing patterns that promote open
space, rural character, and flexibility of development.
6.
Whitefield has the smallest minimum lot size (1.5 acres) of the six neighboring
communities.
7. There is no definition for types of
commercial development and allowable uses that differentiate between low and
high impact. Because there is no designated area for commercial
development, such development can occur anywhere in the Town of
8. Our town has a large number of home businesses. These
businesses are critical to the livelihood and character of Whitefield and should
be encouraged.
9. Whitefield has approved and enforces several land
use ordinances, including:
Subdivision
Ordinance;
Minimum
Development Ordinance;
Manufactured Housing Ordinance;
Shoreland
Ordinance;
Septage and Residuals
Ordinance.
.
A-3. Local
Economy
Labor Force
The Maine
Department of Labor reports that in 2002, there were 1,129 persons in Whitefield
in the labor force. Of these, 1,074
were employed, for an unemployment rate of 4.9%.
The size of
the labor force in Whitefield has increased steadily over the last decade, from
978 in 1992 to 1,129 in 2002 (an increase of 15% in 10 years). Over the same period, the number of
unemployed decreased dramatically from 110 to 55. Concurrently, the unemployment rate in
Whitefield dropped from 11.2% during the recession in 1992 to 4.9% in
2002.
Table 3.1. Labor
Force
|
|
1992 |
%
Change 1992
- 2002 |
2002 |
|
Whitefield |
978 |
15% |
1,129 |
|
Augusta
Labor Market Area |
46,364 |
1% |
46,978 |
|
State
of |
648,634 |
6% |
686,156 |
Source:
Maine Department of Labor
Table 3.2. Unemployment
Rate
|
|
1992 |
1997 |
2002 |
|
Whitefield |
11.2% |
6.7% |
4.9% |
|
Augusta
Labor Market Area |
6.7% |
5.6% |
4.1% |
|
State
of |
7.2% |
5.4% |
4.4% |
Source: Maine Department of Labor
The Augusta
Labor Market Area’s labor force increased to 46,978 in 2002, an increase of only
1% in the last ten years. In the
same period of time, the State of
The Augusta
LMA’s unemployment rate is consistently lower than that of Whitefield, as is the
unemployment rate for the State as a whole.
Commuting
Patterns
Of
Whitefield’s employed residents, 22% work in Whitefield itself. This includes those working from their
home as well as farmers. Between
1990 and 2000, the level of Whitefield’s labor force that worked in Whitefield
stayed relatively consistent at 22%, even though the total number of workers
increased from 183 in 1990 to 240 in 2000.
The
remaining 80% of Whitefield’s labor force commute elsewhere for employment.
The majority
of employed Whitefield residents commuted to jobs in
Since 1990,
the percent of Whitefield’s labor force that worked in
Coastal
Table 3.3. Commuting
Patterns, 1990 to 2000
|
|
1990 |
%
Change 90 – 00 |
2000 |
%
of Total, 2000 |
|
Whitefield |
183 |
31% |
240 |
22% |
|
|
331 |
34% |
445 |
40% |
|
|
125 |
9% |
136 |
12% |
|
Midcoast
Region |
132 |
12% |
148 |
13% |
|
Elsewhere |
61 |
133% |
142 |
13% |
|
Total |
832 |
34% |
1,111 |
100% |
Source: US Census
Local
Economy Profile
In 2002, we
estimate that there were more than 400 jobs in Whitefield. The 2000 US Census identified 396
commuters working in Whitefield (includes home occupations, farmers, etc). The Maine Department of Labor estimated
355 jobs in Whitefield (excluding home occupations, sole proprietorships,
farmers, etc).
No direct
statistics on these employees’ occupations are available because the employed
population is small. Anecdotal evidence suggests the major employers in town
include:
·
·
McCormick
and Sons – more than 20 employees;
·
Country
Farms Restaurant – more than 20 employees;
·
Country
Corners Grocery – more than 10 employees;
·
Sandcastle
Entertainment – more than 10 employees;
·
·
Midnight
Oil—9 employees.
In addition
to these larger employers, the Comprehensive Planning Committee has surveyed the
town and identified more than 130 businesses that operate within the
community. These range from home
occupations to farms to larger employers in the community.
More than
half of the jobs available in Whitefield are filled by residents of
Whitefield. Other communities that
provide a significant number of employees in town include Wiscasset, Windsor,
Randolph, Chelsea, and Augusta.
Issues and
Implications
1. Despite Whitefield’s rural setting, we
are increasingly becoming a suburb of
2. As the number of commuters increases in
Whitefield, it will have many implications on our community. For example, transportation corridors
will be more heavily used. Demand
for space for residential development will compete with more traditional natural
resource based activities. These
implications can drastically change residents’ relationships with the local
natural resource based economy.
3. Whitefield’s economy has a very large
number of small and home-based businesses.
These include a wide variety of farms, home professional businesses, and
seasonal occupations.
4. There are currently some clustering of
businesses in Cooper Mills and other villages in the community and, except for
Shoreland Zoning, there is little to preclude any type of business from locating
anywhere in town.
5. Our town’s geology has created a large
number of gravel deposits. Many
gravel operations are extracting this resource to be used in construction
throughout the region. The
transportation of this resource can degrade our town’s transportation
network.
6. While Whitefield does receive economic
development representation from the Lincoln County Economic Development Office,
our town has no local organization to promote economic activity in the
community.
A-4.
Housing
Housing
Unit Change
In 2000,
there were 958 housing units in Whitefield. This represents significant growth from
the 737 units in 1990 (an increase of 30%). This rate of increase is significantly
larger than for
All of
Whitefield’s surrounding communities grew significantly, but none as much as
Whitefield (Table 4.1.)
Table 4.1. Housing Unit
Change, 1990 - 2000
|
|
1990 |
2000 |
%
Change, 1990
– 2000 |
|
Whitefield |
727 |
958 |
30% |
|
|
758 |
952 |
26% |
|
|
811 |
1,015 |
25% |
|
Pittston |
889 |
1,070 |
20% |
|
|
17,538 |
20,849 |
19% |
|
Alna |
264 |
315 |
19% |
|
|
1,219 |
1,427 |
17% |
|
|
587,045 |
651,901 |
11% |
|
|
9,572 |
9,480 |
-1% |
Source: US Census
Housing
Unit Type
Whitefield’s
housing is overwhelmingly single-family housing. In 2000, three-quarters of the housing
in Whitefield was single-family housing, and another 23% was mobile homes. The remaining units were duplexes (2% of
all housing units) and 3 or 4 unit structures.
Table 4.2. Housing Units by
Type
|
|
1990 |
2000 |
%
Change, 1990
– 2000 |
|
Single-Family |
570 |
717 |
26% |
|
Duplex |
7 |
20 |
186% |
|
Multi-Family |
9 |
4 |
-56% |
|
|
145 |
217 |
50% |
|
Other |
6 |
0 |
-100% |
|
Total
Units |
737 |
958 |
30% |
Source: US Census
Since 1990,
mobile homes have increased by 72 units (or 50%). This rate of growth outpaced the rate
for single-family homes (26%).
Age
of Housing Units
Nearly
half of Whitefield’s housing units have been built since 1980 (or 48%). Another one-quarter of the units were
built before 1940.
Whitefield’s
housing stock is relatively new compared with the county and the state as a
whole.
Figure 4.1.
Age Of Whitefield Housing Units
Source:
US Census
Housing
Unit Value
In 2000, the
median value of owner-occupied housing units was $87,200. This was an increase over 1990 when the
median household was valued at $76,300.
The Maine
State Housing Authority provides housing value estimates based on 2002
data. MSHA estimated that, based on
12 home sales in 2002, the median sale price in Whitefield was $75,950. These median sale prices tend to be more
volatile than the data reported by the US Census, because the sample population
used to determine the MSHA estimates are much smaller than the sample used to
determine the US Census estimate.
Affordability
Assessment
Affordable
housing for homeowners is defined by
One of the
State of
·
Very Low
Income Households – the income of these households is less than 50% of
·
Lower Income
Households – the income of these households is between 50% and 80% of the
county’s median household income.
In Whitefield, this includes the estimated 158 households that earn
between $18,300 and $29,300 per year.
·
Moderate
Income Households –the income of these households is between 80% and 150% of the
county’s median household income.
In Whitefield, this includes the estimated 305 households that earn
between $29,300 and $54,900 per year.
The Maine
State Housing Authority calculated an affordability index for Whitefield that
compares the ability of a community’s household of median income to purchase the
community’s median priced home.
Table
4.2. Affordability Summary,
2002
|
|
2002
Median Income |
2002
Median Home Value |
Home
that can be Purchased with Median Income |
Affordability
Index |
|
Whitefield |
$37,804 |
$75,950 |
$108,897 |
1.43 |
|
Augusta
Housing Market* |
$42,047 |
$93,900 |
$117,762 |
1.25 |
|
|
$42,029 |
$133,500 |
$118,618 |
0.8 |
|
|
$41,166 |
$143,000 |
$118,858 |
0.83 |
Source:
Note:
an affordability index reading greater than 1.0 suggests that a community is
affordable
*Augusta
Housing Market includes the communities of
Based on
this analysis, Whitefield is an affordable community when compared with the
Augusta Housing Market, the state as a whole, and
Issues and
Implications
1. Whitefield’s housing stock is growing
rapidly. It increased 30% in the
1990s, and nearly half of the town’s houses have been built since 1980. This rapid growth is projected to
continue through 2015. Most new
residential growth appears to be in commuting distance of
2. Single-family homes and mobile homes
accounted for virtually all of the town’s new housing built between 1990 and
2000. The town’s stock of mobile
homes is increasing at a faster rate than growth in the single-family housing
stock. The low-cost of mobile homes
is a major factor driving the increasing popularity of these units, according to
state planning office projections.
This trend will continue through 2015.
3. Housing in Whitefield is relatively
inexpensive when compared with incomes in the region and surrounding
communities. While there are many
households in the community below the poverty level, in general median household
incomes are able to afford the median housing unit.
4. The affordability of the housing in
Whitefield appears to be one of the major factors driving the community’s rapid
growth.
5. Many of the
new families moving into Whitefield are young families. Most of these families will be
putting their children through the local school system. School enrollments could stay high for
many years to come. The number of
occupants per dwelling declined from 2.92 to 2.62 from 1990 to
2000.
6. Many of the new houses are being built
along the town’s existing road corridors. While this pattern of development
protects interior land from development, it can impact the scenic character of
the community. However, as the road
corridors are built out, interior areas become more attractive for
development.
7. Whitefield currently has no required
building permit to track the amount, size, and quality of construction in the
community, and the required Notice to Build for all structures has a high level
of noncompliance. This prevents the town from maintaining accurate records
resulting in lost tax assessments and increasing the tax burden on other
citizens.
A-5.
Transportation
Transportation
networks connect Whitefield residents with each other as well as the rest of the
world. Whitefield’s transportation
network is more dependent on automobiles than most communities, but there are
informal trail networks as well.
Understanding
the extent of the transportation network, trends in its use, and how changing
development patterns could impact this network is crucial when planning for the
community’s future.
Vehicular
Traffic
Whitefield’s
transportation network is dominated by vehicular traffic traveling on the
community’s network of public and private roads. The maintenance responsibility for these
roads depends on the principal use of the roadway and falls on private
individuals, the Town of
As of 2004,
the road network within Whitefield consists of 67.0 miles of roadways (Figure 1,
Table 1). These roadways vary in
function and character from high-speed arterials to private gravel
roadways.
·
There are
approximately 2.0 miles of arterial roadway, defined by the
Maine Department of Transportation as travel routes that carry high speed, long
distance traffic usually with a
·
There are
approximately 25.6 miles of collector roadways, defined by MDOT
as travel routes that collect and distribute traffic from and to arterials,
serving places of lower population densities and somewhat removed from main
travel routes. In Whitefield, these
collectors include Routes 218, 126, and 194 and
·
There are
approximately 39.1 miles of local roads, defined by
MDOT as all roadways not classified as an arterial or collector, and serving
primarily adjacent land areas. In
Whitefield, these include the 13 miles of gravel roads that are maintained in
the summer by the Town of
There are
approximately eight private roads and many named and unnamed common driveways,
which are maintained by private individuals and/or
businesses.
The Town of
Table 5.1.
|
Name |
Function |
Length (mi.) |
Summer Maint (mi) |
Winter Maint
(mi) |
Paved (mi.) |
Gravel (mi.) |
Condition (P/F/G/E) |
Comments |
Local
Concerns | |||||
|
Route
17 |
arterial |
2.05 |
|
|
2.05 |
|
E |
paved
w/in past 5 yrs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Route
126 |
collector |
5.90 |
|
|
5.90 |
|
P |
Reconstructed
2004 |
gravel
truck route, higher speeds increased traffic |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Route
194 |
collector |
5.30 |
|
5.30 |
5.30 |
|
G |
paved
w/in past 5 yrs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Route
218 North |
collector |
3.10 |
|
3.10 |
3.10 |
|
G |
paved
w/in past 5 yrs |
gravel
truck route |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Route
218 South |
collector |
3.25 |
|
3.25 |
3.25 |
|
G |
paved
w/in past 5 yrs |
gravel
truck route |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.40 |
0.40 |
0.40 |
|
0.40 |
G |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.05 |
1.05 |
1.05 |
|
1.05 |
F |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.45 |
1.45 |
1.45 |
|
1.45 |
F |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.40 |
0.40 |
0.40 |
|
0.40 |
F |
Section paved
2004 |
sig.
traffic increase |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
collector |
3.53 |
|
3.53 |
3.53 |
|
G |
2004 DOT improvements
deferred |
gravel
truck rte; hvy traffic, dangerous intersection |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Devine
Road |
|
1.94 |
1.94 |
1.94 |
1.00 |
0.94 |
F |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.12 |
0.12 |
0.12 |
|
0.12 |
G |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.47 |
1.47 |
1.47 |
|
1.47 |
F |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
collector |
4.50 |
|
4.50 |
4.50 |
|
G |
paved
w/in past 5 yrs |
gravel
truck route |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.10 |
0.10 |
0.10 |
|
0.10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.48 |
0.48 |
0.48 |
|
0.48 |
F |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.26 |
0.26 |
0.26 |
|
0.26 |
G |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.73 |
2.73 |
2.73 |
2.73 |
|
G |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.15 |
0.15 |
0.15 |
|
0.15 |
F |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.91 |
2.91 |
2.91 |
2.91 |
|
G
(F-gravel) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.39 |
2.39 |
2.39 |
2.39 |
|
G |
Paved
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.40 |
2.40 |
2.40 |
2.40 |
|
G |
partially
paved 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.10 |
1.10 |
1.10 |
|
1.10 |
F |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.10 |
0.10 |
0.10 |
|
0.10 |
G |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.10 |
1.10 |
1.10 |
1.10 |
|
G |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.15 |
0.15 |
0.15 |
|
0.15 |
F |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.99 |
1.99 |
1.99 |
1.99 |
|
G |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.97 |
0.97 |
0.97 |
0.97 |
|
E |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.20 |
1.20 |
1.20 |
|
1.20 |
F |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Piper
Lane |
|
0.38 |
0.38 |
0.38 |
|
0.38 |
F |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.90 |
0.90 |
0.90 |
|
0.90 |
F |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.31 |
1.31 |
1.31 |
1.31 |
|
G |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.29 |
0.29 |
0.29 |
0.29 |
|
P |
paved 2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.90 |
1.90 |
1.90 |
1.90 |
|
P |
Partially
paved 2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.73 |
1.73 |
1.73 |
1.73 |
|
G |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Townhouse
Road |
|
4.39 |
4.39 |
4.39 |
4.39 |
|
G |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.28 |
3.28 |
3.28 |
3.28 |
|
G |
paved
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.19 |
0.19 |
0.19 |
0.19 |
|
F |
paved 2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Totals |
|
66.86 |
39.23 |
58.91 |
56.21 |
10.65 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Source:
Town of
Road
Maintenance and Capital Improvements
Whitefield
has substantial gravel deposits, particularly in the southern area of the
community. Roads routinely used by
gravel pit operators include Routes 126 and 218, including the
Several
Whitefield roads have experienced significant deterioration due to heavy truck
traffic. MDOT has reconstructed or
paved Routes 126, 17, 194 and 218, including
Other town
roads, including some with gravel surfaces, have experienced significant
increases in traffic due to dispersed development. This traffic will accelerate
deterioration, especially when the surface or base of gravel roads becomes
saturated.
The Maine
Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) Six-Year Plan identifies long-term plans
for improvements to state and state-aid roads. In addition, MDOT’s Biennial
Transportation Improvement Program (BTIP) identifies projects that will be
improved during the current two-year budget period.
At the
current time there are no six-year plan projects in Whitefield, although the
2004-2005 BTIP includes a project to improve the sight distance and vertical
alignment at the intersection of
MDOT will
continue to rebuild existing roads as funds are available. However, its top priority will continue
to be its pavement preventive maintenance (PPM) program. The condition of a well-paved road tends
to be stable for the first 5-10 years.
Then, as cracks form and water gets into pavement and base, the rate of
deterioration quickens. The PPM
program focuses on applying lighter, less expensive pavement treatments earlier
and more frequently in a pavement’s life, thereby avoiding the point at which
the pavement quickly deteriorates and the cost of repair
accelerates.
Whitefield
has an attractive rural roadscape that highlights the community’s agricultural
history. Roads such as the East
River Road and the Townhouse Road, offer winding automotive pathways through forests, fields, hilly areas and
historic rural village neighborhoods.
As these roads are rebuilt or improved to accommodate heavier trucks and
faster cars, some of these important visual attributes may be lost, as well as
increased traffic and higher speeds.
Context-sensitive design is a technique often used to ensure that as
roads are brought up to modern standards, the character of the existing roads is
not diminished.
In addition
the MDOT plans, the Town of
Traffic
Volumes and Patterns of Use
Traffic
volumes have been steadily increasing on Whitefield’s road network. MDOT counts traffic volume on a rotating
schedule. The most recent count in
Whitefield was in 2000.
In 2000, the
highest Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) was on Route 17 in northern
Whitefield. Nearly 8,000 vehicles
traveled along this corridor every day[1]
(Table 5.2). Route 126 at
The use of
these road networks has been increasing.
Since 1980, average vehicle trips per day town wide have increased by
75%. Route 126 at
Between 1997
and 2000, traffic patterns have continued to change. In general, traffic through
Regardless
of the reasons for the traffic growth, roads in the community will continue to
experience additional vehicle use in the future. This is an important component of any
municipal road improvement program.
All of the roads listed in Table 2
are paved but some may need wider travelways, better base, or drainage
improvements in order to accommodate additional traffic.
Table 5.2. Average Annual Daily
Traffic
|
Road |
Intersection |
AADT 1980 |
AADT 1987 |
AADT 1997 |
AADT 2000 |
Change ‘80-‘00 |
Change ‘97-‘00 |
|
Route
126 |
at
|
738 |
1,220 |
1,030 |
1,280 |
73% |
24% |
|
Routes
17/32 |
at
Route 218 |
|
|
6,180 |
7,280 |
|
18% |
|
|
at
Route 126 |
642 |
850 |
1,010 |
1,140 |
76% |
13% |
|
Route
126 |
at
|
1,200 |
1,500 |
1,920 |
2,120 |
77% |
10% |
|
|
at
Route 218 |
313 |
460 |
450 |
490 |
57% |
9% |
|
|
at
|
|
|
320 |
290 |
|
9% |
|
Townhouse
Road |
at
Route 126 |
404 |
560 |
760 |
820 |
103% |
8% |
|
|
at
Route 218 |
|
|
150 |
160 |
|
7% |
|
Routes
17/32 |
at
|
|
|
7,350 |
7,900 |
|
7% |
|
|
at
Route 126 |
|
|
770 |
810 |
|
5% |
|
Route
126 |
at
|
634 |
980 |
2,080 |
2,150 |
239% |
3% |
|
Route
194 |
at
|
206 |
240 |
360 |
360 |
89% |
0% |
|
|
at
Route 218 |
|
|
250 |
250 |
|
0% |
|
Route
194 |
at
|
374 |
560 |
690 |
680 |
82% |
-1% |
|
Townhouse
Road |
at
Route 194 |
327 |
410 |
490 |
450 |
38% |
-8% |
|
Route
218 |
at
Route 194 |
401 |
800 |
860 |
720 |
80% |
-16% |
|
|
at
|
|
|
|
1,180 |
|
|
|
|
at
Route 126 |
375 |
900 |
|
|
|
|
|
Route
218 |
at
Route 126 |
206 |
240 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
at
Route 194 |
375 |
670 |
|
|
|
|
|
Route
218 |
at
Routes 17/32 |
|
|
1,180 |
|
|
|
Source:
Maine Department of Transportation
Dangerous
Intersections and Roads
MDOT
identifies high crash locations.
All accidents that result in more than $1,000 in property damage and/or
an injury/death are analyzed on a rolling three-year period. Any location that experiences 8 or more
accidents in the three-year period or that has a Critical Rate Factor[2]
(CRF) of 1.0 or higher is considered a high crash
location.
According to
MDOT’s database, the town’s most dangerous intersection was at
Other high
crash locations include the intersections at
Table 5.3 . High Crash
Locations
|
Intersection |
Critical
Rate Factor 1985-1987 |
Critical
Rate Factor 1999-2001 | |
|
Road
A |
Road
B | ||
|
|
|
|
5.03 |
|
Rt
126 |
Hunts
Meadow |
1.73 |
3.32 |
|
|
|
1.17 |
2.0 |
|
|
|
|
1.59 |
|
|
Hunts
Meadow |
2.64 |
1.45 |
|
Rt
17 |
|
|
1.37 |
|
Rt
126 |
|
1.92 |
0 |
|
Rt
126 |
|
1.12 |
0 |
|
Rt
218 |
|
1.24 |
0 |
|
Townhouse
Rd |
Rt
194 |
1.98 |
0 |
Source: Maine Department of Transportation
In addition
to these high crash locations, there are several sections of road for which the
MDOT has collected traffic accident data (Table 5.4).
Table 5.4. Additional
Accident Data
|
Road |
Total ‘85-‘87 |
‘00-’02
* | |||
|
Total |
Fatal |
Personal Injury |
Property
Damage | ||
|
Rt
218 |
20 |
28 |
0 |
8 |
20 |
|
Rt
17 |
19 |
25 |
1 |
8 |
17 |
|
Rt
126 |
23 |
17 |
0 |
5 |
12 |
|
|
21 |
17 |
0 |
6 |
11 |
|
Townhouse
Rd |
8 |
11 |
0 |
3 |
8 |
|
|
17 |
10 |
0 |
4 |
6 |
|
|
5 |
7 |
0 |
1 |
6 |
|
|
|
7 |
0 |
2 |
5 |
|
Rt
194 |
4 |
5 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
|
|
8 |
5 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
|
|
|
4 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
|
|
|
4 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
Source: Maine Department of Transportation
*Note: Data for Town roads based on 1999-2001; State roads based on
2000-2001
Access
Management
MDOT has
adopted an Access Management Rule that controls the development of driveways and
entrances on all state and state-aid roads (Table 6). A driveway is an access that serves up
to 5 dwelling units or other uses that generate less than 50 vehicle trips per
day while an entrance includes anything that exceeds these driveway
thresholds.
Table 5.5. State Maintained
Roads
|
Road |
Classification | |
|
Route
17 |
Minor
Arterial | |
|
Route
126 |
Major
Collector | |
|
Route
194 west of Route 218 |
Major
Collector | |
|
Route
218 |
Major
Collector | |
|
Route
194 east of Route 218 |
Minor
Collector | |
|
|
Minor
Collector | |
|
Source:
Maine Department of Transportation |
| |
Any person
proposing a driveway or entrance on one of the state-aid roads must apply for a
permit from MDOT. This requirement
is in addition to any local permits.
All such accesses must meet minimum standards for sight distance, minimum
distance to intersections, maximum width, drainage controls, backing up onto the
highway, among others.
These
standards are higher for Route 17, which is considered a “mobility” arterial,
and include minimum spacing between entrances and, potentially, the use of
shared accesses. Standards for
entrances are generally higher than for driveways and may include paving and
enhanced drainage requirements. In
addition, there is a prohibition on the siting of public facilities, including
schools, state municipal facilities, etc., on mobility arterials with a speed
limit greater than 45 mph. This
includes that portion of Route 17 within Whitefield.
Because the
Access Management Rule is primarily intended to ensure safe use of and access to
roadways, towns are encouraged to adopt similar standards for development on
municipal roads. Minimum sight
distance requirements, drainage improvements, and width standards, are just as
important for the safe use of local roads as for state highways. Many of Whitefield’s municipal roads,
including East River Road, Hunts Meadow Road, Townhouse Road and others, have
horizontal and vertical curves that limit visibility of driveways. A minimum sight distance standard for
all new driveways would go far in improving safety on town roads in the
future.
Traffic
Control Devices
The only
traffic control devices employed in Whitefield are stop and yield signs at
intersections. MDOT has not
indicated the need to install additional traffic control devices within the
community.
Bridges
Table 5.6.
lists bridges in Whitefield. With
the exception of the
Table
5.6. Bridges in Whitefield,
2004
|
Location |
Owner |
Year
Built |
Structure Condition |
Design Load
(tons) |
Recent
Repairs |
Traffic AADT |
Sufficiency Rating |
|
Rt
17 & 32 over W. Branch Sheepscot |
State |
2000 |
8 |
45 |
|
1137 |
98.7 |
|
Rt
126 over West Branch Eastern |
State |
1992 |
6 |
45 |
|
1254 |
98.4 |
|
|
Town |
1984 |
5 |
36 |
|
194 |
86.9 |
|
Rt
17 & 32 over |
State |
1961 |
7 |
20 |
2003 |
7360 |
81.0 |
|
Rt
194 over Albee Strm |
State |
1952 |
5 |
20 |
1990 |
687 |
76.5 |
|
Rt
218 over |
State |
1953 |
6 |
20 |
|
1294 |
74.6 |
|
|
State |
1936 |
5 |
|
1987 |
485 |
54.8 |
|
Rt
218 over Sheepscot R |
State |
1946 |
5 |
15 |
1995 |
991 |
51.7 |
|
|
State |
1921 |
4 |
15 |
1999 |
1069 |
48.8 |
|
Rt
126 over Sheepscot R |
State |
1935 |
4 |
120 |
1999 |
2143 |
43.8 |
|
Rt
194 over Albee Strm |
State |
1949 |
2 |
15 |
1990 |
819 |
40.0 |
Source:
Maine Department of Transportation
Parking
Facilities
There are no
public parking facilities in Whitefield.
Parking lots at the town office and municipal school are generally
sufficient to meet normal needs of these facilities. Much of the parking at the
school, however, for special events such as Town Meeting and basketball games is
roadside, which can be hazardous. Some private businesses have indicated a need
for additional parking spaces.
Pedestrian
Facilities
There are no
pedestrian facilities in Whitefield
Public
Transportation
There is no
fixed route bus system that serves Whitefield. Coastal Trans, Inc. (CTI) is a private,
non-profit corporation that provides demand response services to Whitefield
residents. CTI uses volunteer
drivers whenever possible to reduce transportation costs. These drivers use their own vehicles to
transport program-qualified people needing non-emergency transportation.
Commercial bus service (Concord Trailways) to
Airports
There are no
general aviation airports in Whitefield.
Airports that serve the Whitefield residents include the
Railroad
Facilities and Rail Services
There are no
active rail lines or facilities in Whitefield. As part of MDOT’s Six-Year Plan, it is
completing planned improvements to the Rockland Branch so that passenger rail
service can be extended to
A
significant number of Whitefield commuters have jobs in the greater
Scenic
Byways and Views
Townhouse
Road, East River Road, Mills Road near Hendsbee’s, Head Tide Road, South Hunts
Meadow Road. For more information,
see Natural
Resources.
Corridor
Planning
A number of
state highways connect Whitefield with its neighbors. These include:
·
Route
17 (Jefferson, Windsor, Chelsea and Augusta);
·
Route
32 (Jefferson and Windsor);
·
Route
194 (Alna and Pittston);
·
Route
218 (Alna);
·
Route
126 (Jefferson and Pittston).
Many of
these towns share similar issues and concerns along these corridors and several
are in the process of preparing comprehensive plans. It would be beneficial for these
communities to jointly discuss issues such as road safety, speed limits and
community character.
Regional
Transportation Advisory Committee
Whitefield
is one of 72 communities in MDOT Region 5, which includes all of
RTAC 5’s
Plan for the Greater Mid-Coast Region has number of recommendations to MDOT that
may affect Whitefield. They
include:
1. Continue to evaluate posted speed limits
and adjust as necessary;
2. Encourage alternative scenic
loops;
3. Recommend using Maine Turnpike tolls to
improve roads affected by secondary traffic from the
turnpike;
4. Provide MDOT technical assistance to
bridge structures less than 20 feet in length that are not on state or state-aid
roads;
5. Give high priority to arterial highway
improvements;
6. Identify gravel truck routes and
increase priority within the major collector program;
7. Continue
the Rural Road Initiative that provides towns with a 2/3
match;
8. Consider expanding the state bridge
program in the future;
9. Encourage towns to plan because
unplanned land use can affect the functionality of roads and the longevity of
road improvements;
10.
Encourage Context Sensitive Design that is based on consistent decision-making,
environmental consciousness, protection of the human and natural environment,
and encouragement of citizen input, collaboration, and consensus
building;
11. Continue
to evaluate all state bridges for potential public access to
water;
12. Work
with towns to address the community impacts of highway
projects;
13.
Encourage transportation and its land use impacts to be a strong component of
comprehensive plans;
14.
Encourage towns to incorporate access management into their local
ordinances;
15. Address
transportation-related impacts to the
16. Work to
decrease the weight limit on state roads to 80,000 pounds, which is the same as
on the Maine Turnpike.
Issues and Implications
1. Road improvements and additional
development may mean higher speeds and increased traffic.
2. Funding
for the
3. Will gravel roads be paved? Cost,
aesthetics, traffic volume, location are criteria that should be carefully
considered.
4. Should the town adopt standards for the
development of municipal roads, e.g. minimum sight distances for new driveways,
drainage provisions, width standards.
A-6. Public Service and
Facilities
General
Government
Whitefield
has a Selectmen-Town Meeting form of government. The Town Meeting serves the
legislative function of local government in that it passes ordinances needed for
orderly governance, approves the town budget, levies taxes, and elects various
town officials
Municipal
administrative services are provided at the Town Office in the Town House at the
north end of the
Table
6.1. Elected Officials in
Whitefield
|
Elected
Officials |
Term |
|
1st,
2nd, 3rd Selectmen (also Board of Assessors and
Overseers of the Poor) |
3
yrs- Staggered |
|
Road
Commissioner |
1
yr |
|
Superintending
School Board (5 members) |
3
yrs |
|
Planning
Board (5 members) |
2
yrs |
Note:
Shoreland review functions are handled by the Planning
Board.
The Town of
·
Town Clerk
(Registrar, Treasurer, Tax Collector);
·
Deputy
Administrative Assistant;
·
Office
Assistant;
·
Code
Enforcement Officer;
·
Fire Chief,
Assistant Fire Chief and Civil Defense Director;
·
Plumbing
Inspector;
·
Health
Officer;
·
Animal
Control Officer;
·
Ballot
Clerks;
·
Recycling
Center Attendant;
·
Highway
workers;
·
Cemetery
caretaker.
In addition,
the Town appoints the following standing boards and committees:
·
Budget
Committee (7 members);
·
Comprehensive
Planning Committee;
·
Recycling
Committee;
·
Appeals
Board (5 members).
Solid
Waste
The
Whitefield town dump was closed in 1982.
Currently
Whitefield has a contract to use the Augusta Hatch Hill Land Fill for solid
waste disposal. The contract is renewable annually and is based on a
per/resident fee. Residents must pay an annual permit fee and a per/ton tipping
fee to use the Hatch Hill facility.
Table 6.2. Whitefield’s Hatch Hill Annual Costs
|
Year |
Costs |
|
1999 |
$20,276 |
|
2000 |
$20,275 |
|
2001 |
$20,286 |
|
2002 |
$23,867 |
|
2003 |
$23,867 |
|
2004 |
$23,867 |
Source: Town of
Several
private trash pick-up services are available to town residents on a pay for
pick-up basis. Town businesses contract with private trash haulers from the
greater
In July
1990, Whitefield established a voluntary recycling program in conjunction with
the
Public
Safety
Police
Protection
Police
protection is provided by Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department and the State
Police. Whitefield is connected
through the enhanced 911 system, with all calls and
responses
dispatched through the
Fire
Protection and Emergency Response
Whitefield
receives fire protection through a partnership with the Coopers Mills Volunteer
Fire Department (CMVFD), Kings Mills Volunteer Fire Department (KMVFD), and
North Whitefield Volunteer Fire Departments (NWVFD), each of which is organized
as a separate association, with its own officers, bylaws, and bank accounts.
Each has its own station, equipment, and personnel. Each was organized shortly after
the Second World War; each has its own traditions, history, and supporters among
current and past firefighters, their families, and auxiliary organizations.
Today they represent one of the most visible reminders of the three villages of
Whitefield.
The travel
time between villages influenced the original associations, and even today plays
an important role in determining the number of stations for adequate fire
protection. The travel time from the Coopers Mills station to a fire south of
the Kings Mills station can be more than 20 minutes, especially in poor driving
conditions. The existing stations are ideally located at the three points in
Whitefield where the
Whitefield
has implemented the Enhanced
In 2003,
Whitefield fire companies responded to 98 incidents, making that the busiest
year for the fire service, up from 93 in 2002. As shown in Figure 6.1, the total
number of calls has more than doubled (from 48 to 98) between 1998 and
2003. Structure fires
and chimney
fires in Whitefield have declined in recent years. Most of the increase in calls
has come from responses to traffic accidents , labeled as “10-55” and the
"other" category, which includes hazardous materials, rescues, furnace
malfunctions, and false alarms (CO or smoke detectors which are tied to a
dispatch service).
FIGURE 6.1. Whitefield Fire Department Run
Summary
As shown
in Figure 6.1, the Whitefield Fire
Department responds to a wide variety of emergency calls even before the threat
of terrorism became an issue. This
has led to more dispatches and required training for a wide range of public
safety-related issues. The fire department is now expected to respond to the
following:
·
fires;
·
emergency
medical situations;
·
traffic
accidents;
·
hazardous
materials incidents (Awareness level)
·
downed
electric lines or problems;
·
CO, smoke
detector, fire and lifeline alarms;
·
trees downed
on public roads;
·
water
rescues;
·
Emergency
Management Agency (EMA) assistance, as requested in response to homeland
security matters, natural disasters, and civil emergency
preparedness;
·
law
enforcement assistance as requested.
The
following non-emergency services are also provided:
·
fire
prevention program;
·
fire safety
education;
·
fire
inspections.
A vital
element in ensuring adequate coverage is the mutual aid agreements with
adjoining towns. Whitefield fire companies respond to structure fires and other
serious incidents in neighboring towns and vice versa. In the last 4 years, between 15 to 20%
of Whitefield Fire Department dispatches have been to mutual aid calls. In return, firefighters and emergency
equipment from neighboring towns respond to major incidents in Whitefield. There is a high level of cooperation
between the mutual aid towns which have organized the Sheepscot Valley Fire Task
Force. The Task Force conducts
joint training exercises and provides a forum for coordination of purchase of
new equipment so that each town does not duplicate equipment available from
another response company when a different purchase could be mutually
beneficial.
Each station
operates and maintains its own equipment, which includes a pump truck, tanker,
and forestry vehicle. CMVFD also
operates and maintains a utility vehicle with a cascade air system for
re-filling air packs, a small generator, and portable lights. The newest vehicle in the overall
Whitefield inventory is the 1993 CMVFD pumper, purchased by the Association. The
newest vehicle in KMVFD dates to 1978; the newest in NWVFD to 1982. A long range planning committee
has studied the issue of apparatus needed for protection, releasing a
recommendation that the existing pumper and tanker in Kings Mills be replaced by
one new pumper-tanker. The plan was
approved by the Selectmen and Budget Committee in January 2004, and adopted by
the voters at the March 2004 Town Meeting authorizing the Town finance the
purchase of a new pumper-tanker.
Each of the
three Whitefield stations is over 50 years old. They have
been expanded and modified repeatedly over the years, but they lack basic
amenities and facilities now considered standard for maintenance and training.
It is estimated to require over $26,000 to bring the three existing stations
into compliance with current code or regulatory requirements, or to carry out
necessary basic upkeep. CMVFD
investigated the cost of upgrading its current building and concluded that it
would be more cost effective to invest in a new building -- a conclusion which
would probably also apply to the other two Whitefield fire stations. CMVFD has
set aside money -- raised through its own efforts -- to finance constructing a
new station. Upon the finding by
the long range planning committee that a station in Coopers Mills was essential
to providing appropriate town-wide responses, CMVFD has begun preliminary
planning to design, construct, and finance a new station.
In 2005, the
Town purchased the 4.8 acre “Greene” property and structure adjacent to the Town
House and Town Office. Any decision
concerning consolidating the Kings Mills and North Whitefield stations or
investing significant money into upgrading either station will await the
decision on upgrading of other facilities in the area of the Town Office to
allow consideration of incorporation of a fire station as part of the
improvements. The scope and timing
of that project will determine whether that station replaces both the existing
North Whitefield and Kings Mills Stations or whether Kings Mills retains a third
station.
The greatest
challenge facing Whitefield is personnel, including recruiting, training, and,
retaining qualified firefighters and officers. The very laws intended to protect the
lives and safety of firefighters add a large time commitment to training and
certifications, and paperwork to document compliance. Along with legal liability issues, these
mandates are seen as a deterrent to attracting new volunteers. CMVFD with 15
active firefighters, and KMVFD with 13, are considered relatively healthy in
terms of numbers, qualifications, and ability to respond. NWVFD, with 5 active
firefighters, has insufficient personnel to be able to respond regularly to
incidents. The Town fire officers
are working to recruit new members for each of the organizations and to develop
a junior firefighter program.
Even within
the two relatively healthy companies there are worrisome trends. One is the age structure. Put simply,
Whitefield has too many "senior" firefighters and not enough young ones. Of the
33 active firefighters in all three Whitefield companies, only one-third are
under thirty. Another problem is the number of firefighters available during
working hours. Twenty-eight of Whitefield's active firefighters work out of
town, although some work nearby and are able to respond to fires in Whitefield
during normal working hours.
In 2003-04,
Whitefield’s budget allocated $71,365 for fire protection, a figure which
amounts to about 1.6% of the Town’s total appropriation. This included
allocations of $13,000 to each of the three fire companies, $15,385 for a new
truck loan, $5,000 for personal protective gear replacement, $8,500 for the
purchase of new air packs, and other miscellaneous expenses. In their
partnership with the Town, the CMVFD Association contributed $41,000 between
2000 and 2003 from their fundraising events to enhance the fire protection of
the residents of Whitefield without affecting the tax burden (payments on Engine
5 and land purchase for site of future station).
Whitefield
Ambulance Service
This service
is provided by Delta Ambulance of Augusta, which is contacted through
911.
Emergency
first response
service
This is
provided by the Town of
Public
Facilities
Whitefield
has two public wells. One is
located at the school and the other is located at the Town Office. The rest of the community gets its
potable water from private wells.
1.
·
8 acres on
the Townhouse road (tax map/page 13/47) containing the Town House and Town
Office, a small storage building, the Veterans Memorial, the salt/sand shed, and
the recycling building;
·
8.3 acres on
Grand Army Road/Route 126 (tax map 13/50) containing the
·
17.5 acres
Fox Farm Lane, with frontage on the West Branch of the Sheepscot River (tax map
20/11) a portion of which lies in the town of Windsor. The voters at the March
2004 Town Meeting authorized the Whitefield Lions Club to conduct a feasibility
study for developing a multi-community recreation area on this
parcel;
·
1/3 acre
(tax map 17/20) between the
·
4.8 acres
(tax map 13/53) on the
2. TOWN-MAINTAINED CEMETERIES (from
maintenance list at Town Office)
·
Gardiner:
Route 218 north, by
·
Cookson:
Route 218 north, left ½ mile from
·
Preble:
Hunt’s meadow Road, north right off
·
Brookings:
·
Noyes:
·
Choate:
Route 126 toward Jefferson, right
·
Turner-Newell:
Route 218 behind fire dept, on hill
·
Ware:
Route 218 Whitefield across from
·
Sweat:
·
Northy:
3.
TOWN-OWNED STRUCTURES
The Town
House
Location:
Type/construction: Wood
frame;
Facilities:
Age:
Size: 42’ x
32’.
Condition: Original
building has been refurbished: handicap accessible ramp added; attic insulated,
interior storm windows added; shingles replaced on north wall; side and exterior
painted; all windows repainted and re-glazed; outer doors replaced; Kings Mills
and Coopers Mills Post Office Windows and boxes installed; town office added
underneath.
Primary
purpose: Town
Office;
Uses: Whitefield
Historical Society, town’s polling place; town offices;
Special
features: Historic
building;
Adequate for
current use: town
office space inadequate;
Adequate for
future use: town
office space inadequate;
Renovation
or repairs needed:
None.
Location: Route 126,
North Whitefield;
Type/construction: cement
block and wood frame;
Facilities: classrooms
for K-8, library, gymnasium with stage, cafeteria, kitchen, music
room;
Age: Built in
1956, addition in 1970, addition in 1988 (gym, etc,);
Capacity:
Approximately 320 students; gym est., 500 persons;
Condition:
fair;
Primary
purpose: Elementary
school;
Uses: Town
meeting, civic meetings, fundraising suppers/events;
Users: Fire
department, Athletic Associations, PTS, School Board, other civic groups,
boards, commissions;
Special
features: large
gymnasium and stage with adjacent kitchen facilities;
Adequacy for
current use: Building
is adequate for current use;
Adequacy for
future use: Depends on
size of student body. Portable classroom(s) may be needed if student population
increases;.
Renovation
or repairs needed: Gymnasium
needs floor repair, parking lot improvements needed, main building roof
replacement, wall extension to meet code, sprinkler system, fixture upgrade to
meet
Salt &
Sand Shed:
Location:
Type/construction:
wood frame,
corrugated metal covering
Facilities: Quonset
style building with paved floor
Age: built
1990
Size:
4,000 yard
capacity
Condition:
Good
Primary
purpose: storage of
town’s road sand and salt
Users:
Town
Special
features: cement side
walls four feet high and paved floor to contain salt
Adequate for
current use:
Yes
Adequate for
future use:
Yes
Renovation
or repairs needed: None
Recycling
Building
Location: vicinity of
Salt/Sand shed
Type/construction: wood frame
on concrete slab, vinyl siding
Facilities:
Age:
built in
1998
Size:
24’ x
32’
Condition:
good
Primary
purpose: receptacles
for glass and metal to be recycled, storage of other recycled
items
Adequate for
current use:
Yes.
Adequate for
future use:
Yes
Renovation
or repairs needed: Painting of
trim not completed.
Storage
Shed
Name of
building: storage
shed
Location: across
entrance road from the Town House
Type/construction: wood
frame, shingled
Age: 1843 former
privy of original Townhouse; moved to present site early
1990’s
Size: 12’ x
16’
Condition: Has been
re-roofed, re-shingled and windows replaced.
Uses: storage for
Historical Society items too large for the Town House.
Adequate for
current use: Yes
Adequate for
future use: Yes
Renovation/repairs
needed: may need to
be stained/painted
Coopers
Mills Dam (from Trout Unlimited
presentation)
Location:
Type/construction: stone
block and concrete, low head, run of river, DIF&W fishway
Age:
Size: 12’ high,
185’ long
Condition: undersized
spillway; deteriorating concrete; cracks and fissures; leaks through dam;
non-functioning, leaking gates; safety concerns (low hazard state
rating)
Uses: dry hydrant
for fire protection behind dam; dam apparently has no effect on water levels in
Long Pond
Adequate for
current use: leaking
limits fishway to spring (alewife) passage
Adequate for
future use:
Renovation/repairs
needed: a proposal
to repair and provide adequate fish passage or breach the dam is under
discussion among town officials, Trout Unlimited, and the Sheepscot Watershed
Commission.
Bridge,
Location:
Type/Construction: multiple
culverts
Condition: signs of
corrosion and section loss (DOT)
Repair/Renovation/Replacement: anticipate
need for replacement within 10 years. Est. replacement cost
>$200,000
“Greene”
Property
Location:
Type:
Age: 170
years
Condition: To be
determined. Roof and exterior cosmetic repair needs evident. Interior/structural
condition unknown.
Adequate for
future Town use: Unknown.
Use(s) of the structure and property to be determined.
:
Whitefield
Library Services
Whitefield
does not have a public library.
In 1998, an
attempt to gain approval of the use of town revenues to fund the use of the
Whitefield School Library as a public library was defeated at town meeting. In
2001 the Town voted to pay Gardiner Library for Whitefield citizens to use the
Gardiner Library. The contract was
not renewed in 2002 when the fee assessed reflected increased use by Whitefield
citizens and the bill increased substantially over the first year introductory
rate.
There are
six public libraries located in “service centers” that are within reasonable
driving distances for Whitefield residents: the Maine State Library (Augusta);
Lithgow Library (Augusta); the Gardiner Public Library; Hallowell Library and
the Wiscasset Library, and Skidompha Library
(Damariscotta)
Whitefield
provides public education at the
Table
6.4.
|
Year |
1993 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|
Elementary |
$693,732 |
$638,939 |
$684,945 |
$785,735 |
$880,294 |
$921,903 |
|
Secondary |
$591,233 |
$800,611 |
$906,240 |
$921,700 |
$906,180 |
$933,850 |
|
Special
Ed |
$256,194 |
$575,030 |
$600,017 |
$728,913 |
$697,980 |
$887,602 |
|
Health
Services |
$8,226 |
$8,164 |
$8,892 |
$9,190 |
$12,634 |
$13,044 |
|
Improvement |
$10,000 |
$5,625 |
$6,625 |
$7,125 |
$7,125 |
$8,125 |
|
Library |
$35,147 |
$30,982 |
$35,871 |
$50,417 |
$54,348 |
$58,347 |
|
School
Comm. |
$8,085 |
$8,452 |
$12,646 |
$11,251 |
$9,343 |
$14,837 |
|
Superintendent |
$53,992 |
$61,029 |
$61,632 |
$68,967 |
$85,603 |
$87,845 |
|
Principal |
$84,387 |
$100,039 |
$107,783 |
$119,937 |
$125,139 |
$131,098 |
|
Ops.
and Maint. |
$144,153 |
$141,410 |
$192,241 |
$206,966 |
$192,656 |
$186,077 |
|
Transportation |
$119,888 |
$158,652 |
$161,069 |
$197,274 |
$196,157 |
$268,922 |
|
Other |
$2,175 |
$6,059 |
$8,299 |
$16,420 |
$16,420 |
$16,610 |
|
Debt
Service |
$180,310 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Food
Service |
$26,165 |
$1,000 |
$96,183 |
$101,866 |
$102,046 |
$101,335 |
|
Closing Union
51 |
|
|
|
|
$5,654 |
|
|
Other |
$1,100 |
$6,454 |
|
|
$37,500 |
$10,000 |
|
Total |
$2,214,787 |
$2,542,446 |
$2,882,443 |
$3,225,761 |
$3,329,079 |
$3,639,595 |
Source:
Table
6.5.
|
|
1999-00 |
2000-01 |
2001-02 |
2002-03 |
2003-04 |
|
Raised
locally * |
$1,036,465 |
$1,278,846 |
$1,337,971 |
$1,381,740 |
$1,441,090 |
|
State
Contribution |
$1,654,601 |
$1,711,841 |
$1,694,673 |
$1,781,888 |
$1,874,487 |
|
Total |
$2,682,066 |
$2,990,687 |
$3,032,644 |
$3,163,620 |
$3,315,577 |
|
%
Local |
39% |
42.8% |
44.1% |
43.7% |
43.5% |
Source:
School Budget Reports
Note:
Locally-raised educational funding includes debt service. In 1993, State funding
was at 52%. In 2004, State funding was at 43.5%. This difference can be
attributed to the State funding formula that was originally based on property
valuation, but has been changed to consider student count with local income
added.
FIGURE 6.2.
Figure
6.2. shows the growth in costs and
number of students within the three major categories, elementary education,
secondary education and special education. The graph demonstrates that the
increases in both elementary and secondary populations have remained relatively
constant over the last several years while costs have grown steadily. The costs have risen significantly:
between 1988 and 2003: secondary education costs increased by 12%;elementary
education by 62%; and special education by 130%. The cost data is based on budgeted costs
as presented in the Whitefield School Budget documents for the respective
years. The elementary costs
included all costs associated with operation and maintenance of the school
building, library, food service and transportation costs. It is noted that the cost of the special
education transportation contracts has more than doubled since 1988 and has
constituted between 20 – 30% of the total transportation budget over the last
four years. Thus, if the special
education transportation contracts were funded out of the special education
budget instead of the elementary budget, the rate of growth of elementary
budgets would be significantly lower, approximately 30% instead of 62%.
Total
enrollment is 243 students in grades K - 8. Enrollments have been relatively
stable in the last decade. Projections suggest that future enrollments will
increase, especially as residential development continues and younger families
are attracted to our relatively inexpensive housing. The school is at capacity
now.
The
school has 16 classrooms, a gymnasium/cafeteria, and five special
program
rooms. There is also a playground and athletic field. The building is in average condition for
a central structure 45 years old with two sections added over the years. It is in need of ongoing capital
improvements. The gym roof has
recently been replaced. A
chlorination system was installed in 2003 to correct occasional problems with
the drinking water. Presently work
is underway to correct problems with the gym floor.
Table 6.6.
|
Year |
Elementary |
Secondary |
Other
Schools |
Total |
|
2000-2001 |
269 |
132 |
31 |
432 |
|
2001-2002 |
275 |
141 |
32 |
448 |
|
2002-2003 |
274 |
132 |
46 |
452 |
|
2003-2004 |
276 |
126 |
43 |
445 |
|
2004-2005 |
249 |
139 |
43 |
431 |
Source: School Budgets and Superintendent’s Reports in Annual
Report
In
the past several years there has been a flurry of education-related activity at
the state and federal levels, outside of Whitefield’s control, which affects
Whitefield, the Whitefield school, and Whitefield’s students and
teachers.
1997 saw the adoption of the
Maine Learning Results (MLR) as the
In 2001, the federal No
Child Left Behind law (NCLB) was enacted.
Vastly simplified, this act requires each school to show “adequate yearly
progress” for all of its students, at every grade level. Standards to measure progress are set by
the State.
On top of this, the 2003
Maine Legislature adopted “An Act to Implement School Funding Based on Essential
Programs and Services.” This law
suggests student/teacher ratios, the number of librarians, media specialists,
etc. that the state will fund. The
funding formula will be based on the school’s essential programs and
services. This law, which goes into
effect for the 2005-2006 school year, may have a significant impact on
Whitefield’s future school. It is
uncertain how this will affect Whitefield’s State funding as the formula has not
been set yet.
State funding in 1993 was at
52% while funding for the 2003 school year was 42%. It was originally based on property
valuation and has been changed to consider student count along with local
income.
School
In 2000 - 2001 the town
considered consolidating with other nearby towns to provide a new middle school
with $10,000,000 of state funding assistance. The project was turned down. In 2002, the school committee briefly
considered narrowing the choice for high school in order to save money and
minimize the curriculum issues involved with sending students to different
schools. There was little support
in town for such a move.
Medical Facilities
Whitefield is fortunate
to have access to medical facilities in town. The Sheepscot Valley Health Center
(SVHC) in Coopers Mills village provides medical services for 5,100 clients a
year drawn from all the surrounding towns.
Services provided by SVHC include two family practitioner MDs, who also
deliver babies, two osteopathic physicians, a nurse practitioner, a physicians
assistant, a nurse practitioner as well as support staff. The
The health center is
short of both practice space and parking and is landlocked. The health center’s board is considering
options for expansion or relocation.
Table 6.7 Draft Major Capital Improvement Plan
|
action |
est.
date |
est.
cost |
funding
source |
|
construct new town
office/community center, etc. |
2010? |
$500K-1M |
Town bond, state grant, other
grants |
|
replace bridge on
W. Branch Eastern
River |
w/i
10yrs |
$200K |
Town |
|
repair or remove
Coopers Mills dam |
2006-07 |
n/a |
Private, federal |
|
develop
|
2006 |
n/a |
grants |
|
new Coopers Mills
fire house |
2006? |
$3-400K |
CM
association |
|
new Whitefield fire
house |
2010? |
$500K |
Town bond, Town
secured loan, Whitefield association |
|
new fire
truck(s) |
2014? |
$270K |
Town, federal
grant |
|
school parking
lot |
2005-06 |
$35K |
In
budget |
|
school roof
replacement |
w/i 5-10
yrs |
n/a |
Town/State |
|
school sprinkler
system |
w/i 5-10 yrs
|
$230K |
Town/State |
|
school walls to
roof to meet code |
w/i 5
yrs |
$10K |
Town/State |
|
school gym
floor |
2005 |
$40K |
purchased, awaiting
installation |
|
school roof
restructure |
w/i 5-10
yrs |
$12K |
Town/State |
|
school bus
replacement |
10
year |
|
Town |
Issues and
Implications
1. The town office space is inadequate for
the amount of business conducted and for the safe and proper care and storage of
historical records. The Town has recently purchased 4.8 acres and a structure
adjacent to the town office.
2. There is need for adequate and
comfortable space for meetings of boards and commissions.
3. The Town’s water supply (Town Office and
school) was found to contain bacteria and may need treatment before drinking or
another source developed.
4. Anadramous fish passage at the
Town-owned Coopers Mills Dam is ineffective due to the dam’s poor
condition.
5.
A.
K-8 Student performance has been at or slightly above state average for
the last 4 years. Adequate yearly
progress needs to continue as the state averages continue to rise. The
performance of Whitefield secondary school students is not currently
tracked.
B. The ability to provide a Pre-Kindergarten is non-existent but will become important in the future. Full day kindergarten is contingent on enrollment numbers.
C. There
is currently little to no extended day or summer school for students requiring
remedial education.
D. Art,
Foreign Language and Career programs are non-existent but will be required by
Learning Results in the future.
E.
Programs for Music, Physical Education and Guidance are lacking in time
and will not meet the Learning Results expectations.
F. The
school needs capital improvements and additional space will be required if all
essential programs and services are implemented and/or attendance
increases.
G.
School operating costs continue to rise. Health insurance, salaries, and special
education are the areas of biggest
increases.
H. Equipment needs to be replaced at regular
intervals or for catastrophic failure.
Buses have a life span of 10 years.
Technology equipment becomes outdated very quickly.
I. The school must deal with major issues (drugs,
alcohol, firearms, violence, etc.) as they occur within the school system.
j.
Whitefield needs to be competitive in the hiring of teachers to ensure
the school gets highly qualified and motivated teachers. Salaries are currently slightly below
the state average.
K.
Although Whitefield splits the costs of the Superintendent’s office with
Jefferson and Chelsea, the cost of renting a Union office also increases the
budget.
L. There
is currently no transportation for secondary school children from
Whitefield. They are dependent on
buses that some high schools provide and for rides from relatives and friends.
School bus availability may change with time as finances become strapped in the
various school districts. Lack of
transportation is also a factor in students dropping out of
school.
7. Whitefield may be
required to address the disposal of hazardous materials.
8. Fire Department
A. The geography of the town, running some
15 miles from north to south but with only three river crossings, could pose
problems for emergency services times if the number of stations was
reduced.
B. Converting from three distinct,
volunteer fire associations to a single municipal function would lead to some
efficiencies and improved coordination between stations but doing so would also
add a significant tax burden to the town with the loss of the association’s
fundraising efforts.
C. The cost of fire apparatus dictates that the town should develop a long-range apparatus replacement program which plans sequential replacement of the oldest equipment so that equipment can pass the NFPA standards.
D. The fire service should seek to upgrade
the town’s Insurance Standard’s Organization (ISO) rating that would result in
lowering of personal and business insurance policies
E. Recruitment, training, and retention of
volunteer firefighters are huge problems for Whitefield. This is driven in part by state and
federal OSHA regulations, and NFPA standards all intended to protect the health
and safety of fulltime and volunteer firefighters but which add to the amount of
time required to fulfill the requirements.
9. Whitefield Rescue needs to grow in
number of volunteers, upgrading the proficiency levels of the volunteers,
upgrading equipment and providing housing for apparatus and
equipment.
10. 2009 is the bicentennial year for
Whitefield. A warrant article was
passed in 2004 to start a fund to pay for a celebration.
A-7.
Recreation Resources
Parks and Recreation
Resources
Residents of our town have
access to a wide variety of public and private recreational resources. This section inventories these resources
and addresses how changes in the community could impact their
availability.
Public Recreation
Resources
Most of our town’s publicly-owned recreation
resources are located at the
Other town-owned recreation areas include the Coopers
Mills Dam and a small parcel on the West Branch of the
In addition, our town was deeded a piece of river
frontage containing 17.5 acres
(“Olsen property”) on the town line in
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
owns and maintains a public boat launching site on
The
Private
Recreation Resources
Whitefield
relies heavily on private recreation facilities to meet the needs of our
community. As a rural town, most
residents have their own yards and don’t need to rely on public parks for
recreation. More importantly, our
town has a long tradition of public access across private lands for hunting,
skiing, horseback riding, and walking.
This tradition makes much of privately-owned, undeveloped areas in town
an enormous recreation resource, and has been an important part of our
heritage. Landowners often allow
neighbors access to the rivers, ponds, and
Our local snowmobile club,
The Windsor/Whitefield/Jefferson Snowmobile Club (WJW), maintains a network of
snowmobile trails that run across private lands in town. Registration fees for these recreation
vehicles are collected by the town and sent to the State. Since excise tax is
not collected by the town on snowmobiles, a small portion ($5.85) of each registration fee is returned to the Town of
All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
are not allowed to use the snowmobile club’s trails, but their increasing use on
private property is becoming a larger issue in the community. Recently-enacted state legislation
strengthening the regulation of ATV use should help address some of the
landowners’ concerns).
As our community grows and
changes, the traditional access that the public has enjoyed to private land will
be threatened. As our town gets
larger, the demand for recreation opportunities could surpasses a landowner’s
level of comfort, thereby threatening the public’s access to that land. As properties change hands, new
landowners may not choose to recognize the access that residents have
traditionally enjoyed. Finally, the
subdivision of larger parcels for development could interrupt the open spaces
and trails that the public uses.
All of these scenarios could threaten the public’s access to the town’s
largest recreation resource.
Finally, our town has
several private recreation facilities that it can use. A nine-hole golf course has been
developed in Kings Mills and a
Comparison
with Other Small Towns
Our town’s recreation
resources are generally smaller than other small towns in
Table
7.1. Whitefield Recreation
Comparison
|
Activity |
|
Whitefield,
publicly-owned |
Whitefield,
privately-owned |
|
Parks
(acreage) |
25.6 |
18.5 |
|
|
Baseball
fields |
1.13 |
1 |
|
|
Softball
fields |
1 |
0 |
|
|
Multiuse
fields |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Basketball
courts |
1 |
2 |
|
|
Picnic
tables |
6.3 |
0 |
|
|
Swimming
pools (sq ft) |
1,983 |
0 |
Many
river and lake access points |
|
Playgrounds |
1.4 |
1 |
|
|
Boat
ramp (spaces) |
11 |
0 |
Many
river and lake access points |
|
Nature
trails (miles) |
0.78 |
0 |
2.0
( |
|
Winter
trails* (miles) |
2.8 |
0 |
36.0
(Snowmobile Club) |
|
Ice
skating (sq ft) |
6,800 |
0 |
Many
river and lake access points |
Source:
Chelsea Comprehensive Plan (May 2003), Town of
*
for cross country skiing and snowmobiling
Recreation
Related Licenses and Permits
Records of various
recreation-related licenses and permits suggest that the demands on the town’s
recreation resources are changing (Table 7.2.). Between 1993 and 2003, the number of
hunting and fishing permits for our town’s residents has dropped from 643 to
423. At the same time, the number
of recreation vehicle licenses appears to be increasing. Licenses for ATVs, boats, and
snowmobiles have all increased.
Table 7.2. Recreation
Related Licenses and Permits
|
|
1993 |
1996 |
2000 |
2003 |
|
Hunting/fishing |
643 |
636 |
495 |
423 |
|
Junior
hunting |
52 |
51 |
54 |
52 |
|
All
Terrain Vehicle |
n/a |
n/a |
100 |
123 |
|
Boat |
n/a |
n/a |
154 |
173 |
|
Snowmobile |
n/a |
n/a |
74 |
143 |
n/a - Not
available
Note: Hunting/fishing licenses could be obtained only in town of
residence before 1996.
Although numbers of
hunting/fishing licenses no longer reflect all residents who have licenses (they
can now purchase licenses at other locations or hold life-time licenses) there
is a pattern of a decrease in hunting/fishing licenses and an increase in
recreational vehicle licenses. These changing patterns of recreational use from
the more traditional hunting and fishing to recreational vehicles may continue
to create tension between users and landowners.
The
Whitefield Athletic
Association
The
recreational needs of children and youth outside of school programs are met by
the Whitefield Athletic Association. The WAA sponsors and supports sports for
children from kindergarten to eighth grade, including soccer, T-ball, softball,
baseball and basketball, using the school playing fields which they help to
maintain. The school playground is
available to individuals when not in use by the students. Boy Scout, Brownie, and 4H Groups are
active in town. Activities directed
by the Youth Pastor at the recently erected
Issues and
Implications
1. Our town relies on a broad mix of both
public and private recreation resources.
High-intensity recreation areas (ball-fields, gymnasiums, etc) tend to be
publicly owned, while lower-intensity recreation areas (hiking, hunting, etc)
tend to be privately owned.
2. As our town grows and becomes more
suburban, the demand for higher-intensity recreation areas will likely
increase. The resources currently
available are limited and could be overwhelmed in the
future.
3. The use of ATV’s on private land is an
issue.
4. Continued access to the community’s
privately owned resources depends on the generosity of landowners and
responsible use by the public. This
access has been observed as tradition, but is not guaranteed in the future.
Table 7.1. illustrates the high reliance that our residents have on private
landowners for public access to hiking, hunting, skiing, sledding, skating,
snowmobiling and canoeing. Despite
5. Some
public access points to the
6.
Walking, biking. and running on town roads is becoming more dangerous as
both the volume and speed of the traffic increases. Developing bike/walk lanes on the roads
and paths such as along the
7. The
Town of Whitefield returns all of its funds from snowmobile registrations to the
local snowmobile club. The club
then uses these funds to help maintain its trail network. The Town may want to work more closely
with the snowmobile club to track these funds and identify other recreation
opportunities that might exist.
8. The
Wiscassett,
9. What will be lost by projected growth and should
it be prevented?
A-8.
Culture
The change
in demographics and life styles of the last 30 years has brought changes to the
cultural landscape of Whitefield.
While the three villages are still a physical reality, the strong
cultural identities of their residents, centered on social activities sponsored
by the respective fire departments, churches and social clubs have been
diluted.
Many
opportunities are available outside of the town. Places such as Augusta,
Gardiner, Hallowell, Waterville, and other towns of central and mid-coast Maine,
with their movies, theatre, libraries, beaches, concerts, museums, gymnasiums,
swimming pools, hiking trails, sporting events, etc. provide the major source
of cultural and recreational
facilities for Whitefield residents.
Nonetheless,
there are several local events held every year which continue to promote social
interaction and a sense of community.
Among these are the Kings Mills Fire Department Fourth of July
Celebration, the Whitefield Historical Society Memorial Day Exercises at the
Veteran’s Memorial Park, the Coopers Mills Fire Department Annual Auction, the
Irish Picnic at St. Denis Church, the Christmas Tree Lighting at the Town House,
the Educational Fair at the Whitefield Elementary School and, of course, town
meeting. Local organizations, such as the Arlington Grange, the Lions Club, the
Whitefield Historical Society and local churches, also host a number of
activities which are open to the public, including suppers, lectures and
auctions.
The town is
also graced by the art work of its residents. Elementary students funded by the PTA
and the Maine Humanities Council and directed by local artist Natasha Mayers
completed the Painted Poles Project which has decorated a number of CMP poles
with historic themes. The Heroes
and Heroines Project created panels depicting the lives of people who have
contributed to the town from its beginnings to the present. These are now on display at Uncas Farm
and the Whitefield Post Office. In
addition, local sculptor Roger Majorowitz has not only created a public
sculpture garden across from his house on the
The influx
of new residents has brought hidden benefits to the town by creating a
culturally heterogeneous population of varied religious backgrounds and talents
scattered throughout the town.
Artists and farmers, musicians and mechanics, carpenters and lawyers,
writers and electricians, doctors and herbalists, bakers and beer-makers, maple
syrup producers and wood crafters live next door to each other. Many individuals carry on a variety of
activities in order to make a living or as hobbies. Such a vibrant cultural mix bodes well
for the town’s future.
Community
Organizations and Facilities
The
facilities available to the public in Whitefield are sparse. It is clear that the school provides the
only really usable town-owned facilities and these are limited to those times
when they are not needed for student activities. Other available facilities are provided
by private, mostly non-profit organizations, run by volunteers and supported by
dues and other fund-raisings. Uncas Farms offers its meeting space to local
groups (sometimes for a fee) for discussions, art exhibitions, yoga classes,
children’s story hour, etc.
Many
organizations provide charitable and philanthropic services to town residents. They deserve as much town
support as possible to continue their valuable services to the
town.
·
The
Whitefield Lions Club has been
active since 1953. It has recently
integrated its membership with the Lady Lionesses. Meetings are held at their
“Den” on
·
Arlington
Grange is housed in
an historic building built in 1885 by the Erskine Post of the Grand Army of the
Republic on
·
Whitefield
Historical Society has been
active since 1976 in collecting and preserving artifacts and documents relating
to the history of the town. In
1989, the society was appointed by the town as custodian for the 1843 Town House
which now serves as its headquarters and which houses the archives. Membership
is open to all and includes a subscription to its newsletter, “The Whitefield
Historian.” There are currently
about 100 members. There are four
general meetings a year. In addition to dues, the society raises money by the
sale of books and postcards.
·
Whitefield
Senior Men have
recently organized as a social group to share experiences and discuss any topic
of interest except politics and religion.
There is no formal organization and no dues. The group is especially
interested in ideas to help the community.
Their first project was fundraising to restore the Veterans Memorial
“Honor Roll” at the corner of
·
Whitefield-Jefferson-Windsor (WJW) Snowmobile Club
maintains 36 miles of snowmobile
trails in the tri-town area. Funded
by the Snowmobile registration refund program, they encourage safe and proper
use of snowmobiles.
·
Full Gospel
Fellowship in Kings Mills runs a
food bank from its church at the corner of Town House and Pittston
Roads.
·
Young
at Heart Senior
Citizens: to be developed
·
Jefferson-Whitefield Extension
Homemakers is a chapter of the
Issues and
Implications
1. Whitefield itself has few cultural
facilities, and those that are available in our community are offered by private
organizations. However, the number
of facilities and activities available in the region is large.
2. There are no public
programs targeting the social needs of senior citizens. As our town’s population ages, it will
become increasingly difficult for these residents to participate in activities
that are far from home.
3. The lack of a public
library limits the townspeople’s access to programs and resources that a library
could offer, including computer access and training. This is particularly restrictive to
senior citizens and children who cannot drive themselves to out-of-town
facilities.
4. The public school is
the only publicly-owned facility in our town that is available for group
activities (this space is only available when it is not needed for school
activities).
5. There are
several private organizations in Whitefield that have meeting spaces that can be
used by the community.
A-9. Historical and
Archaeological
Historic
Sites
Sites
are included in the list below that define, illustrate or authenticate social,
political and economic events, people and culture, art and architecture, and
settlement patterns which contributed to the evolution of the town and which we
may want to keep from destruction . The following list is suggestive and may be
modified as the work of evaluation progresses.
Whitefield Historic Sites [Appendix
B-2 Map, “Churches, Cemeteries, Historic Buildings and
Sites”]
A. Sites to be Evaluated for Historical
Significance
1.
Village centers,
including the remnants of the mills around which the villages arose, the
patterns of settlement in
the villages and the structures which defined the
village.
·
Kings Mills, including
the mill owners’ houses which surround the site and the route of the Railroad, sites of stores, schools and
churches
·
North Whitefield: including the mill sites at
·
Coopers Mills, including
the mill sites on both sides of
2.
Cemeteries (See Table
9.1, below)
3.
Churches
·
·
Whitefield Union Church
(Full Gospel Fellowship) 1887 (Kings Mills)
·
·
·
Willing
4.
Public or Private Social
Meeting Locations
·
Arlington Grange Hall
(GAR Hall) (1885) (North Whitefield)
·
Whitefield Union
Hall (1900) (Kings Mills) (IN BAD
CONDITION)
·
Whitefield Town
House (1843) (North
Whitefield)
·
One-Room School House
(Lion’s Den, Coopers Mills)
·
Cottage Hospital
(
·
Bell School House in
Kings Mills (privately owned)
5.
Cattle Pounds (Rte. 126 across from St. Denis
Church; Kings Mills, unknown
location)
1834
6. Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railroad (Sites of stations, roadbed)
7.
Economic
sites
· Jewett and other Granite Quarries
·
Ball Limestone Kiln
(1770s) (Weary
·
Search for sites of
stores, hotels, other businesses
8.
Agricultural
landscapes
·
typical farm (Tibbetts? Uncas?)
(
·
extant barns
·
Preble/Carleton House
(Sabatine) connected farm house (1770/1805/1850s))
9.
Dwelling Houses (others
to be identified by a completed survey)
18th
century
·
Abraham Choate House
(1784) Kings
Mills
·
Abraham Choate, Jr. House
(1790) Hilton
Road
·
John Woodman House (1770s
to 1802) (2 houses, tavern )
·
William Tobey House
(1790) off
·
Jonathan Heath House
(1790s) Heath
Road
·
Houses in Hunts Meadow
(Longfellow, Preble, etc )
19th and
20th century
·
Chadborne House
(
·
Brick Houses
(
·
Stone House (Field/Dunn),
·
Avery house (?Hotel) North Whitefield
·
Briggs Turner House
(
·
Many houses on every
road
10.
Historic Landscapes
·
Weary Pond Area:
·
·
·
·
B. Possible historical
archeological sites
·
Site of
·
Foundation of first John
Woodman House
·
Site of St. Denis Rectory
(listed on the National Register of Historic Places)
·
Cattle Pound (North
Whitefield)
·
James Loughery Home
foundation: identified by MHPC
·
Cornelius Defley Home
foundation: identified by
MHPC
C. Pre-historic Archeological Sites have
not been identified in Whitefield.
Table 9.1 Whitefield
Cemeteries
|
No. |
NAME |
LOCATION |
No. Of |
Condition |
Oldest
grave |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Woodman
|
|
10 |
poor |
1799 |
|
2 |
Heath
(John) |
Wiscasset
road (Rte. 218) |
11 |
fair |
1814 |
|
3 |
Kings
Mills |
Wiscasset
road (Rte 218 ) |
many |
good |
1801 |
|
4 |
Russian |
|
3 |
poor |
1962 |
|
5 |
Ware/Maple |
|
22 |
good |
1814 |
|
6 |
Preble
(Jedediah) |
|
18 |
fair |
1811 |
|
7 |
Town
Farm |
|
0 |
invisible |
? |
|
8 |
Potter/Little |
|
Field
stones 0 |
invisible |
? |
|
9 |
Little |
|
?2 |
invisible |
? |
|
10 |
Turner/Newell |
|
15 |
poor |
1829 |
|
11 |
Gardiner/Avery |
|
15 |
good |
1842 |
|
12 |
Brann |
|
64 |
fair |
1819 |
|
13 |
Tobey
1 |
|
3 |
fair |
1858 |
|
14 |
Tobey
2 |
|
10 |
fair |
1841 |
|
15 |
Matthews |
|
9 |
poor |
1830 |
|
16 |
Palmer |
Thayer
road |
Field
stones 0 |
invisible |
? |
|
17 |
|
|
?2 |
invisible |
? |
|
18 |
Tarr |
|
?2 |
invisible |
? |
|
19 |
Fowles |
Alna
road (Rte 194) |
2 |
poor |
1836 |
|
20 |
Chisam |
|
4 |
poor |
1831 |
|
21 |
King |
|
0 |
invisible |
? |
|
22 |
Heath
(Jonathan) |
|
0 |
invisible |
? |
|
23 |
Noyes |
|
80 |
good |
1814 |
|
24 |
Choate |
|
35 |
good |
1821 |
|
25 |
Dunton |
|
Field
Stone 2 |
fair |
? |
|
26 |
|
N.
Fowles lane |
8 |
poor |
1844 |
|
27 |
R
or RK |
Jewett
lane |
Field
Stones 2 |
poor |
? |
|
28 |
King
(Rufus) |
Town
House road |
0 |
invisible |
? |
|
29 |
Kinsell/Turner/King |
|
0 |
invisible |
? |
|
30 |
Swett |
|
98 |
good |
1822 |
|
31 |
Northey |
Howe
road |
23 |
fair |
1829 |
|
32 |
Partridge |
Doyle
road |
11 |
poor |
1846 |
|
33 |
Edgecomb |
Rte
17, Coopers Mills |
1 |
poor |
1861 |
|
34 |
Human |
Main
St. Coopers Mills |
0 |
invisible |
? |
|
35 |
Howe |
Main
St. Coopers Mills |
many |
good |
1844 |
|
36 |
St.
Denis Churchyard |
Grand
|
200 |
fair |
1819 |
|
37 |
St.
Denis |
Grand
|
many |
good |
1844 |
|
38 |
Brookings |
|
15 |
fair |
1839 |
|
39 |
Brookings/Blackman |
|
Field
stones 25-30 |
poor |
? |
|
40 |
McKindsley |
|
Field
stones |
fair |
? |
|
41 |
Preble
(James) |
N.
Hunts meadow Road |
58 |
good |
1838 |
|
42 |
Moody |
|
9 |
poor |
1829 |
|
43 |
Blackman |
|
32 |
fair |
1818 |
Whitefield
Historical Society
The
Whitefield Historical Society has been active since 1976 in collecting and
preserving artifacts and documents relating to the history of the town. In 1989, the society was appointed by
the town as custodian of the 1843
Town House that now serves as its headquarters and houses the archives.
Membership is open to all and includes a subscription to the society’s newsletter, “The Whitefield
Historian.” There are currently
about 100 members. There are four
general meetings a year. In addition to dues, the society raises money by the
sale of books and postcards.
Issue
and Implications
1. Increased development pressure poses a
potential threat to historic sites and archeological resources (Table
1).
2. Of the 43 cemeteries identified by
Palmer in 1977 (Table 2), only 10 are being maintained at the present time.
About a dozen have all but disappeared. The remainder are restorable but will
require some funding.
3. While town records are being gradually
conserved and they are stored in a fireproof vault, the storage area is not
automatically humidity controlled (humidity represents the greatest danger to
leather bindings and linen-based papers after fire.) There is no inventory of
the records stored in the town office.
Since these records offer the only insight into the development of the
town and its official policies, they are of great interest to town planners and
other town committees, as well as to historians and interested townspeople. However, there are no written guidelines
governing their public use, including those which by law can be used only after
designated periods have elapsed.
4. Information about the
historic sites, archeological resources and records is not readily available to
residents.
A-10.
Natural
Resources
Topography
The Town
of
Most of the
land in Whitefield has a slope of 15% or less, however, a significant amount of
land immediately adjacent to the
Surficial
Geology
Most of the
unconsolidated sediments overlying the metamorphic bedrock (ledge) in Whitefield
are the result of continental glaciation that ended in
Most of
Whitefield's sand and gravel resource was formed by melting glaciers and is
located in a sinuous, fragmented
ridge of sand and gravel (“esker”) running from the north to the south end of
town along the Sheepscot River. The stream that formed the esker appears to have
flowed into what was then the sea near the south end of town, building the
large, flat-topped delta that is now extensively mined for its valuable sand and
gravel.
The
surficial geology map [Appendix B-3 Map, “Soils”] shows the distribution of the different
glacial sediments occurring in Whitefield.
Although not evident from the map, Whitefield on a regional scale has a
significant amount of sand and gravel.
This material is important as aggregate, but also commonly stores good
volumes of ground water and is a very important source of recharge to underlying
bedrock aquifers.
Clay and
silt marine sediments occur throughout the town except at the high elevations
where they were never deposited or have since eroded away. Till is exposed at the higher
elevations, where it is often only a veneer interspersed with numerous outcrops
of bedrock. One of the most
extensive exposures of till is the Crocker Hill area in the southwest corner of
town; yet even here, the till averages only 10 feet in
thickness.
SOILS
Most of
Whitefield has a soil cover in the range of 0 to 20 feet. This generally thin cover has important
implications concerning land uses such a building foundations and basements,
installation of septic sewage systems, solid waste disposal facilities, and
ground water resources. A thin soil
cover provides a poor recharge medium for bedrock aquifers and provides less
protection to ground water quality.
The ability
of the soils to support different land uses varies considerably and many
sections of town are not suitable for development. The Lincoln County Soil Survey
classifies soil types and many of Whitefield soils are considered "hydric”, having high water tables and
wetland vegetation. Areas in
southeastern and northwestern Whitefield have significant amount of land that is
shallow to bedrock.
Along the
Whitefield
also has arable land that is considered prime farmland. [Appendix B-4 Map,
“Landcover”]
Surficial
Water Characteristics
Rivers,
lakes, and ponds fill the low areas of Whitefield’s topography. The rivers, like the town’s landscape in
general, tend to have a strong northeast-southwest orientation. The lakes and ponds fill depressions
left by the retreating glaciers.
Whitefield
straddles the watersheds of four major rivers: the
Land use in
the watersheds (drainage areas), including feeder brooks and streams, affect
water quality. Erosion from
driveways, road ditches. logging roads, and farm fields leads to the siltation
of these water features. Silt
particles carry nutrients which fertilize unwanted plant growth. Erosion is most likely to occur on
slopes greater than 15% and where the soil is left bare for long periods of
time.
Current
water quality of the rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds is acceptable and meets
the State's water quality classification goals. There are no major point discharges.
The
Sheepscot and West Branch of the Sheepscot have recently been upgraded to “AA”
classification by DEP (Table 1).
Whitefield values the
Table 10.1. Major Rivers and
Streams
|
Name |
Watershed |
Classifi- cation |
Length
(Total) |
Length
(Whitefield) |
|
West
Branch, Sheepscot River |
Sheepscot |
AA |
21.0
mi. |
2.0
mi. |
|
Finn
Brook |
Sheepscot |
A |
3.5
mi. |
3.5
mi. |
|
Carlton
Brook |
Sheepscot |
B |
2.8
mi. |
2.8
mi. |
|
Dyer
River |
Sheepscot |
B |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Sheepscot
River |
Sheepscot |
AA |
34.0
mi. |
12.0
mi. |
|
East
Branch of Eastern River |
Kennebec |
B |
5.3
mi. |
N/A |
|
West
Branch of Eastern River |
Kennebec |
B |
6.2
mi. |
N/A |
Source: Maine Department of Environmental
Protection
Note:
Class AA shall be the highest
classification and shall be applied to waters which are outstanding natural
resources and which should be preserved because of their ecological, social,
scenic, or recreational importance. Class AA waters must be of such quality that
they are suitable for the designated uses of drinking water after disinfection,
fishing, agriculture, recreation in and on the water, navigation and as habitat
for fish and other aquatic life. The habitat must be characterized as
free-flowing and natural.
Class
A
waters must be of such quality that they are suitable for the designated uses of
drinking water after disinfection; fishing; agriculture; recreation in and on
the water; industrial process and cooling water supply; hydroelectric power
generation, except as prohibited under Title 12, section 403; navigation; and as
habitat for fish and other aquatic life. The habitat must be characterized as
natural.
Class
B
waters must be of such quality that they are suitable for the designated uses of
drinking water supply after treatment; fishing; agriculture; recreation in and
on the water; industrial process and cooling water supply; hydroelectric power
generation, except as prohibited under Title 12, section 403; navigation; and as
habitat for fish and other aquatic life. The habitat must be characterized as
unimpaired.
The rural
character of Whitefield is reflected in significant stretches of shoreland that
are undeveloped. Clary Lake is the
only lake or pond in Town that is built-up, and the extent of shoreland
development in this case is modest.
With the
exception of the village areas that are located adjacent to the Sheepscot River,
the amount of shoreland development immediately adjacent to rivers and streams
is quite small.
Whitefield
established a 300 foot wide Shoreland Zone in 1974 that exceeds the minimum 250
foot wide zone mandated by the State Legislature. [Appendix B-5 Map, “Shoreland
Zones”]
Table 10.2. Major Lakes and
Ponds
|
LAKE |
Total
Watershed Area (sq
miles) |
%
of Watershed |
Water
Body (sq.
miles) |
Water
Quality Classification | |
|
Pinkham
Pond |
0.35 |
|
0.08 |
moderate/ sensitive* | |
|
|
Whitefield |
|
79.2% |
| |
|
|
Chelsea |
|
20.8% |
| |
|
Lower
Togus Pond |
25.9 |
|
2.1 |
moderate/ sensitive* | |
|
|
Augusta |
|
61.6% |
| |
|
|
Chelsea |
|
4.9% |
| |
|
|
Whitefield |
|
16.8% |
| |
|
|
Windsor |
|
26.8% |
| |
|
Givens
Pond |
1.5 |
|
0.1 |
moderate/ sensitive* | |
|
|
Whitefield |
|
100.0% |
| |
|
Joys
Pond |
1.3 |
|
0.1 |
moderate/ sensitive* | |
|
|
Whitefield |
|
60.8% |
| |
|
|
Pittston |
|
39.2% |
| |
|
Weary
Pond |
1.3 |
|
0.2 |
moderate/ sensitive* | |
|
|
Whitefield |
|
100.0% |
| |
|
Little
Dyer Pond |
10.8 |
|
0.4 |
moderate/ sensitive* | |
|
|
Jefferson |
|
46.5% |
| |
|
|
Whitefield |
|
53.5% |
| |
|
Clary
Lake |
19.5 |
|
2.8 |
moderate/ stable | |
|
|
Jefferson |
|
51.4% |
| |
|
|
Whitefield |
|
48.6% |
| |
|
Kim
Pond |
5.1 |
|
0.2 |
moderate/ sensitive* | |
|
|
Jefferson |
|
97.3% |
| |
|
|
Whitefield |
|
12.7% |
| |
Source: Maine Department of
Environmental Protection
Notes
Moderate/stable - less clear
(average visibility 10 to 20 ft.) but do not have summer algae blooms (minimum
visibility > 6 ft.). Algae
levels are moderate (chlorophyll 4 to 7 ug/1) as are phosphorus concentrations,
10 to 20 ppb. Despite their relatively high nutrient and algae levels, lakes in
this category do not appear to be in high risk for developing algae blooms
because of (1) high water color (<30 ppm), (2) consistently high summer
oxygen levels in the metalimnion, and/or (3) very stable algae and
moderate/sensitive nutrient levels with little seasonal
variation.
Moderate/sensitive
-
exhibit similar clarity, algae and nutrient levels to the moderate/stable lakes,
but have high potential for developing algae blooms (significant summertime
depletion of dissolved oxygen).
Many lakes fall into this category because of their high risk of
significant water quality change with only a small increase in phosphorus
concentration.
· classified
Moderate/sensitive due little amount of information
available
Groundwater
Groundwater
characteristics often reflect the character of the bedrock and surficial
geology. As such, it is not
surprising that groundwater characteristics in Whitefield vary
considerably. Sensitivity to these
variations is important since there are no centralized water supply systems in
Whitefield; therefore, adequate water supply needs to be secured on an
individual lot basis. Also, from a
resource protection perspective, an understanding of the groundwater
characteristics is necessary to recognize the vulnerability of the resource to
different types of human activity.
A series of
sand and gravel aquifers, which are defined by the Maine Geological Survey as
being "significant", run along the
There is a
wide variation in the yield of bedrock wells in Whitefield. In some other areas, yields are in
excess of 50 gallons per minute and in others the yield is not so good. Also, the quality of the water from
bedrock wells varies. Some sections
of town (e.g., along sections of Hunt's Meadow Road) have a mineral content that
requires filtration before being used.
Flood
Plains
Floodplain
areas, those areas inundated with flood water due to a water body or watercourse
overflowing its banks, are found throughout the Town of
Wetlands
Wetlands are
valuable for a whole host of reasons; wildlife and fish habitat, flood flow,
sediment retention, as well as recreational areas. The State Planning Office identifies 469
distinct wetland areas that cover in total six percent of the town. Thirty-seven of these areas are deemed
to be of moderate importance when combining all the various factors. The Inland Fisheries and Wildlife studies
identify 31 wetlands of wading bird and waterfowl importance. One of them is ranked high – the area from the
Wildlife and
Fisheries
The rivers,
streams, and lakes of Whitefield are habitats for a wide variety of fish species
including salmon, alewives, trout, bass, pickerel, and perch. In addition, the hills and dales of the
town support a wide variety and an abundance of wildlife. Many wildlife species need unroaded
areas free from human pressures to thrive.
One of the largest such tracts in central
The Game
Preserve established by the State Legislature is located in the southeast corner
of the Town. Hunting is prohibited in the area of the game preserve. The land
itself is in private ownership, but despite its preserve status, there are no
added restrictions to development of this land. The Preserve encompasses wetlands and
deer wintering yards. Currently two
large land parcels within the Game Preserve are in Tree Growth. [Appendix B-10
Map, “Town Owned Land, Conservation Properties & Tree
Growth”]
The Maine
Natural Heritage Program has documented a rare fresh water mussel, brook floater
(Alasimidonta varicosa), living in
the
The Sheepscot River is one
of eight rivers in Maine with genetically distinct, naturally reproducing
Atlantic salmon populations. The Atlantic salmon was listed on the federal
endangered species list in December of 2000. The salmon spawn and grow to
juvenile size in fresh water, then migrate downstream to the ocean. Once the
salmon have reached sexual maturity, they will return to the river of birth,
migrating upstream to spawn. The Atlantic salmon will continue annually to
return to the river to spawn. Fishing for this species in
The number of returning
adults has declined to critical levels. As a result of the endangered species
listing, many organizations are working to research the reason the population of
adult salmon returning to the rivers of
Threats to
the Atlantic salmon would be, primarily, deterioration of water quality and
additional barriers to upstream migration.
Water temperature and clarity are the primary conditions necessary for
salmon spawning. Cold water
temperatures can be maintained by vegetative cover of feeder streams and the
main river. Siltation of the river,
in particular the gravel spawning beds, must be avoided. Agricultural and highway runoff should
not be directed into the river. The
Sheepscot River Conservation Association owns one parcel and three easements
along the river that will aid in protecting the resource.
Neighboring
towns have rare animal occurrences whose habitat overlaps into Whitefield. These
are the Woods Turtle in Alna on the southern border of Whitefield and the New England Bluet damselfly has been
documented on the eastern end of
Scenic
Resources
Views of the
Sheepscot river and fields along 218 and
Development
Patterns
Development
in town consists primarily of single family homes on lots along roads. This is happening on main roads and on
smaller side roads. There are
concentrations of development in the “village” area of Coopers Mills, North
Whitefield, and Kings Mills. Development on side roads can surprise people when
upgrading (paving) of roads and new bus routes are
requested.
Agricultural
Resources
While
agriculture has historically been a significant activity in Town, for many years
there has been a steady decline in the amount of farmed land. Open space, including farmland and
fields no longer utilized for farming, constitute 17% of Whitefield land
cover. The decrease in the amount
of land used for agricultural purposes is the result of the changing economics
of farming and not due to development pressure. There is no town regulation of the use
of agricultural resources. There
are only a handful of full-time farmers and another dozen or so who derive part
of their income from farming.
The
predominant land cover in Whitefield is forest with approximately 60% of
the land forested. As such, trees are the most widespread
natural resource in the Town. Over
the past 10 years fewer then 500 acres are harvested annually and only 81 acres
have been converted to other uses.
There is very little land in Tree Growth Tax status due to the low
valuation of undeveloped by the town.
Sand
and Gravel Resources
Whitefield
has extensive sand and gravel resources that have been subject to significant
mining over the past fifty years.
Interest in further exploitation of this natural resource has been
increasing recently as sand and gravel resources in other communities have been
exhausted. Interest in gravel
mining in Whitefield is likely to continue and increase in the future. There are currently over two dozen
gravel pits in town. Although the
majority of these pits are under 5 acres in size there are also three large pits
of over 20 acres.
Whitefield
does regulate the mining of gravel through its Development Ordinance if the pits
are over five acres in size.
Issues and
Implications
1. Whitefield’s soils vary widely across
the community. Soils that are
suitable for natural resource based uses are also prime soils for
development. In general, soils
along the town’s waterways are not well-suited to development.
2. The quality of our town’s lakes, ponds,
and streams are generally very good.
However, fragile soils, a large number of waterways bisecting Whitefield,
and a rapidly changing pattern of land use could threaten the quality of these
resources in the future. The town
adopted a 300’ Shoreland Zone buffer in 1974, and this buffer will help protect
these fragile resources.
3. The Sheepscot River is one of eight
rivers in
4. Whitefield has several large undeveloped
blocks that support a wide variety of habitats. One block in southwestern Whitefield
includes more than 10,000 acres and is one of the largest blocks in
5. Recent development in Whitefield has
tended to spread along road corridors as opposed to development into the
backland. Development along road
corridors does not intrude on large blocks of habitat. However, as vacant land along roads
becomes scarce, development into the backland will become more
common.
6. Aquifers supply all of the drinking
water in Whitefield. A large
section of our community is underlain by sand and gravel aquifers that can be
very productive as well as susceptible to pollution. Pollution of this resource could make
the drinking water in certain areas of town unsafe for consumption. This is particularly a concern with
gravel pit operations that are located throughout the community. Ensuring proper pit operation is
paramount to protect our drinking water.
7. Whitefield does not belong to the
Federal Flood Insurance Protection Program. This may become an issue in the future
for those buildings within the flood plain.
A-11.
Fiscal Capacity
Understanding Whitefield’s
ability to fund projects and services is crucial when planning for the
community’s changing needs. This
section examines Whitefield’s fiscal capacity to fund new and existing programs
and services.
Assessed Valuation,
Commitment, Tax Rate
Examining assessed valuations is one way to
track the fiscal health of a community.
Assessed valuations include all land and buildings as well as some
personal property. A taxpayer pays
taxes based on their proportional share of the town’s assessed valuation. A rising valuation is a sign of fiscal
strength – smaller tax rates are needed to raise a given sum of
money.
In 2003-04, Whitefield’s
assessed valuation for real estate and personal property was $80,882,518. A decade earlier in 1993, Whitefield’s
assessed valuation was $59,300,000. Between 1993 and 2004, Whitefield’s local
assessed valuation increased by 36%.
This increasing valuation
has been the direct result of improvements to land (new homes, buildings,
additions, etc) and more taxable personal property in the community. The Town has never done a complete
valuation, which means that many of these assessed valuations have been in
effect for many years:
·
$12,000 for
1.5 acre developed base lot;
·
$6,000
undeveloped “base” lot;
·
$250/acre
for raw additional land (the low per acre assessment for raw land is seen as
preventing the property tax burden from forcing the sale of large parcels of
undeveloped land – this category includes land with conservation
easements);
·
$213/acre
for softwood forest stands enrolled in the Tree Growth
program;
·
$114/acre
for mixed wood forest stands enrolled in the Tree Growth
program;
·
$74/acre for
hardwood forest stands enrolled in the Tree Growth
program;
·
$1,800/acre
for gravel pits requiring a town permit (>0.5 acre).
Whitefield’s assessed
valuations are determined by the Town’s Board of Assessors (Selectmen). When improvements are made or when land
is sold, the Board of Assessors should review the property to determine its new
assessed value. Recent sales of Whitefield property show a rapid increase in
value that is used by the State in its valuation.
While Whitefield has never
done a complete valuation of the community, the Selectmen hired an assessor in
2002 to gather information on building size, quality of construction, and
present condition for all structures in Whitefield. This task was completed in the spring of
2005 and provides a documented, uniform, up-to-date basis for a more
equitable municipal
assessment of structures.
Updating these valuations
for structures does not mean that there will be a tax increase for all
taxpayers. A new valuation will
reallocate property taxes so they will be more fairly distributed based on
current market valuation.
Local
Commitment is the amount of
property taxes collected to fund local government. In 2003-04, local commitment totaled
$1,435,667. This was more than 65%
higher than commitment in 1993.
Commitment increased
modestly until 1997, when it increased dramatically by more than $200,000. The major increase in expenditures
during this budget year was a more than $200,000 increase in the school
budget.
The Tax
Rate reflects how much of the assessed valuation is committed in
property taxes each year. In
2004-05, Whitefield’s tax rate was 18.5 mills. (A mill is the amount of property tax
paid for each $1,000 is assessed valuation.)
Since 1993, Whitefield’s tax
rate has increased from 13.02 mills to 18.5 (‘04-‘05) mills. Generally, the tax rate varied between
13 mills and 11.5 mills between 1993 and 1996. The tax rate jumped from 12.75 mills in
1996 to 15.5 mils in 1997. Since
1997, the tax rate has fluctuated between 15 mills and 17.75
mils.
Although Whitefield’s tax
rate has increased in the last decade, a comparison with neighboring communities
suggests that Whitefield’s tax rate is average. The Full-Value Tax Rate is used by the
State to adjust for discrepancies in assessing techniques. Because educational aid, revenue
sharing, and county taxes are based
on the State’s valuation, the State adjusts local assessed valuations based on
real estate market activity within the community each
year.
Whitefield’s full-value tax
rate in 2003 was 11.32 mills. This
was lower than many surrounding communities: Alna (13.80); Pittston (13.10);
Chelsea (15.34); Windsor (14.64); and Somerville (15.72) had higher full value
rates, while
The Homestead Exemption is a reduction
in property taxes through a reduction in assessed valuation for permanent
residents. This reduction is
determined by the Board of Assessors from a range suggested by the Maine Bureau
of Revenue Services. In 2003-2004,
464 Whitefield residents received a homestead reduction of $5,950. The State
reimburses the Town for 50% of the local tax income lost due to the Homestead
Exemption.
In part to track new
valuation in Whitefield, the Town requires that a Notice to Build form be filed with
the Selectmen. Compliance with the NTB is estimated at
75%.
Revenue
In 2003-04, the Town of
Between 1994 and 2004, the
tax commitment increased by
85%. Excise taxes increased the
most, growing by more than 144% in the same ten year period. A new computer system that tracks excise
taxable values more accurately is responsible for most of this increase.
Figure
11.1 Annual Revenue Sources and Valuation
Figure 11.1. shows the
annual revenue sources for the period 1993-2004. The property valuation upon
which taxes are based has grown by 31% over this period. The category of “other” in the chart
represents primarily income from excise taxes but also includes grants and money
expended from “surplus”. The role
of excise taxes has been significant at holding the property tax rate down
during the last several years.
Excise taxes have grown from $117,136 in 1993 to $309,926 in 2004, an
increase of 164%. Excise taxes over
the last few years have contributed approximately 20% to Whitefield’s locally
generated revenues.
Expenditures
Figure 11.2. shows the rate of growth of annual
expenditures for Whitefield. The
growth in education costs is shown by the shaded area and based on the scale of
the right axis which has been set equal to ten times the scale of the left axis
which is used as the reference for all municipal expenditures. The chart shows that three categories of
expenditures have been held to very little growth since 1999, highways, other
and insurance-protection while education and town administration have grown at
approximately the same rate. The
fastest growing expenditure is the county tax which grew by 70% from 1999 to
2003, although it was somewhat lower in 2004.. It should be noted; however, that the
2004 budget authorized the purchase of a new fire truck which will result in a
significant jump in expenditures for the insurance-protection line.
Table 11.1.
Selected Whitefield Expenditures (in thousands),
1999-2004
|
|
1998-99 |
1999-00 |
2000-01 |
2001-02 |
2002-03 |
2003-04 |
|
Town
Officers' Salaries |
56.926 |
59.7 |
64.7 |
72.9 |
85.9 |
91.2 |
|
General
Government |
30.6 |
32.2 |
32.6 |
31.4 |
39.6 |
37.6 |
|
Town
Office Operations |
11.5 |
20.4 |
14.9 |
21.5 |
14.8 |
14.7 |
|
Snow
and Ice |
113.4 |
109.9 |
126.1 |
132.7 |
137.2 |
172 |
|
Town
Roads |
132.2 |
243.1 |
97.8 |
119.3 |
107.8 |
128 |
|
Fire
Departments |
36 |
36 |
36 |
39 |
39 |
39 |
|
Hatch
Hill Landfill |
20.2 |
20.2 |
20.2 |
23.8 |
23.9 |
23.9 |
|
School
Budget (raised) |
944.7 |
1,092.90 |
1,168.10 |
1,333 |
1,436 |
|
|
|
65,972 |
68,722 |
76,895 |
78,417 |
79,653 |
80,882 |
|
Tax
Rate (mils) |
15.7 |
16.2 |
15.7 |
16.2 |
18.15 |
17.75 |
|
Debt
Service Payments |
150.6 |
104.8 |
74.9 |
44.9 |
30.0 |
52.5* |
* Includes
$15,000 payment for new fire truck loan
Source:
Town of
Figure
11.2 Annual
Expenditures.
Issues and Implications
1. Whitefield’s property tax burden
is lower than that of the
2. Whitefield’s valuation as a ratio of the
State valuation has dropped from 81% in 1994 to 65% in 2004. This low ratio can be problematic for
the Town because State law requires a “minimum assessment ratio” of 70% and can
require that towns revalue once this ratio drops below 70%. Also, as some property valuations become
outdated (undervalued), some property owners are not being taxed their
proportional amount and the taxes on other property owners
grows.
3. Whitefield engaged a professional
assessor to inspect, measure, and photograph all of the real estate property in
our town, a task that was completed in the spring of 2005. The Board of
Assessors has acquired a software-assessing program to assist in the
recommendation of assessed valuations for all of the various real estate types
and land schedules.
4. While Whitefield’s property tax burden
has been relatively stable, our excise taxes have grown by 164% between 1993 and
2004 and now contribute approximately 20% of the locally generated revenue. This increase was sparked by the
acquisition of an excise tax computer program that more accurately tracks the
market value of motorized vehicles.
5. The Town of Whitefield is financially
very sound largely due to the retiring of long-term debt (the 2004 authorization
to purchase a new fire truck represents the most significant borrowing in
several years) and wise cash flow
management. In accordance with
recommendations from the State audit review process and Whitefield’s financial
auditors, the Town has implemented a review of revenues and expenditures on a
monthly basis. Capital improvement planning and prudent borrowing should ensure
that the Town’s debt load or funding needs do not create large annual increases
in property tax-raised revenue.
6. Whitefield’s sound financial situation
could be affected by a tax cap proposal that limits the tax rate. Increased
valuation that lowers the mill rate would be insurance against a tax
cap.
7. Whitefield has taken steps to ensure
that all revenues are in Category 1 saving accounts, which means that all funds
are either insured or collateralized by securities.
8. Municipal services in 2003-2004
accounted for approximately 29% of the local tax burden. Education expenses account for 65% of
local taxes. The school budget is
the largest factor in our annual tax burden, and our development pattern and
changing demographics suggest that our education enrollments are going to grow
in the future.
9. The fastest growing expense in recent
years has been county taxes, which grew by 70% between 1999 and 2003.
10. Noncompliance with the Town’s Notice to
Build requirement hampers the Board of Assessors’ ability to adjust property
valuations in a timely and equitable manner. This means that existing landowners can
end up paying a larger share of the town’s property taxes bills until new
construction is recognized and valued by the Board.
11. Undeveloped farm and
woodland has been assessed at a modest rate in order to relieve landowners of a
property tax burden that would encourage sales of open
land.
Appendix
B—Maps
B-1 Buildings in Whitefield:
1893-2001
B-2 Churches, Cemeteries,
Historic Buildings & Sites
B-3 Soils
B-4 Landcover
B-5 Shoreland
Zones
B-6 Surface and Groundwater
Issues
B-7 Wetlands and Related Habitat
& Deer Wintering Areas
B-8 Elevation, Natural Features,
Conserved Properties &Town-Owned Land
B-9 MNAP Exemplary Communities,
Rare Animal Occurrences
B-10 Proposed “Village” & Business
Development Preferred Use Areas