In wake of Winthrop’s new mooring rules, Readfield officials consider regulations due to possible ripple effect

With the Winthrop mooring ordinance coming into effect on July 8, some Readfield residents are concerned about increased boat traffic on the edge of Maranacook Lake.

Leadfield officials discussed the best way to tackle this issue on Monday and tentatively scheduled a hearing at 5 pm on August 26.

The Winthrop Ordinance prohibits non-owners of coastal property from anchoring in town waters within 200 feet of the coastline.

Winthrop Town Manager Jeff Cobrock said Wednesday that the town is in contact to seek voluntary compliance with moored vessel owners. As a result, no fines have been imposed.

Mr Coblock said there were 20 to 25 moorings in the cove near No Crosspoint before the ordinance came into force. As of Wednesday, there were 12 to 15 moorings left.

The town has determined whether the mooring area is occupied or abandoned, so it is necessary to observe the area for a period of time.

“For some of these moorings, it will take some time to determine if they are in use,” he said.

In June 2014, people listen from a boat on Maranacook Lake while Kristen Weayo, who plays guitar at Winthrop’s No Crosspoint, plays. Joe Ferrand / Kennebeck Journal File

According to Mr. Coblock, some residents asked about the ordinance and some conversations ended with those who agreed to remove the mooring.

The ordinance was controversial among those moored near No Cross Point. They felt they were unfairly targeted by the new rules.

Mr. Coblock said he had received calls from residents who were upset by the ordinance, but had not made any systematic efforts such as petitions.

“I certainly get a call against this effort. There is no doubt about it,” he said. “For the sake of fairness, we also receive calls to support this effort.”

Coblock was unaware that the Reedfield Selectboard had discussed the issue on Monday, but the lake issue with other community officials, including Reedfield town manager Eric Dier, Manchester and Monmouth. He said he was in contact with.

Dier said at a leadfield meeting on Monday that the town’s boats had only four or five moorings, the number of which hasn’t changed much in recent years, but some residents are worried about the future.

“It wasn’t a crisis,” he said. There are many of these things, and there is something proactive to prevent situations where we are not responding appropriately. “

One of several signs explaining the new mooring rules is posted at the southern end of Lake Maranacook in Winthrop. Joe Ferrand / Kennebeck Journal File

Selectman Sean Keegan said the hearing at the end of August may not bring together enough civilians to hold useful discussions.

“I don’t want to do this in a hurry,” he said, “because it might be a big deal.”

Keegan said the town could discuss the issue and begin investigating what similar ordinances mean for Leadfield. For example, authorities may find that a harbourmaster is needed, but he said no personnel were available.

Selectman Steve De Angelis said he didn’t want to make a decision by the end of August, but said he wouldn’t object to holding a briefing with the general public at that time.

“If people come out and want to talk about it, just having a meeting at the end of August doesn’t tell us what’s going wrong,” he said. “And maybe we’ll learn a little. It’s just information, just to start thinking about it.”

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