By Kendra Raymond
The Raymond Comprehensive Plan Committee held its first public workshop recently at Jordan-Small Middle School last weekend and residents gathered to learn about the work the committee has accomplished over the past year and a half. The event also provided hands-on opportunities for community members to get involved by sharing their vision for the future. |
| A poster displays suggestions for community services and facilities that the Town of Raymond will need in the future during a Comprehensive Plan workshop last weekend at Jordan-Small Middle School in Raymond. PHOTO BY KENDRA RAYMOND |
Peikes said that the purpose of the comprehensive plan is to look at where the town has been, where it is going, and how to get there. It will create a framework to make plans and to help guide the town in decision making. The plan will address concerns such as housing, transportation, and the preservation of natural resources.
Attendees were encouraged to share suggestions by placing notes on easel boards placed around the workshop. Topics included balancing the needs of year-round and seasonal residents, desired community services and facilities, and businesses that residents would like to see in Raymond.
A few great suggestions that emerged involved a farmer’s/artisan market, playground, park, hiking trails, skate park, community center, sidewalks, grocery store, laundromat, lakeside businesses with dock access, more restaurants (with outdoor seating), and a brewery. Someone even recommended a developed “Main Street” with community space, restaurants, and shops.
A map was provided where dots could be placed on areas thought to be unsafe to walk, bike, and drive. Another map offered input for areas that residents thought could be developed and other areas that should be preserved. Participants were also asked to weigh in on increased traffic concerns and new housing.
Both Burch and Peikes said that the lakes are the key to the town’s identity. Important factors include invasive species, water quality, and public access. Raymond is home to six summer camps, and their presence is significant to the town’s economy. The camps are one of the biggest employers, along with Sabre Yachts and the school department.
“Our goal is to preserve the lakes and waterfront and the people that live and work there,” said committee member Peter Leavitt.
Housing and population were also discussed. Census data shows that the town’s largest population is over the age of 65 and household size is shrinking. Raymond has just one senior citizen housing complex.
Transportation accessibility and safety were addressed. Maine DOT data suggests that Route 302 has a high crash rating, due to congestion, especially near the two sets of lights. North Raymond Road and Egypt Road were also pinpointed. Citizens are concerned about the lack of sidewalks and bike lanes in town.
Over the next nine months, the committee plans to finalize a vision statement. The next planned workshop will address a future land use plan with a map and narrative. There will be a goals, policy, and strategies spreadsheet. A single draft plan should be ready next fall and presented at a town meeting.
Results of the summer 2023 survey were compiled and are available on the website. Preliminary results show that residents love the sense of community, natural resources, and proximity to amenities. Citizens are concerned that too much development could pose a threat to the quality of life. Additional concerns raised were traffic on Route 302 and environmental impacts on water quality.
Leavitt said that the next online survey will be distributed in mid-March regarding land use. CPC members are hoping for a larger cross-section of respondents this time around. The initial survey was available June through September 2023. The survey garnered about a 5 percent response elicited from 206 residents. The total population of Raymond is 4,536.
The CPC meets the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. All meetings are open to the public and available through ZOOM.
The next Comprehensive Plan workshop will cover future land use. It will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. March 19 at the Raymond Public Safety Building.
Raymond resident Brien Richards said he was pleased to have attended this latest workshop.
“It pays to be involved,” he said. “Your voice can make a difference.”
To review the Raymond Comprehensive Plan website, visit https://compplan.raymondmaine.org/ To sign up for email updates about the comprehensive plan, go to https://compplan.raymondmaine.org/index.php/sign-up-for-our-newsletter/ <
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