Newport plans to expand river restoration

loading...

NEWPORT – What some in town once called “a mosquito swamp” has been turned into a swiftly running river right through the middle of town.

Through a series of carefully planned restoration projects, the Sebasticook River, as it leaves Sebasticook Lake, has become an attraction, not a detraction.

An ambitious plan funded through many state and federal agencies returned the river last year to its original path and, in doing so, garnered the town and Town Manager James Ricker several environmental awards.

Fears that the project would destroy the natural habitat were unfounded as eagles, osprey and heron, among other wildlife, have returned to the site.

This summer the town hopes to work on the upper section of the river, securing the riverbank and planting erosion-blocking trees.

But it is the plan recently released to town officials for the third and final stage of the river project that is getting townspeople excited. The plan proposes a riverwalk and parks that will link the lake to the river and the downtown.

“This plan illustrates a unique opportunity to not only enhance the quality of life for Newport’s citizens, but can serve as an economic tool, attracting people and activity to downtown Newport,” said Ricker.

Estimates that implementing the plan could cost up to $520,000 had Ricker shaking his head recently.

“I think this could be done for significantly less than this,” he said. Ricker said he could leverage even more state and federal money by using in-kind donations of time and skill by area businesses.

“But before we could do anything, we needed to have a plan,” he said.

The Sebasticook River Greenway Master Plan was created by Coplon Associates of Bar Harbor with Kleinschmidt Associates of Pittsfield, who have played a pivotal role in the river restoration. Comments from the public at several open meetings were used to craft the proposal.

The plan identifies the issues and opportunities at the river, along with the historical sites that must be preserved and includes a clear emphasis on recreational opportunities.

The plan recommends closing the Center Street bridge to vehicular traffic and creating a riverwalk – an educational and recreational boardwalk from the bridge south to Route 2 and north to the Sebasticook Lake Fishway.

Interpretive signs along the way would provide information about ecological and historical areas at two observation platforms along the boardwalk.

Riverview Park, at the Route 2 end of the project, would be expanded and upgraded to include an amphitheater and a plaza for sitting and viewing the restored river.

On the opposite side of Route 2 is an impoundment pond and canal, which are also part of redevelopment plans. The project would include construction of a picnic area on the island, which would be reached by a footbridge.

“The plans were paid for through Community Development Block Grant planning funds,” said Ricker. “But all the funds paid for was a plan.”

The challenge now is to turn the design into reality.

“I’m very excited about it,” said the manager. “We now have a five- to 10-year plan that will turn downtown Newport into a place people will want to come to. After all, we have a wild river running right through the middle of Newport.

“I’ve not heard a single citizen say they have regretted the first phase,” he said.

Last week, the river became an outdoor classroom for Bates College students who were studying river restoration. “Their professor told me this project is a perfect model for them to study,” said Ricker.

It is hoped that local students will use the area, which includes an American Indian archaeological site, once the boardwalks and viewing platforms are in place.

Ricker said the first step in the project should be to close off Center Street, reconstruct the sidewalks on Elm Street and begin planting native trees and shrubs.

“Once we do that, we will begin to connect everything,” said Ricker. “The fishway will be connected to the river, the river to the riverwalk, and the riverwalk to the downtown. That will complete a loop from the lake to the economic center.”

Ricker predicted that the Maine Department of Transportation would do handstands when he requests the Center Street road and bridge closure. “They approached me almost five years ago with a suggestion to discontinue the bridge,” he said.

He also predicted that several community projects now under way would further enhance the river restoration.

“Once the library and cultural center are completed, that will be a reason all by itself to come to Newport,” he said. “Add to that the spectacular plan for this river restoration and we can’t lose. The people, the economy and, importantly, the environment all win.”

But, he quickly added, that won’t be the end. “I’d like to take this plan even farther, adding some area historical sites and buildings.”

“The whole process is so exciting,” Ricker said.