York residents speak out against toll plaza

YORK – York residents are turning up the heat in opposition to plans by the Maine Turnpike Authority to relocate the aging York toll plaza at the southern end of the turnpike.

Turnpike officials have narrowed to four the number of sites being considered for a new high-speed toll plaza to replace the existing facility, which was built in 1969. Construction is expected to start by the summer of 2009 with the new plaza operational in 2011.

But many residents are unhappy with the locations under consideration, saying they will result in homes being taken and neighborhoods being broken up.

At a public meeting Thursday night at York Middle School, nearly a thousand residents showed up to tell highway officials they need to come up with a new plan that better serves the York community.