Dear Editor:

The Maine DOT has disregarded the ordinances and historic zoning laws of the town of Wiscasset. MDOT has even gone so far as to turn down federal funds in order to openly challenge the town and its business community. Forward thinking town selectmen have had to initiate a lawsuit against the Maine DOT in order to block the state from disregarding the Historic Preservation Ordinance and removing Main Street parking spaces without consideration for our businesses.

There are 27 local businesses in town that have determined that their stores will lose customers if the street parking goes away, and potentially this will cause them to re-locate or switch to a different business model. These businesses rely on year-round parking in front of their stores for customer convenience and thus the viability of their business. We must protect our businesses, our tax base, and our town laws.

Please show your support for our business and the lawsuit and vote “yes” on April 17.

John and Lari Washburn

Wiscasset