Committee Meeting 3
July 27, 2021
Planning a climate-ready future for 2 multi-use piers, nearly 7 acres of park, and more than 1,000 feet of shoreline in the heart of Rockland.
Community Engagement Process
Overview
The Community Engagement process for the Downtown Waterfront Project has included proactive outreach, multiple ways to participate, and an open, process that encourages considering all perspectives (including those not always at the table).
Like any big municipal effort, we have used a project steering committee, community outreach, and workshops. What is different about the approach to the Downtown Waterfront project, however, is use of consensus building to develop a shared understanding of needs, including site conditions, expected sea level rise, and opportunities.
In this case, we have built buy-in over a period of years through: goals in the Harbor Management plan; a facilitated process that achieved broad-based consensus on a climate-ready Conceptual Design; and continuing that process to the next level of detail (30% engineering, with more detailed cost estimates). The Advisory Committee remains active. We have paused meetings to allow the consulting team to make some progress on project permitting, but expect to convene again to consult on the details of a final design this fall.
Multi-Faceted Stakeholder Process
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Ad Hoc Downtown Waterfront Committee, made up of representatives of the Harbor Management Commission, Parks & Rec Advisory Committee, Harbor Trail Committee, the festivals, and members of the general public – with open meetings where all stakeholders are welcome at the table.
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A consensus-building focus that considered goals, objectives and needs identified in the Harbor Management Plan, Draft Comprehensive Plan, and past committees and processes – and started building from areas of agreement.
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A consulting team including Landmark Engineers, RS Leonard Landscape Architecture, and Musson Group, funded with help from a State Shore & Harbor Planning grant from the Maine Coastal Program.
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A community survey that provided a voice for hundreds of community members on how the parks and piers are used, as well as community wants and needs.
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Proactive outreach and collaboration with stakeholders – including festivals, the farmer’s market, food trucks, project neighbors, City Committees, and others who use the park.
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Coordination with relevant City Commissions and Committees, with opportunities for input. A project website with information on meetings, outcomes, drafts, and opportunities for input (by phone, email, or meeting).
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Community site tour and workshops to share progress and solicit input.
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Televised updates and presentations to City Council
