To the editor:
As a 30-year resident of Maine and a regular summer vacationer on Monhegan, I am compelled to share my thoughts on an issue with which [The Maine Land Use Regulation Commission] has somehow gotten involved.
As you are aware, the “Fish House” on the island has been the home of fishing and lobstering activities for centuries. It has also been a source for both raw and prepared seafood for Monhegan residents for longer than most of us can remember. A current permit issue now would remove that source as well as remove the summer livelihood of at least four year-round residents of the island. Permit necessity is, of course, a new phenomenon to the islanders who have known the Fish House and its activities for (again) centuries.
That said, I would remind you of the current compliances regarding the Fish House.
In 2000 a Maine retail seafood license was attained.
In 2003 a Maine license to sell prepared foods was attained.
In 2003 a LURC inspection showed no current issues or violations.
In 2006 an application for the existing (1999) second story deck was called for and submitted. This opening was necessary to facilitate air circulation while painting buoys or dealing with rope dust. There is no public use of this second floor addition. It is solely fishing related.
The issue now is apparently that LURC seeks to disallow the sale of lobsters, lobster rolls and the like to be consumed on the beach outside the Fish House or to take home to eat, though the former is more pleasant. During our stay each summer, many meals are consumed in this manner. We cannot afford (nor can the islanders afford) the outrageous costs of restaurant food on the island. The denial and removal of this highly important source of honest, affordable food for those of us who live or vacation on Monhegan is unnecessary and creates a certain hardship.
As far as LURC is concerned, I truly cannot imagine how the Commission got involved in the first place, other than the fact that Monhegan is a plantation. Nor can I honestly see how this is a “land use” issue. The issue is certainly far from one which falls under your larger umbrella of the Department of Conservation. This is hardly a “Conservation” issue. I would cautiously use the word “harassment” as a possible reason. The Fish House is a revered and historic institution on Monhegan. How could anyone consider urging this type of unnecessary action?
With regard to whether the Maritime zone may or may not be practically applied to this case, Fish Beach has virtually no fishing activity during the summer months when it becomes instead a place for picnickers and (too many) artists. The tables in no way interfered with the dinghies coming and going from the harbor.
In conclusion, I urge the Commission to decide this issue in favor of the continuance of the Fish House on Monhegan as it has currently and naturally evolved during its long and venerable history.
William Meisle
Doylestown, PA
(Copies of this letter were sent to the Land Use Regulation Commission, the Commissioner of the Maine Department of Conservation and Working Waterfront. — ed.)