The Raymond Comprehensive Plan draft was recently published for review and a public town hearing was held on Dec. 4 at the regular Comprehensive Plan Committee’s meeting. Committee members presented the current draft plan, shared updates, and heard feedback from residents.
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| Public feedback regarding Raymond's new Comprehensive Plan proposal has asked that more road safety and road improvement measures be included in the Raymond Cape area of the town. The Comprehensive Plan Committee has extended the deadline to submit public comments about the plan to Dec. 31. PHOTO BY KENDRA RAYMOND |
Raymond’s new Comprehensive Plan’s Priority Goals and Actions includes five sections: Build a resilient Raymond, protect Raymond’s natural and water resources, invest in road and traffic improvements, prioritize walking and biking around Raymond, and strengthen Raymond’s sense of community.
The fourth item, “Prioritize walking and biking around Raymond: Build a trail or sidewalk that spans the length of Raymond Cape Road,” brought forth some lively discussion during the CPC committee’s Dec. 4 meeting.
Leavitt explained that the priority and verbiage around pedestrian accessibility was changed following the meeting,
“Based on both online and in person public comments the CPC decided to change the priority status involving Raymond Cape Road for the construction of walking/bike paths to include the village areas,” he said. “There was no public opposition to the draft plan's focus on promoting sidewalk and walking paths throughout Raymond in order to increase connectivity and/or improve roadway safety.”
Kelly Rocheleau is a Cape resident and attended the meeting.
“I would like to hear what other people are feeling. We are concerned about safety on the road for drivers and pedestrians,” she said. “I took away that the Cape improvements were low priority. It seemed like the sidewalks were being shot down.”
A local social media page discussion initiated some debate as well. Raymond resident Laura Abbott posted, “It’s insane. Is someone going to have to die for them to make it a priority? It’s a safety issue – at minimum.”
Kelly Rocheleau replied to the post, “The Comprehensive Plan is more about connectivity and bringing the town together. The paths make more sense to have them near the school, town office, Raymond village, and route 302. After hearing more, I understand that is the priority and that seems to benefit more of the town. To me, Cape Road is about safety. Something needs to be done before there is another fatal accident.”
Rocheleau said that she recalls a devastating fatality on the Cape in 2018.
“(Javiera Araya Arriagada) was my sister Karen’s tenant,” she said. The early morning collision occurred when Arriagada was driving north on the Cape. Her vehicle drifted off the pavement edge, and after over-correcting, Arriagada’s vehicle collided with a Ford F-550 hauling a trailer driven by Franklin Everett. She died at the scene. Cape resident Melissa Savage came upon the accident as it occurred. She said that the victim was responsive, but all Savage was able to do was make her comfortable and offer soothing words.”
The Comprehensive Plan draft section language under the heading Prioritize Safe Walking & Biking around Raymond says:
“Many Raymond residents are active people who love to spend time outdoors and would readily do less driving if it was safer and easier to walk or bike. Route 302 has a limited sidewalk network that lacks connectivity to other parts of town and nearby parks and public places. Routes 85 and 121 have a more rural setting and lack sidewalks or bike lanes. Raymond’s local roads do not have adequate road shoulders for pedestrians. Improving the ability to bike and walk around Raymond will be a big quality of life improvement for residents - and will help reduce traffic congestion. Policy: Make it easier to walk and bike around Raymond. • Build a trail or sidewalk that spans the length of Raymond Cape Road. • Develop a capital plan to prioritize and fund sidewalk construction and connections along the busiest parts of Route 302 and Route 85 in Raymond, and to widen or pave road shoulders along other public roads. • Amend ordinances to require sidewalks when new construction is built on Route 302, Route 85, and anywhere pedestrian activity is anticipated. • Partner with Maine DOT to add bike infrastructure like bike lanes or shoulders to Route 302, Route 85, and Route 121. • Create a plan to create pedestrian connections through sidewalks and trails in East Raymond Village. • Review and update standards for sidewalk construction in the Subdivision Ordinance to promote walkable new development. Policy: Increase off-road trails for recreation and bicycle/pedestrian travel through town. • Work with regional partners to connect to the Sebago to the Sea trail. • Partner with local snowmobile and ATV groups to create pedestrian and bike access to existing trails. • Build a trail connection between Sheri Gagnon Park, Raymond Village, and Route 302. • Increase trail, sidewalk, and bike lane connections to water access points and open spaces. Policy: Provide alternatives to driving. • Work with RTP, town staff and boards, and Raymond residents to bring back the Lakes Region Bus. • Explore partnering with regional towns for a vanpool service for seniors for daily needs and recreation.”
The CPC draft offered the following public comments: “Pretty much every road feels unsafe to walk or ride a bike on, except for the private, slow speed lakeside roads.”, “Cape Road needs a jogging/bike path! There are a lot of pedestrians and bicycles using that road safely. It is scenic with rolling hills and would be perfect for a path that has benches and lighting, from the ferry up to Hawthorne.”, “I love the idea of creating more sidewalks.”
“We deserve a better road,” said Rocheleau.
So, what’s next and how can residents have their voices heard? Leavitt said that once the Comp Plan is voted in, the townspeople will decide whether to fund the improvements.
“Implementation of the recommendations contained in the Comprehensive Plan begins once the residents approve the plan (on the) June 2025 town warrant and the Select board appoints the Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee. Ultimately the decision on funding any of the plan recommendations resides with the voters,” Leavitt said.
The recent CPC meeting was the last of its kind in the Comp Plan process. The CPC authorized the co-chairs Peter Leavitt and Kaela Gonzalez to make any additional edits to the plan that might be required by the Raymond Select Board or the state.
The Comprehensive Plan draft can be reviewed here: https://compplan.raymondmaine.org/index.php/review-the-plan/
Scroll to the bottom of the page to submit your feedback on the draft plan by the Dec. 31, 2024 deadline. <
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