There’s a new boat launch under construction on Saturday Pond in Otisfield. I assume that the town obtained the necessary permits to do the job, but why weren’t the people consulted?

One of the residents, who regularly attends town council meetings, remembers a discussion about moving a few boulders on the shore, but she doesn’t remember that an improved boat launch with parking would be created, or that the only public beach on the pond would be sacrificed in order to do that.

According to the town’s ordinances, a public beach will be maintained on Pleasant Lake and Saturday Pond. The ordinance will have to be amended because there is no beach on the pond. Townspeople didn’t vote to eliminate access to the water for those who don’t have boats. Many don’t even know that the project is all but completed.

Children and parents who have safely maneuvered around the rocks for years to get to the sandy bottom for a swim will be surprised when they return.

I don’t believe that the former owners of the land envisioned a boat launch when they donated the property to the town for public access.

George Lobb, Otisfield