Respondents' Comments in Second Survey, begun May 21

Save The Bridge Home Page
Updated September 10, 2008, 8:00 pm

Open (95 of 108)

Open.
Why: to keep the many miles of water way available
Open.
Why: I think this bridge is the most flexible, but I am not an engineer.
Comments: Without the Bridge, Naples will lose its heritage
Open.
Why: A fixed span bridge could have a severe negative impact on tourism in Naples wich could hurt the town in a way it couldn't recover from. It seems from my visit a large part of the money in the area comes from tourism. Also a moveable span is a connection to a byegone era of river/water travel that should be preserved if possible.
Open.
Why: As a frequent vacationer to the area, the causeway at Naples is a main attration. Our summer wouldn't be complete without a trip from Sebago, thru the Locks and into Long Lake.
Open.
Why:
Open.
Why: The 44 miles of boating which one can do on these 4 bodies of H2O are what set Long Lake, Brandy Pond and Sebago Lake apart from all the other lakes in the area. Thats the draw to Harrison, Naples, Bridgeton, Sebago, the locks, the Songo RIVER Queen. Its the reason my husband and I travel to Maine every year, with our children and the reason I did the same as a child with my parents 40 + years ago,
Comments: The idea of replacing the bridge with a nonmoving bridge is a travesty. More businesses will close, more people with give up, the locks won't be necessary, the Songo River Queen will be no more...The historic charm of the region will be lost and the lakes will be just like every other lake...
Open.
Why: I want to be able to take my daughter on the Songo River Queen through the locks. I remember doing it when I was a girl, and I want her to be able to do it.
Open.
Why: I love the songo river queen trip, Naples wouldn't be the same w/o it.
Open.
Why: It is the only boat access to one of the last man worked locks in the country to get out to Sebago Lale
Open.
Why: I travel from Waterford to Windham daily, always through Naples. It has been a tradition for the bridge to remain, I've seen it for 36 years. A summer issue @ best , but that is what summer is in Maine.
Comments: It is a great thing to try to save the open idea of the bridge.
Open.
Why: Revenues will be lost by boats that can not pass through between the lakes to enjoy the ammenities that the causeway has to offer.
Open.
Why: historical aspect, allowing the songo river queen to pass, commerce in the area,
Open.
Why: so all boats will be able to pass through, including the River Queen, also because its a piece of history to have a moveable bridge at the Causeway. My husband has been coming to Naples since he was a little boy, and we both as a couple have been coming to Naples for the past 20 years and have always enjoyed the swing bridge, both over and under it, i feel it wouldn't be right to have a closed bridge. The sound and the feel of the tires, as you go over it and under it, to not hear that just wouldn't feel right.
Open.
Why: there will be more flexability to allow all boats to pass under the bridge. A fixed bridge will ruin the look of the area.
Open.
Why: freedom of movement between lakes, historical significance
Open.
Why: Closing the bridge in any capacity would negatively effect area businesses and tourism. For the last 23 years we (includes 7 families) have come to Naples from outside Boston, MA and have consistently enjoyed its purity even with an ever changing urban world. As we grow older the bridge is the landmark which we can not forget. With the arrival of my new niece we made it a point to take her under the bridge on the boat so she can experience the same memory as we have for decades. Replacing this bridge in any way would be a tragedy. It would make sense that any necessary repairs would be much more cost efficient than building a fixed bridge. A fixed bridge would also destroy the town appeal and cause an unnecessary eye soar. Furthermore, with Naples being supported mostly by tourism the job market is slim to none. Establishing a fixed/closed bridge would be a strain on the budget as well as eliminate job positions which would impact those workers families. Now, is it worth it Maine? Save the money and invest it into something more valuable to the town such as reviving the Songo locks or increasing the employment rate with additional parks and recreation activities. Maine is one of the only places which stays peaceful, please keep it simple!
Comments: Please read #2 "Why." Save the bridge!!! If our whole family could vote in Naples we would save the bridge!
Open.
Why: a 14 ft bridge in Naples would be an eye sore and spoil the quaintness of the downtown area.
Open.
Why: I think you should be able to go from one lake to another. I think it would be a great loss to make it a fixed bridge.
Open.
Why: I grew up in Naples and always loved watching the boats pass through the Chute River (especially on the 4th of July.) Now when I return as a tourist, I still enjoy the charm that Naples has to offer. The town will lose a great deal of that charm with a fixed bridge.
Open.
Why: The State DOT has an obligation to the ENTIRE stat of Maine, including those that rely on tourist revenue all over hte Lakes Region. This is not simply a Naples' issue - it is a State of Main issue, and it's time the State stepped up and behaved responsibly, doing the required studies, and listening to all concerned.
Open.
Why: Although my boat is small enough to fit under the bridge without opening, the swing bridge really is a unique attraction unto itself for the region. Plus it allows travel from Harrison to the southern tip of Sebago for large boats. I come from NH almost every year to spend a week in Naples. Please don't overlook this issue and think that it has no bearing on the economy of the region now and into the future.
Comments: I prefer you keep the swing bridge and replace it or refurbish the current one. I had never seen a swing bridge until I came to that area. It really is an attraction for the area (that and the one at the Songo Locks).
Open.
Why: If it ain't broke don't fix it. Naples is beautiful. Don't make the mistake of ruining the charm of the causeway and the businesses which it supports.
Open.
Why: the economic impact on the region will be detrimental as well as the aesthetic qualities of the area.
Open.
Why: 43 years of boating the lakes all 3 from long to sebago down the river and through the locks a long happy tradition to keep alive for my grandkids to share someday
Comments: i summer reside in waterford for 43 years and counting yearly my family rents a pontoon or speed boat and doesthe entire run end to end last year we had 3 generations on the boat you cant lose that tradition just for the convienience of the govt. aren't they supposed to represent our beliefs,not rob our heritage. save the bridge
Open.
Why: An open bridge is neccessary for economy of the Lakes Region.
Open.
Why: The commerce of the area is highly dependent on access to each side of the bridge, and on top of that the hand operated loch would no longer be accessible to the Songo River Queen. This is an important historical landmark, and an important part of the local culture. The bridge must be able to accommodate all size boats and the MDOT must look out for the welfare of the region rather than sit on their lazy asses.
Comments: I've been visiting Naples every year of my life and I know that the bridge is a vital aspect of the local economy. I'm glad the town has mobilized to protect its rights and its welfare. Godspeed.
Open.
Why: The River Queen will no longer be able to travel from Long Lake to Brandy Pond, removing a very popular tourist attraction. In addition, many boats included sail boats and large fishing boats or tall recreational boats will no longer be able to travel between the two bodies of water ( significantly lowering tourist movability)
Comments: We stongly suggest keeping the current bridge connecting long lake and brandy pond
Open.
Why: the songo river queen can't get through and show tourists the songo locks
Comments: i really would like the bridge to stay the same. please.
Open.
Why: History...has been that way should remain that way. we have a cruiser that will fit but will be close and if water levels are up will not chance it.
Comments: would rather see old bridge repaired that see a fixed bridge. I was at that meeting this year with public comment and the likelyhood that monies left over from fixed bridge would be used to help causeway area were just a joke...moniewould not go to Naples would go back into state bridge fund. Very sad situation.
Open.
Why: to keep navigation open to all craft
Comments: I drove over the bridge last Friday 7/18 and have been across or under it many times in the past. As an engineer / land surveyor it seems that the best solution is to keep a swing or draw bridge near the existing height (perhaps a few feet higher to allow more small boats to pass without having to raise the bridge) thereby minimizing the effects on the roadway approaches and also lessening the negative traffic impacts whenever the bridge opens. There must be a cost effective solution to a bridge design that operates more quickly and offers a few more feet of clearance.
Open.
Why: we rent a house on Long Lake every summer and have a boat that we keep @ the marina by the bridge- it is imperitive that the bridge remain as a movable bridge for us to continue to visit the region-which we love!!
Open.
Why: We frequently travel under the bridge in our family's runnabout boat, and even though we personally would still probably fit under a fixed bridge, many of the Lake Region's most popular tourist attractions would be adversely affected. We have rode the Songo River Queen before (on the Long Lake cruise) and it's clear that the Queen is an important part of the Causeway's identity.
Comments: The swing bridge's unique ability to allow access for boats on the Long Lake-Sebago Lake chain is a vital part of the Lake Region's character and losing it would greatly harm the local economy.
Open.
Why: Its a "tradition" for the area! It would be the same and all business would lose out! Who cares about sitting in traffic for 15 minutes at a time the bridge is only open 4 months out of a year!
Open.
Why: To perserve the beautiful Naples causeway as the way it has been for many years and to keep the bussiness and ecomny going.Also on a personal side to make it easier for me to take my present boat through and future larger baots in the future.
Open.
Why: It adds to the character of the area. A fixed span would limit the boats able to access Brandy Pond and Long Lake
Comments: Although we don't personally own a bigger boat, we do have many friends and relatives that will be adversely affected by the proposed fixed bridge. I hope the state will consider preserving the character of Naples and the surrounding Lakes Region.
I have been spending summers in the area for most of my 48 years and would be sorry to see that character lost.
Open.
Why: more boats going through is wonderful and it NEEDS to stay!!
Open.
Why: It allows for a much more interesting, exciting, fun way of life in the region. Boating is a significant part of the regional economy and should be encouraged not discouraged.
Open.
Why: to allow boats to pass, and to maintain the feel of the causeway. specifically the Songo river queen which has been a landmark for years and is a incredible site in the locks.
Open.
Why: to allow boats to pass, and to maintain the feel of the causeway. specifically the Songo river queen which has been a landmark for years and is a incredible site in the locks.
Comments: I also want to preserve the locks and the bridge adjacent.
Open.
Why: More flexibility for boat sizes and keeps the Songo Queen operating on boht sides.
Comments: Good luck and hope you are successful.
Open.
Why: for the economical and historic values
Open.
Why: As a child we vacationed yearly in Naples. After 10 years of not going I stumbled upon the web site for Bayview cabins and immediatly called and made a reservation for that year. All my favorite memories of NapIes were still there, including the swing bridge. I cant wait to return again this year and for years to come. I can remember my childhood August Vacations very clearly. The memory I most treasure is of watching the bridge open for the Songo River Queen from our cabin. I would run out when I heard the buzzers going off just to watch the bridge open. I also loved being on the Queen going through the open bridge, and even standing at the gates of the bridge watching it open. There is something magical about Naples Maine. Taking away a swing or opening bridge would take away some of the magic and in my opinion hurt local business who thrive off tourism.
Open.
Why: I just returned from a weeks visit in Naples... I spent from the age of 9 till I was 25 in Naples summering. This was my 1st visit in 20years, it was so refreshing to back to a place and say little has changed how nice. except HJ's is a private house. There are just somethings that should be left alone and Naples has done a great job preserving the past.... It was so refreshing to see Naples alive and well. Naples will become an annual weeks vacation next year... Save the bridge (the past)...
Open.
Why: I like the traveling to and fro from Long Lake to Sebago. I feel that if the bridge becomes closed it will cut off the value of vacationing there, and make the area less intriguing. Why would people and business be interested in limiting their options to one or two lakes instead of three?! Closing this bridge would be a big blunder and strangle the area.
Comments: Save the Bridge!
Open.
Why:
Open.
Why: boat traffic and good memories of the causeway.
Open.
Why: I think it is a historical part of the lake region. To replace it with a bridge that will not allow larger boats to pass is a negative for all of the areas commerce.
Comments: I live out of town but grew up "summering" in the area. I have enjoyed all kinds of boats in and out of Naples. It would be a shame to lose the flexibility the draw bridge allows boaters plus the tax revenue for the town and state visitors bring.
Open.
Why: My family has 2 vacation homes on Sebago. we frequently go up the Songo to dine and shop in Naples. we depend on the swing bridge now!! We also have an antique boat which participates in the annual antique boat show. the open bridge is imperative! Do not change that, please!!
Comments: Please don't over spend silly money when it isn't needed. The swing causeway bridge is fantastic, and draws revenue from Massachusetts people like me and may family.
Open.
Why: Economic reasons are #1
Open.
Why: The swing bridge preserves a part of history and connects us with a (slightly) slower paced existence. I also believe that maintenance of the present bridge would cost much less than building a new fixed bridge with much less detriment to the local economies. I think it would be ridiculous to say that a newer bridge would provide a better alternative to less impeded travel. Whatever the decision made, I don't think that boaters will be the only people directly affected. The presence of the swing bridge would be an incentive to purchase real estate in the area as well. Remove the swing bridge an you remove much of the appeal of lakefront living in Naples, Maine.
Comments: We have visited Naples, Maine many times specifically because of the presence of the swing bridge and its history. I support efforts to save the swing bridge!
Open.
Why: Part of the charm, and a major part of people maintaining homes(summer or permanent) in this area is the availability of the open waterway from Harrison to Frye Island and beyond. If this is removed from boats of any size, you wind up splitting the populations in two and above the bridge becomes an orphaned part of Maine's summer of fun.
Comments: Why do State officials wear blinders when it comes to the real livlihood of certain ares of the state?? Sve The Bridge = Replace State REP's and Senators with some that are involved with something other than re-election
Open.
Why: Naples is not the same without the bridge, I have been on long lake for 27years and my boat would fit under a closed bridge, but I believe the are would suffer greatly if many larger boats could not make the trim from long lake to sebago.
Open.
Why: the bridge is a big part of the character of the causeway area.
Comments: Why is the survey all about boating? Can't we appreciate the bridge without being a boater?
Open.
Why: A closed bridge means closed access to many long time residents who commonly pass through the bridge opening.
Open.
Why: To maintain the tradition of the inland waterway. The bridges future should not be determined by the State of Maines budget shortfall.
Open.
Why: The waterways should remain open for all to use. A large part of the charm of Naples is the Songo River. Watching the Songo River Queen go down the river, along the parade of boat traffic is what sold us on Naples in the first place. Changing to a closed bridge would ruin that for all future generations.
Comments: SAVE THE BRIDGE
Open.
Why: Fix the one we have now. The plan the have for the new one is absolutely ridiculous.
Open.
Why:
Open.
Why:
Open.
Why: maintain the character, personality, and sappearance of the Town of Naples while continuing a 175 year old navigation tradition through the last amnusally operated lock on the East coast.
Open.
Why: There are many reasons. Cosmetically speaking, the causeway is a great place to visit & walk and provides views that are unparallelled. Aside from the impact of the boats not being able to pass, don't overlook the impact of separating the casueway into two distinct sectons. (Ricks to the Bridge on the West Side, and Brays to the Bridge on the East Side.) For the vitality of the area from an economic standpoint, each side depends on the other. Not to mention the fact that the run in's in each side would significantly reduce the parking availability of this area, thus further damage to the fragile, seasonal business of the area. Lastly, everyone loves a draw bridge! We too often overlook the intangible ramifications of an act such as this because the tangibles (Money) are so much more pronounced. Taking away this bridge would change the face of the causeway and the face of Naples. It's pretty hard to "un-do" a bridge once it's in place.
Open.
Why: The costs to recreation for locals and tourism will be too great.
Open.
Why: for the songo river queen and historic value
Open.
Why: for economic reasons to keep people able to travel between Sebago lake and long lake and provide economic stimulus to the long lake businesses.
Open.
Why: I am concerned about the economy of the region. I work in the SAD 61 school district and visit the area during the summer months with my family. I have taken the SRQ and do not want to see it only be used on one lake. I know fellow teachers who have waterfront property on both lakes and can't imagine them not being able to have access to both lakes through the open bridge.
Open.
Why: Fixed span would be an eyesore and do away with roughly half of the causeway.
Open.
Why: If it is closed then the town loses the money from boaters and SRQ. Most importantly a closed bridge would not compliment the causeway visually and it would restrict accsess to some businesses.
Open.
Why: I believe it is a wonderful tradition, good for the economy and good for the lakes themselves.
Open.
Why: I feel it adds a lot of character to the area not to mention the hours of boating it helps to create.
Open.
Why: I think its part of the history of the town we should keep it. We also own property here. We have been coming to Maine since the middle 70's
Comments: The bridge is Naples survivor.
Open.
Why:
Open.
Why: Because it destroys the character of the area to preclude the Songo River Queen and sailboats from traversing the watercourse.
Comments: Having lived away from Maine for many years, I plan to begin to return in the summer season for longer stretches in the next few years
Open.
Why: It's history! I have been summer vacationing in Naples for the past 37 years and now I bring my children every summer! This bring and the way it is used solidifies SUMMER! We have boats on the lake and find NO issues with the open bridge! So we have to wait..... That most of the time is the best part of being on the boat in the lake. We have made many friends just waiting for the bridge to open and close! Do not change the bridge and do NOT spend the money. A wiser way to spend the money would be to enforce boat speeding and regulations on the lakes to help prevent more deaths, such as the horrific one that occured last summer! This is where the money should go.
Comments: Please do not change History. Naples RT 302 is famous for the "green bridge" over looking Long Lake
Open.
Why: It's the icon of Naples, Maine
History
Future Possibilities
Property Value
I think we should OPEN more - fix the mistakes then have already been made. Can you imagine what the state's and local economy would be if we could still travel from Harrison to the ocean via boat. ( I guess we can just ask the folks along the St. Lawrence sea way).
Open.
Why: For all the reasons stated in articles and meetings. I have been coming to this area for over 44 yrs. . The open bridge is part of the charm and uniqueness of the region. Why does the MDOT feel these factors can be eliminated. The economic impact will be disasterous. MDOT has not fully thought this out nor have they got the facts they need before forcing the area to accept this disasterous plan.
Open.
Why: This is imperative to the feel of the lakes region,stopping 44 miles of waterway is a true hardship to all in the region who come here to enjoy the continuous waterway and to see the turning bridge to experience the Songo River Queen .Everything will be effected, history of the causeway,economics. In a already depressed area this would greatly impact business revenue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Why would boaters and vacationers want to come here?? It would be just a small lake..........................
Comments: Please save the Bridge!!!!!!!!!!! I will be happy to assist in any way I can.
Open.
Why: This is what gives Naples it's character and it will allow the historic River Queen to continue along its current route. This attracts many visitors to the area.
Open.
Why: We need to keep the waters accessable to all boats!
Comments: Note for #10 This is our first year with a boat and would like to explore all of the connecting lakes!
Open.
Why: A closed bridge would be a deteriment to the economic health to the Region. The historic aspect of the Causeway, Songo River Queen and the open bridge would be lost as well. I have been spending summers in Naples since the time I was born (37 years). My children now have the pleasure of boating between the lakes and enjoying the Songo River Queen and the bridge. A fixed bring would not only hurt the economic welfare of the businesses, it would do away with the historic value of Naples and the Lakes Region. I also believe that before a decision such as this is made, the community should be given proposals for the costs,etc. of an open bridge vs. a closed bridge.
Open.
Why: because the fix span the songo river queen and sail boats would not fit under the fixed span
Open.
Why: Always has been a moveable span bridge, many shapes and sizes of boats
are owned by residents , summer residents, vacationers, they need that availability to travel from Long Lake to Brandy Pond, to Sebago Lake etc....
Open.
Why: Because it is a charming piece of yesteryear for the community. I saw the website posted as I sat in 20 minute bumper to bumper traffic..EACH way traveling to and from Scarborough. I still say, Save The Bridge"!
Comments: I am just an interested passerby that saw the website as I was sitting in the traffic. I am from the White Mountains of NH and we like to preserve our unique and charming structures when they are in good operational/working order. New does not necessarily mean better. Good Luck to you all.
Open.
Why:
Open.
Why: so all types of boats can cross between the lakes; this is a crucial factor in the economic life of the region, not just naples. Tourists are drawn to this region because of the expansive water use
Open.
Why: I would like for the bridge to remain a movable one because making it a fixed bridge would put many people out of work. If pleasure craft and the Songo River Queen can not pass under or through the causeway the region will lose many of it tourists. A fixed bridge can not be built large enough to accomodate the River Queen with out making major changes to the Causeway that will affect other businesses along the Causeway.
Open.
Why: I am a big fan of tradition. This is Maine,,, the way life should be.
Comments: Glad you are getting involved. Keep the faith. The state of maine wastes gobs of money every year. The money should go to things like this that keep the state great. Good luck and thank you!
Open.
Why:
Open.
Why: As a memeber of the Lake Region community, I know the beauty of the lakes and the income that is generated along the lakes and the business that are located around the lakes. I enjoy sittng by the water and watching the boats and SRQ as they go through the open bridge to get to Long Lake or Brandy Pond. I don't mind the waiting period when the bridge is open as the boaters and passengers on the Queen are giving income to the Lake Region's busineses. The open birdge has been a part of Naples. To see a fixed bridge in its place would be a lost of Naples ' history and beauty. My grand children are fascinated by bridge as it opens and closes. I have heard people speak of the open bridge and relate to the history of it and how much easier it made travel around the lakes when it was first put into use. Put in a fixed bridge? FORGET IT!
Comments: Although I don't own property or a business along the lake, I do enjoy the water and activity of others. The many businesses and homes along the lakes are beautiful to look at and admire. Not being able to go from one lake to the other would debilitate the econmic income and lock off one side or the other for enjoying a day of beauty of both lakes. That to me is a waste and should be avoided at all cost.
Open.
Why:
Open.
Why:
Open.
Why: - Unsightly new higher span not in keeping with the area.
- Would keep car speeds across the causeway to a manageable level.
- Would allow current causeway business to remain viable (a fixed span would surely hurt these businesses).
- My own boat (T-top with about 8' height) would fit under a 12' span, I but I don't mind the schedule and working around the 2-hour openings.
Open.
Why: It is part of the history and nastalga of naples. We also own a cabin cruiser that the bridge opens for and am afraid the DOT won't build a bridge big enough for us. We may have to relocate our summer boating. naples will loose a lot of tourist dollars with a fixed bridge!!!
Open.
Why: it is part of the areas history and charm, I want to be able to go under with my boat and would not fit if it was fixed aslo want to be able to take a sail boat thorugh, property values will go down if they change it to a fixed. View and the landscape will be changed forever!!!! I also think there will be a big trickle down effect. Example with in two years I would suspect the locks would close do to lack of traffic. This affects more then just Naples. I am a realtor and most of my clients from out of state were not aware of the possible change and they are for keeping the bridge open. Our lively hood is based on tourism and the tourist come to play in or on the lakes this will limit there options and will hurt the business in Naples.
Comments: I am willing to help with the fight with my time. I want to see the bridge stay open at all costs
Open.
Why: the lakes region would not be the same without it. the river queen would go out of buisness and so would a few marinas.
Open.
Why: As much as I dont like waiting for the bridge...it is only really 8-10 weeks out of an entire year that its a nuisance. So, big deal. It isnt so bad....its not like its 295 in Porltand where the impact of having to wait would be horrendous. I can just slow down- and wait....so can others. The DOTs solution is ridiculous.

Closed (13 of 108)

Closed.
Why:
Closed.
Why: In a time when Maine has experienced a 196 million dolla shortfall, Lake Region had to cut 2 million from their school budget, and all across Maine roads and bridges are falling apart you advocate wasting 4 million or more dollars just so people can play with their boats. You should be ashamed of yourselves!
Closed.
Why: Closed, better for the town if they install a closed they will upgrade the downtown area which is some serious upgrading, looks like an alleyway instead of a place where people want to visit.
Comments: The only business that will be affected will be the "Queen". Everyone else will be able to adjust or even benefit from a open bridge, good example the Blues Festival this past weekend. we could of had a lot more traffic coming in and out
Closed.
Why:
Closed.
Why: The repairs to our bridges and highways are funded by the highway trust fund whose sole source or revenue is the tax on gasoline. Since this is a cents per gallon tax, the amount of money in the fund is dependent on how much gas is sold. With the increase in gas prices and the subsequent decline in gas usage, there is less money to fund these repairs.

Maine DOT is responsible for using the dollars available for the benefit of the whole state, not just the Town of Naples. Therefore, for the overall safety of the traveling public I cannot justify the spending of millions of dollars for a swing span bridge that only operates five months of the year.

If over the years the legislators at the state and federal level had properly funded our infrastructure needs we would not be having this discussion, the money would be available to replace this structure with a new swing span bridge. If an economic analysis shows that the cost of a swing span bridge can be justified, then the monies should be appropriated from a source other than the Highway Trust fund.
Closed.
Why: Tourists and citizens are tired of waiting for the bridge to open and close.
Plus with the rising fuel costs we aren't going to have many boats on the water so close the bridge and use the money to fix the downtown area. It is one of the most unsightly areas in Maine.
Comments: Doesn't matter the state is going to do what is the most affordable. So stop dragging it out and move forward. The future is brighter and more attractive without the silly paddleboat blocking the view of the lake
Closed.
Why: The moveable bridge crowd has no imagination at all and are spreading bad information. The waterway is nowhere near 44 miles, more like low twenties. If anyone can look me straight in the eye and tell me that if the Queen has to stay on one side, there will be ENORMOUS economic impact,............ The bridge is ugly; the causeway is ugly. A new attractive bridge and beautified causeway would bring tourists. And stop telling people pontoon boats wouldn't make it underneath like Lisa does in her interview. More lies to scare people.
Closed.
Why:
Closed.
Why: A fixed span is the only way to keep the traffic flowing on Rte 302
Comments: I don't think the Songo River Queen should get the preferential treatment through the locks that it gets. Dozens of boats get backed up on that waterway on the weekends just so that one boat can come through, turn around and go back up river again. Its just not right. Go fixed span.
Closed.
Why:
Closed.
Why: traffic jams, exhaust fumes, delays, emergency vehicles stuck in traffic.This hole issue seems to only affect the Songo River Queen. I worked at Charlie's on the Causeway for 8 years and the bridge traffic issues were a pain. I do not understand how a moveable bridge would help business. If I was stuck in traffic, and it usually was more than 15 minutes, I do not think I'd want to stop and do something on the Causeway, I'd want to get home and where would I park anyway as many other Causeway goers would be there because they'd been stuck there because of the bridge. How many yes voters were simply returning home form Bridgton or NH and had to wait, more than 15 minutes, because of the bridge? Also I find it ironic that many want to limit the size of boats on Long Lake due to that accident last summer yet your major complaint is that not all boats can use (enter) Long Lake with a fixed bridge. I also find question 10 interesting with gas at the prices it is (on land) I wonder how many people will be traveling from one lake to another on a regular basis and if they did so they might have to stop at Long Lake, big deal.
Closed.
Why: The only boat that the bridge really needs to be open for is the river queen.So all of the other boats that want to go under the bridge. The owner wants to sell the bridge so have the town get that and then close the bridge. And if the bridge is closed then no one will have to wait in line to go over the causeway for twenty/ twenty-five minutes. No one can go anywhere if they open the bridge because there are too many people on the causeway and then some people just want to get somewhere or maybe work.
Comments: JUST KEEP THE BRIDGE CLOSED IT IS BETTER FOR EVERYONE
Closed.
Why: its creats a public hazard {traffic},for 3-4 mo yr thats not realy jusifiable-- for the r queen or the other oversized boats
Comments: long lake and brandy dont need 22-40 boats