The Town of Machias and Sunrise County Economic Council (SCEC) invite all community members to a public meeting on Tuesday, July 22, from 5:30 to 8:00 PM at the Lee Pellon Center, 90 Main Street, Machias, to learn about and contribute to the Upper Machias Bay Master Plan.
This community-engaged planning effort is focused on building a healthy, resilient, and prosperous future for Upper Machias Bay. The project, which will create recommendations and identify next steps, is focused on promoting civil public conversations about crucial issues such as options for the Machias Dike replacement project and flood protection for the downtown commercial district, as well as ideas for improving and maintaining water quality and natural resources in the bay while keeping businesses open and traffic moving.
“We’ve got a big opportunity to shape the future of Machias and our region from the ground up,” said Machias town manager Sarah Craighead Dedmon. “I’m glad we’re kicking it off by actively seeking public input, and I’m looking forward to hearing what everyone has to say.”
The project involves all of the communities surrounding Machias Bay, including Machias, Marshfield, Machiasport, East Machias, Roque Bluffs and Cutler. Over the past six months, more than 40 local leaders and stakeholders from surrounding towns, businesses, landowners, and conservation groups have been working together as part of the Upper Machias Bay Master Plan Leadership Committee to develop a shared vision for the region.
“Growing up in Marshfield, working at Helen’s through high school, college, and beyond, and planning to stay here to raise a family of my own, my love for this area, our local businesses, and our way of life runs deep,” said Hannah Rice, chair of the Leadership Committee. “I encourage anyone who loves this area and our community to join us in this process and participate in all the upcoming public meetings.”
Options for replacing the aging Machias Dike and addressing downtown flooding will be key topics of conversation at the public meeting on the 22nd.
“As a representative of the landowners who have been haunted for decades by the looming issue of the dike, my hope in serving on this committee is to give a voice to those who are most affected by whatever decision is ultimately made,” continued Hannah.
At the July 22 meeting, attendees will:
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Learn about the shared goals developed by the leadership committee, which include enhanced flood resilience and infrastructure stability, prioritizing projects like the Machias Dike Bridge replacement, downtown flood protection, and other measures to protect the region from increasingly frequent severe floods.
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See scale drawings of possible dike replacement options and flood scenarios for downtown Machias.
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Have an opportunity to share feedback, local knowledge, and priorities that may not yet be reflected in the planning process.
A free dinner will be served at the meeting, and childcare will be provided to make participation easier for families. While registration is not required, RSVPs are encouraged for planning purposes. Visit https://bit.ly/machiasbay to register.
This is the first in a series of public meetings that will continue into the fall, with each offering opportunities to learn and shape the direction of the Upper Machias Bay Master Plan. The next public meeting will take place on September 15th.
If you are unable to attend this meeting, you can provide your feedback through a survey on the SCEC website: sunrisecounty.org/machiasbay. There, you can also learn more about the Master Plan, including shared goals, leadership committee members, and previous meeting notes.