Save The Bridge Survey Comments

Respondents' Comments through May 20, 2008, 8 pm

Open

Open.
Why: To maintain the character of the waterway and Causeway roadway. Also, to allow all traffic to pass in the waterway, not just a pre-determined fixed height vessel.

Open.
Why: I lived in Naples all my childhood and my parents still live there..to make a closed bridge would put a strain on Naples and the ppl who live there..Besides what about the Songo River Queen?It does Long Lake and does the Songo River..That little bridge is facinating to out of towners..and is kinda included in the what Naples` causway is all about..days gone by..besides if there was/is monies to fix it how much more would it take to fix it..you mean to tell me there are no more "volenteers of manual labor" out there?? some one needs to ask for help..I`m sure ppl would do volenteer labor..I know I would offer my help in any way I could,on week ends..as I live on a fixed income and have no extra money

Open?.
Why: More time and information is needed in order to make an "open" or "closed" decision on this issue. Why the "railroading" mentality?

Open.
Why: Allows people to slow down and enjoy the view. What's the hurry?
Comments: Good Luck!

Open.
Why: There are many reasons I believe an opening bridge is needed, but I'll list only what I feel is the most compelling to me. Many of us that live in Naples may not really appreciate our town for what it truly is. It's a quite charming tourist town with a rich history. In order to preserve our town's history and to tell part of its story, the bridge must open to allow the Songo River Queen to take visitors into Long Lake, through Brand Pond, then back in time down the Songo River and through the Songo Lock. Without the unique experience this offers, the Naples Causeway will quickly become just another road past just another lake in Maine. And it won't be long before Naples becomes just another town in Maine.

Open.
Why: because that is the way it has always been. putting in a new bridge will take up most to the causeway and that is the beauty of it all.,

Open.
Why: the waterway must be kept open for all,not just small boat owners.Also,the approaches on a fixed span would block the scenic views from many angles.The causeway has a charm about it that would surely be lost with a major change in styling.
Comments: refurbishing existing bridge is probably the cheapest and fastest method of fixing this. if bridge moved faster,there would be less wait time and hopefully less opposition.let some outside contractors look at the problem.government works too slowly.

Open.
Why: My family and I just purchased on Long Lake after renting in the Lakes Region for over ten years. I did so because of the ability to cruise over forty miles of waterway, not the eleven Long Lake offers.

Open.
Why: Beyond the historical aspect, it is priceless in the way of tourism (Maine's number one source of income) and it will change the way of the lakes forever...negatively.

Open.
Why: Access to the lakes will be compromised by a fixed span bridge. The Songo River Queen, a fixture in Naples, would be unable to travel between Long Lake and the Songo Locks severely impacting the appeal of the area. There is also the aspect of historical appeal. People associate Naples with open (rotating) bridges and that connection should be preserved.

Open.
Why: The history as well as the opportunities it creates for commerce and recreation.
Comments: I am not happy with how the state has dealt with Naples and with how the state tried to get other towns to come out against Naples. Very poor work by DOT.

Open.
Why: The bridge is a piece of history and also brings lots of bucks to the town
Comments: It would be quite a problem for people on Brandy Pond to no longer have access to Long Lake if they have a reasonable sized boat that can't get under the fixed span

Open.
Why: There would only be a limited number of small boats which would be allowed to pass through between Long Lake and Brandy Pond. Limiting this traffic would have a severe imact on the viability of the area, especially businesses on the causeway. The Songo River Queen adds a substantial portion of the area's charm. Preventing the operation of the "Queen" between the bodies of water would impact the tourist industry of the area. We have a camping trailer (we are not land owners) on the west shore of Long lake and feel the long term viability of the area depends on and open route between Long Lake and Brandy Pond.

Open.
Why: I have been summering here since the late 50's when my dad flew seaplanes here. I bought a summer home here in the late 70's because of the history, ambiance and commarardary. Since moving here I have become involved with every civic and benevelent group in the town and feel proud to be a member of this community. I am also an alternate to the Planning Board, a Board Member of Naples Main Street, Chairperson for Habitat for Humanity, and committee member of the Singer Community Center, assist with the Lion's Club and the Bridgton Rotary and feel in my heart of hearts that history is the legacy we are going to leave our children. I bought my house her in the 70's because my parents brought me here every summer..I am talking about getting clam strips at the old Howard Johnson's. My front garden toward the lake is the 9th tee box of the old hotel golf course. I firmly believe in the history of our area because frankly we are not creating a future! I remember crying when the old hotel was torn down. , I was 11 and understood what we were loosing. That is gone forever, what else can we afford to loose and remain a vibrant community? Kathy Sweet

Open.
Why: It's my belief that the 44-mile navigability of the Sebago Lake chain of lakes is the linchpin of what attracts summer visitors, renters, and buyers to our area. With that gone, the individual lakes are just that -- separate, individual lakes with substantially less appeal. And if the bridge is high, and has long ramps, the likelihood of tourists stopping is much lower. We will lose the summer income that supports so many of our local citizens.

If the bridge is closed and the River Queen doesn't go through, sand will clog the channel and eventually it will become unpassable. Long Lake and Brandy Pond will be separated forever. And if the bridge is closed, the Locks won't be far behind. Then Sebago Lake and Brandy Pond will be separated forever. All that history, all those exciting boat excursions will be lost, and along with them, the tourism dollars that support the region.

Open.
Why: It's a waterway community for boating, just like the bridges in the Florida intercoastal, it's not just about land vehicles

Open.
Why: A FIXED BRIDGE IS THE MORE EXPENSIVE AND SHORT SIGHTED ROUTE TO TAKE!.
Our region's economy is tourism dependant. A depressed economy will lead to reduced property values, and choices between higher taxes and diminished services.
Unique historical character and rare beautiful vistas, not a concrete bump in the interstate, are what make Maine where we choose to live.
A fixed bridge will lead to the slow, irreversible death of our beloved home region, for minimal savings, to speed up traffic.
An open span is an investment in our children's future.

Open.
Why:

Open.
Why: Easier access to waterways and for tourists......W e visit ME often and the swing bridge is part of the charm of old New England.....Taxes are high enough to pay for good maintenance and workers....
Comments: Keep Maine pristine and beautiful!

Open.
Why: The bridge is a well known landmark for many, many people in the state of Maine and to the thousands of visitiors that visit every year it makes a memorable impact on them. We must preserve as much history of our state as we can. Too much has been lost to change already and more is being lost in the name of progress daily. Preserve the bridge and preserve Maine's history
Comments: I grew up in Raymond, Maine and return here every year

Open.
Why: Naples has a long history with boat travel from Harrison to Portland. We need to keep travel open from Sebago to Long Lake as this contributes to the economics of the region.

Open.
Why:

Open.
Why: because the river queen brings alot of tourists to our community and i feel the people who have enjoyed passing back and forth between lakes should be able to continue. this a very big part of the tourists and summer residences fun and and it will cut down on the money people on both sides of the lake take in during the shprt summer season. i camp in naples 6 months a year and use these services myself
Comments: it is just not fair for the integrity of the lakes region to be so divided by a bridge that everyone uses, over and under. i think it would have an adverse reaction on the community that already suffers from a short tourist season

Open.
Why: It not only is a huge part of Naples history, but also a landmark known Statewide and needs to be preserved for generation to come.

Open.
Why: traditional

Open.
Why: 1. it is tradition...we all, visitors included, like tradition . 2. it affects tourism...3.it is unique and i makes us stand out from other places. 4. because we want to to stay the way it is.

Open.
Why: it adds character

Open.
Why: Tradition

Open.
Why: I like the bridge thats there,its got character and history.Leave it alone

Open.
Why: This is a historic bridge and it is an important part of what makes the Lakes Region of Maine what it is today. The business owners , property owners and residents of the Lakes Region deserve to keep what we have had for many years. We are not asking for more just keep what we have.

Open.
Why: To preserve the attraction of an unobstructed waterway.

Open.
Why: It is important to our economy and most importantly our history.

Open.
Why: Historical reasons. It is unique to this area. We should keep a moveable span.

Open.
Why: allows access to all lakes - Songa Queen - sitting with the kids watching the boat is always a good time

Open.
Why: historical value

Open.
Why: You will limit the size of the vessals that can pass through

Open.
Why: over a hundred years of traditoin. i was born in this town in 1934 and the bridge was opening then and every since. why would anybody want to have a fixed bridge now???
Comments: SAVE OUR BRIDGE

Open.
Why: We appreciate the historical value of the bridge, but our main concern is the access that a moveable bridge provides. We also don't want to see the Songo River Queen lose business if it is no longer able to get through the bridge to Brandy Pond and, ultimately, the locks.

Open.
Why: Shame, shame, shame. Why take another historical feature from our town. Remember when they took down the hotel? What a beauty she was. What great celebrities visited there. Chute's River is the record books and the bridge is attached to that. Howard Johnson's is gone, what next. the building that housed roller skating and movies { Rick's Cafe }. Please, please let us save some history. Books and pictures are hard to imagine the real thing. Do we want the locks closed also? When will it end?

Open.
Why: its one of the lures to the summer tourists as they visit the lakes region in boating and the lake tours aboard the paddle wheel.one expects some delays in the summer due to the openingof the bridge could be some financial impack due too aunmoveable bridge
Comments: none

Open.
Why: To preserve our history and allow continued economic growth in the area.

Open.
Why: A fixed span bridge would appear huge and unsightly.

Open.
Why:

Open.
Why: If there is a closed bridge the economy in Naples will plummit, and boaters will go elsewhere to enjoy the lakes.
Comments: I hope for the sake of Naples that the state or other supporters can find a way to erect an open bridge. I've been on Long Lake and Brandy Pond since I was a kid and to not be able to pass between the two via big boat is a thought that hurts me and my families traditions.

Open.
Why: as designed, a fixed bridge would RUIN the Causeway, and therefore, the character of the town that I call home...I live on Songo School Road, I assumed named after the Songo River Queen (since the name of the river is the Crooked River)
Comments: we boat a couple of times each year w/friends & family that own boats (sadly, we do not own a boat) - the draw for them to bring their boats here is the wide variety of lakes/river to cruise on....

Open.
Why: 175 years of history should not be abandoned for the sake of 15 minutes
Comments: Let's not destroy the history of this valuable waterway, so the few might be inconvenienced once in a great while. Have we become that fragile as a society? That short sighted? I pray not.

Open.
Why:

Open.
Why: The lakes and open waterways are one of the major reasons I moved here 27 years ago. I had family connections here since 1965, also because of the lakes.
Comments: A closed bridge means the causway would become a "speedway"...too dangerous for summer pedestrians and auto traffic. The commerce in the area is here because of the lakes and uniqueness of the Naples Causway. If not for that most of the town of Naples would not exist. We are not a town like Baldwin with just one store and gas station. Naples is a destination. We need to preserve its character.

Open.
Why: It makes no sense to restrict the larger boats from coming into Naples. The Songo River queen is a landmark attraction that needs to remain viable.

Open.
Why: Ease of passing from Brandy Pond to Long Lake. Major issue- Songo River Queen access to the locks, etc......

Open.
Why: sailboats could still get through.

Open.
Why: Moveable bridge keeps Long Lake open to boat traffick, preserves property values, helps business. Lack of lake access will drive marina businesses out of Naples.

Open.
Why: The area benefits from all boaters being able to pass from Brandy Pond to Long Lake. And the boast to the economy is well worth the 15 minute wait in traffic.

Open.
Why: Fixed bridge with approaches would seem to eliminate access to some businesses and Bay of Naples Condominium, as well as passage to Brandy Pond for the Songo River Queen---a valuable tourist attraction. The swing bridge is a novel inconvenience showing Naples off as an old-fashioned small town---again good tourist business.

Open.
Why: We need to keep the beauty of the scenic view and also for the business owners.

Open.
Why: The fixed span bridge is going to hurt businesses. The Queen will not be able to go into Songo Locks. Maybe she will be called the Long Lake Queen, some sail boats will have problems too. It will hurt the restaurants, and shops and will trickle down to real estate. People will start to sell their second homes. This IS the LAKES REGION area not LAKE REGION area. The fixed bridge will start before the Tiki Bar and end after the Mortgage office (at the old lighthouse) because of this, traffic will become a serious nightmare not to mention all of the people that WILL DO U TURNS on the Causeway. What about the Condos? Dick Dyke's house? The Tiki Bar? The marina? Naples has welcomed tourists since the days when Rudy Vallee and other famous people vacationed here. Before that , folks came by horse and carriage and even when cars were first introduced it would be an all day trip but they still came. What about all the river boats through the locks from the ocean. Many families would come for the summer. Rick's Cafe has a great history, so does the Augustus Bove house.The Inn at Long Lake is over a 100 years old. This town has been a tourist attraction for more years than ANY of US have been alive. Isn't Maine Vacationland?. Why not take the Pier down at Old Orchard or put up concrete barriers at all of the beaches at our state parks. Let's re-route tourists around Baxter State Park. Enough already, why do tourists come to Maine? Naples IS a big part of tourism in our state and if we can't have the new movable bridge now, at least repair the existing one properly. Who knows, properly repaired it may last for many years to come. The bridge obviously serves a purpose but it is also part of the charm of the Causeway. We have all watched people gather at the bridge when it's open. We need to fix this problem.

Open.
Why: A closed bridge will hurt many of the business that are on the Causeway.
Comments: I hope there will be a swing bridge to protect the history in Naples.

Open.
Why: oen to keep this bridge and repair it. refurbishing, I'm sure can be done for far less $$$. If it has to be replaced, and a fixed one is cheaper than lets do that. I do not like the proposed bridge. This is a small body of water to build over. this is not the million dollar bridge, Although its beginning to look like it. As far as funding the marinas stand to lose the most business and they if it means that much to them let them make a significant amount of donation$$ not just fighting the state. Because personally long lake really does not need more boat and noise.keep the naples heritage (quiet/serene) along with our old bridge.

Open.
Why: boaters on long lake have always been able to access sebago lake via brandy pond & songo river. a closed bridge would stop many boaters (especially sailboats) from having that right. as property owners, it will lower the value of the property on long lake and that isn't fair.

Open.
Why: It has been a part of the lakes region for years, and a fixed bridge would have a negative impact on the area

Open.
Why: There has been a need for an open bridge for the past 50+ years. Boats are larger now and there is far more boat traffic now then there was in years past. Putting in a fixed bridge is going backwards and makes no sense. Once it's built, it's there for a long time, so they better get it right.

Open.
Why: I have been spending my summers (and some winter weekends) in this town for over 25 years, and it has a profound importance in my life. I love things just the way they are, but realize that changes do come from time to time. Having a closed bridge is a short-sighted idea, and I believe it ultimately detrimental to the economy of the region. It needs to be preserved and taken care of in a manner that protects and keeps the causeway prosperous. There are many great things that can be done to the town, this is not one of them. Thanks and good luck to all of you!

Open.
Why: Our sailboat would not be able to pass through. We also love touring the lakes on the Songo Queen.

Open.
Why: A moveable bridge is vital to maintaining the character and the draw to owners and visitors to the Lake Region due to it being a destination and recreation area. A accurate determination of expense for repairing/updating or possible replacement of the swing bridge must be made first and foremost.!!
Comments: The economic health of Naples "Heart of the Lake Region" relies on this issue. Keeping it as a unique gateway (swing bridge) not a highway (fixed span) will keep the look, feel and experience that makes us the place to come to now and into the future.

Open.
Why: A closed bridge would not only compromise the waterway, but more importantly, it would adversely effect the historical value of the Naples Causeway. This is a NO BRAINER!!!

Open.
Why: I have enjoyning the river queen for many years. as a mother that took her kids on it and went through the locks and as a grandmother and traveled through the locks I dont think the queen should be stuck on just one lake. I want my grandkids to take their children on it some day. Change isnt always for the best and this is a perfect example of it not be a good thing

Open.
Why: For regional economic reasons. Access to the entire three lake chain is a recreational draw to this region and should be available to ALL boaters. Being a business owner (Jordan Rentals/Agency 1) in Sebago, we are concerned about the impact on property values if access to the 44 miles of boating becomes restrictive. We have many rental customers who bring boats here while on vacation and trips up the Songo and on through to Long Lake are one of the highlights of their vacation.

Open.
Why: Have spent 20 + years vacationing in Naples that swing bridge is the heart of the town and those lakes. The number of boats that go under/through that bridge is enormous. It would kill the small buisnesses in the area. It must stay open!

Open.
Why: well, the tourist will stop comming and economy will drop drasticly. we will lose alot of the beauty of naples if they put a fixed bridge in. i come from a family who has been here many years. we used to own the cabins, store, and marina. the first thing you see when you come into naples is the bridge, boats, shops, and the causeway. it is the most beautifull sight. we will lose all this.

Open.
Why: 1.Economics...Plain and simple. Closing the bridge would eventully lead to the Songo River Queen going out of business. Many of the Songo patrons dine out at local restaurants, eat ice cream and enjoy the area. If you take out the swing bridge, the river queen will go away, there will be less people on Main street with a sense of faster traffic. 2. Real Estate values on the lake will go down. 3.The bridge is a part of the history. 4. The opening bridge and downtown area is why I bought my home on Brandy Pond.
Comments: Keep fighting....Thank You

Open.
Why: We have a boat on Brandy Pond and want to continue to be able to pass throught to Long Lake for years to come. This year (last weekend in fact) we passed beneath the closed bridge with mere inches of clearance. If the water level were any higher we would not have been able to pass.

Open.
Why: To allow larger boats to enjoy all the lakes.

Open.
Why: I believe the regions economy will be hurt. The 44 + miles of navigable waterways is a big draw for the area.

Open.
Why:

Open.
Why: I believe that if the bridge is a fixed bridge, the town will loose a lot of money and business for tourism.

Open.
Why: All too often modern budgets overwhelm historical preservation. We can't let this happen to Naples.

Open.
Why: The River Queen is not the only commercial boat using trhe bridge. Closing it also means loss of construction barges that maintain docks and rip rap along trhe shore as well as sailboats. Other states maintain and upgrade their tourist facilities in an effort to bring visitors to their states. In Maine, in seems we go out of the way to make it difficult for businesses to operate and to discourage visitors. The locks trip for the Queen attracted over 15,000 passengers last season. That is15,000 guests spending money in area restaurants helping employment and paying taxes. I think it is very short sighted in doing something on the bridge which can never be changed.

Open.
Why: Save the character of the causeway. The Queen, which is an icon in Naples should be able to continue through the bridge down to the locks. It's unfair for the state of Maine to make this decision for Naples residents to put a fixed bridge to help with traffic. This will not help with traffic as tourist like to see the Queen as well as going down through the locks. We as residents and other can sit and wait for fifteen minutes as the bridge open. Please don't allow the state to make this decision for us. We need the bridge to open for the Queen as well as others to go through, that's Naples and we want it to stay that way.
Comments: Please save our Open Bridge, so we all will be able to enjoy the lakes.

Open.
Why: soo large boats can get to seabago lake
Comments: keep the bridge open

Open.
Why: The "Bridge" is a Naples landmark. Towns look for something just like it to set them apart. The "Bridge" and the "Queen" do this for Naples. They makes residents and tourists alike slow down and enjoy the magnificent vistas and New England charm our town offers. Please don't destroy it by adding a higher span, higher tech , concrete structure that most of us are trying to escape if only for the summer!

Open.
Why: To keep Long Lake, Brandy Pond & Sebago Lake well connected. To maintain value for tourists and tourist revenue for local business.

Open.
Why: Maintain what we presently have available to us.

Open.
Why: For many years we have vacationed in Naples. Without the old bridge I would feel a definite loss and will most likely stop coming.
The new bridge will definitely ease congestion because nobody will come there anymore. Who will ride the Songo Queen ? Nobody.

Open.
Why: Retain use of the Songo River Queen, continue to allow larger boat travel from Long Lake through Brandy Pond, to Sebago through the historical locks and the Songo River, continue to promote the marina, restaurants, ice cream stands, sou.viener shops -- all business located on the causeway. Also, the option of a 'fixed' bridge is permanent -- there will be no possibility to 'change our minds!' Thanks for the forum.

Open.
Why: Maine has destoryed so may things that make Maine-MAINE! There has to be workable solutions other than building a ungly high bridge in a beautiful spot that people come from all over to use and photo and show their kids.
Comments: Thank you for speaking up for people who have no voice but pay taxes and enjoy what is there and the history of the place.

Open.
Why: The businesses in the Town of Naples and surrounding towns depend on the revenue from an open bridge, allowing travel between Sebago Lake and Long Lake. Closing the bridge would not only isolate these businesses and take aware from the revenue they generate and pay taxes on but would also affect the property values, especially in Naples. As a crew member of the Songo River Queen II for the past 4 years, it would be very disheartning to me to see that landmark limited and the historic trip down the Songo River and through the lock become a thing of the past.
Comments: My personal feeling about the bridge is that if it is changed to a closed one, we will never again see an open bridge in the Town. Further to this, the State of Maine planned for a new swinging/draw bridge initially and it is not the Town's peoples or visitors who should have to forgo this original plan because of the mistake of contracted State workers.

Open.
Why:

Open.
Why: The songo river queen needs to be able to go through the bridge. if it isnt allowed through what is it going to call itself? the long lake boat?
Comments: If anyone tries to contact me by calling PLEASE leave a message if you get the answering machine! I am writing an article in my school paper about this issue as well! I believe in this region the way it is! leav it alone! :)

Open.
Why:

Open.
Why: BECAUSE IT SEEMS TO BE THE BEST FOR BOATERS AND THE RESIDENTS OF NAPLES AND TOWN NEAR BY. SAVE THE SWING BRIDGE.

Open.
Why: If the bridge is fixed too many people will not be able to path through underneath and too many businesses will lose business

Open.
Why: keeping the waterway open, I am a boater and Sebago Resident, one of the reasons I moved to the area was the 44 miles of open water way.
Comments: If the state is set on building a fixed bridge, then they should compensate the Songo River Queen. The paddle boat could be used for going up the river. The State would then have to pay a land owner rent for use of their property for docking, loading and unloading passengers. Then also buy them a new tour boat for Long lake tours. I think that would be adequate compensation to the River Queen.

Open.
Why: It is a part of our town

Open.
Why: To maintain the economic vitality of the town and region. To maintain the 40 plus navigible miles from the northern end of Long Lake to the southern regions of Sabago Lake.

Open.
Why: The lakes and waterways were the biggest attraction for me when moving from Mass to Maine. A closed bridge will put a damper on that. Let's progress, not regress.

Open.
Why:

Open.
Why: To keep the access open, to help the businesses in the area, etc.
Comments: This bridge affects everyone. Let's figure out how to keep it open and reduce the cost!

Open.
Why: Why? You know Why?? lets see some research first before we make a decision that will not only effect us but our towns future aswell..AND WHY THE HELL IS ONLY NAPLES PICKING UP THE TAB??
Comments: PLEASE don't let them make a fixed bridge!!!

Open.
Why: Why change something that has kept the town unique and attractive for generations? New and modern is not always better. Some costs to maintain the beauty of the area are worth the expense.

Open.
Why:

Open.
Why: Three years ago, when reloacating from Virginia, we stumbled upon Naples by chance. We fell in love with the quaintness of the area and that included the swing bridge and the history that made it so much a part of Naples. After a lifetime in the city, the historical charm of Naples is the town we call home, with hope and effort we hope our town continues to preserve its long history.
Comments: We also have a Jetski that we use regularly on Long Lake.

Open.
Why: Based on the signs on 302 and the pics in the Bridgton News, the fixed bridge looks like it would ruin the view of the lake and the long ramps would ruin the way the Causeway looks. It would look too industrial. If it is possible, I would rather see the existing bridge repaired.
Comments: My vote for an open bridge has nothing to do with boating. I'm actually anti-boating - too much noise, pollution and obnoxious boaters.

Closed

Closed.
Why:

Closed.
Why: traffic too congested waiting for the bridge.

Closed.
Why:

Closed.
Why: traffic

Closed.
Why:

Closed.
Why: I am in favor of a closed bridge, I just spent a half hour waiting to get through, imagine what that does to truck drivers having to get the deliveries on time ?

It is not going to affect many people, maybe the silly steamboat and a marina or two, but I guess if they want to stay in business they will have to adjust.

8 million dollars versus 16 million, what do you think is going to happen in todays economy.

Stop being selfish and let go of the past, look to the future and see how many more visitors we will get when we have a open bridge.

Not to mention the lives saved in an emergency situation and police or emt are stuck waiting for the bridge to close.

Closed.
Why:

Closed.
Why: It's not so much the traffic hassles and the delays, although it is rather anoying to see traffic backed up for a mile or more in both directions so a few pleasure boaters can pass thru, it's the $$$! Maine is one of the most taxed states in the country! Ever wonder why? If the state caves to the pressure and builds the opening bridge, it should find a way to make those that use it, pay for it! Why should I have to? Charge a toll, charge a fee for all boats that are oversized and would require it to be opened. Weld it Shut!! While I do not own waterfront property, I live in Bridgton and travel 302 daily. This is an issue that effects more than just boat owners or Naples residents.

Closed.
Why:

Closed.
Why: traffic to congested in the summer time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Closed.
Why:

Closed.
Why: The time spent waiting for the boats that are too big for our lakes and the fuel wasted including noise and air polution created makes me want to stay away from Naples. I will go out of my way to avoid Naples

Closed.
Why: Although I own a summer home in Naples my residence is elsewhere. I may not have all the necessary information to make this decsion but from wha tI do know I can not justfy or afford a property tax increase for a bridge that could be paid in full by the state.
Comments: It would be helpful if your website had all the facts both pro and con. I have only read bits and pieces about this bridge change and my opinion is based on very limited information. The information posted at the Naples town hall indicated a huge tax burden for the residents of Naples if they put a swing bridge in place. If residents of other towns are that concerned about the bridge then perhaps they need to come up with funds to help offset the burden of Naples residents to pay for a swing bridge that apparently other town residents want but do not want to pay for.

Closed.
Why:

Closed.
Why: 302 is the major east-west highway for the region. an opening bridge impedes commerce. the traffic waits are up to or more than an hour long. with the cost of fuel always escalating,air conditioners running to keep cool, heavy pounding trucks breakng down the abutments, the desperate condition of many other roads it seems a folly to spend what the taxpayers do not have just to benefit a handful of businesses. weld the thing shut,as is. NO big hump!! fix it as it is maybe a little wider, but not higher..The greedy businesses on the causeway already ruin our panorama of the lakes! I strongly disagree that the bridge is "our most valuable resource"!! OUR lakes are the most valuable resource. I said that OUR lakes are our most valuable resource, NOT the bridge.Naples and the state of maine is pretty much a tourist whore anyway.. Nothing for the common citizens who live here year round, but everything for the transient tourist. We need public parking,public restrooms, rte 35 and 114 repaired.. I would favor an opening bridge IF IT WAS NO MORE OBTRUSIVE THAN THE CURRENT ONE. no ugly humps in the road. That Causeway Marina is an eyesore and bloaterd because of owner greed. It causes so much by way of problems..and he seems to operate ith impunity like some "Mayor of Naples wannabee.SHAME on him. Our clean good water is our greatest resource NOT that little bridge. Thuis is a Naples and a regional problem. whatever happened to the re-direction of 302 study group??
Comments: some marina contrived this survey it is obvious.I wonder who??.Notice the choice of boating places did not include Long Lake alone, Hm-m-m contrived? skewed? why no names and phone numbers or addresses of the committee or who funds it??should be here.transparent and open..not likely..

Closed.
Why: Economic and environmental reasons.

Closed.
Why: It ties up to much traffic in the summer months only to let one business run around the lake. There are only a handfull of large boats that benefit from the swing bridge. It also causes problems for emergency vehicles by delaying reponses.
Comments: It's a waste of money to put in a swing bridge. This is all about the SOngo Queen and nothing more.

Closed.
Why:

Closed.
Why: I am flat tired of being held up in traffic jams in the summer season. Maybe it is just 15 to 20 each time but you add those times up each day just sitting there in the heat of the summer on your way home from work and it becomes significant. Put a "Songo River Queen II " smaller of course, on the Brandy Pond side to go through the locks.

Closed.
Why: too many traffic tie ups, they can make a bridge wide enough for the Queen to go through.

Closed.
Why: Makes sense, the real eyesore is the boat and the people hawking wares on the water

Closed.
Why: If the taxpayers on Naples wish to build a movable bridge at their own expense I, as a resident of another town would be willing to wait occasionally while the bridge operates. But I see no reason why nonresidents ought to be asked to subsidize the tourist economy of Naples and and a bunch of out-of-state summer people.
Comments: I hope the committee will be as diligent at reporting responses from those who support a fixed bridge as they are those who want a movable structure. The questions in this survey appear to be slanted toward a predetermined outcome.

Closed.
Why:

Closed.
Why: traffic issues, delays. There is no way around, songo locks is just as bad.

Closed.
Why: move traffic faster

Closed.
Why: Open creates way to long of traffic waits. Nobody enjoys the traffic on 302 from Windham beyond in the summer. PS. Build 302 through Windham as a double decker road from the Rotary to Raymond.

Closed.
Why: