CAMDEN’S VISION FOR THE NEXT DECADE Before formulating specific recommendations for the Town of Camden, it is helpful to think in generalities, to broadly envision what we want Camden to look like in ten years. We want Camden to be “better” than it is today, but in what ways? Camden should continue to encourage the development of a sustainable, year- round, broad-based economy, which provides well-paying jobs for all ages, supported by a municipal government, which provides for citizens’ needs without burdensome taxes. Camden’s geographic and cultural attractions are outstanding and critical to Camden’s economic success. The protection of existing and development of new cultural attractions and the good stewardship of our harbor, lakes and mountains are important components in any future planning efforts. Camden is well situated for sharing municipal functions and costs with Rockport, Lincolnville, Hope and Appleton, and Camden enjoys a shared economy and culture with the neighboring cities of Rockland and Belfast. Camden should continue to leverage the Town’s location through shared municipal services and engage in regional economic planning. Camden values its high quality K-12 public education and continuing education for adults. These valuable assets should be maintained and enhanced to attract young families to Camden, thereby diversifying demographics and supporting a more sustainable, year-round community. Camden’s traditional New England Town Meeting form of government requires an active, engaged citizenry. Camden should encourage volunteerism, participation in Town governance and vigorous, civil public debate. Camden is a renowned vacation destination and desirable place to live and work. It is important Camden continues to welcome visitors and new residents to enjoy their lives where the mountains meet the sea. The Comprehensive Plan provides information on the existing features and assets of Camden and provides recommendations and strategies to consider for making Camden a “better” place to live, work, and visit in future years. Town of Camden Comprehensive Plan June 2017 2 Table of Contents INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................. 6 Welcome To The 2017 Camden Comprehensive Plan ................................................................................. 6 Goals ................................................................................................................................................................................. 6 What Is New In The Plan .......................................................................................................................................... 6 Significant Issues ......................................................................................................................................................... 7 Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................................................... 7 CHAPTER 1 HISTORY .................................................................................................... 9 Pre-European History ............................................................................................................................................... 9 Early European History ............................................................................................................................................ 9 First Settlers ............................................................................................................................................................... 10 Water Power & The Mills ...................................................................................................................................... 10 Shipping & Boatbuilding ....................................................................................................................................... 10 The Lime Industry .................................................................................................................................................... 11 Other Manufacturing .............................................................................................................................................. 11 Tourism, Summer Residents & Recreation.................................................................................................... 11 Transportation .......................................................................................................................................................... 12 Downtown ................................................................................................................................................................... 13 Hospitals ...................................................................................................................................................................... 14 Education & Culture ................................................................................................................................................ 14 Religion ......................................................................................................................................................................... 16 CHAPTER 2 POPULATION AND DEMOGRAPHICS ...................................................... 17 Population Changes ................................................................................................................................................. 17 Population And Demographic Trends ............................................................................................................. 18 Recommendations, Questions & Strategies ................................................................................................... 22 CHAPTER 3 ECONOMY ............................................................................................ 24 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................... 24 Current Economic Trends ..................................................................................................................................... 24 Industrial And Commercial Development Limitations ............................................................................. 26 Economic Development Planning And Funding .......................................................................................... 27 Economic Trend Data ............................................................................................................................................. 28 Recommendations, Questions & Strategies ................................................................................................... 34 CHAPTER 4 DOWNTOWN ........................................................................................... 37 Camden’s Downtown: A Vision For The Future .......................................................................................... 37 The Importance Of Strong Downtowns .......................................................................................................... 38 A History Of America's Downtowns ................................................................................................................. 38 Reviving Service Centers Report ........................................................................................................................ 39 National Main Street Program ............................................................................................................................ 40 The Importance Of Arts And Culture In Building Community ............................................................... 40 Recommendations, Questions And Strategies.............................................................................................. 41 CHAPTER 5 NATURAL RESOURCES............................................................................ 43 Geologic History ........................................................................................................................................................ 43 Soils Associations ..................................................................................................................................................... 43 Topography ................................................................................................................................................................ 43 Watersheds ................................................................................................................................................................. 44 Protecting The Watershed Environment ....................................................................................................... 44 TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 Goose River Watershed ......................................................................................................................................... 46 Megunticook Watershed ....................................................................................................................................... 47 Coastal Watershed ................................................................................................................................................... 48 Farms, Woodlands And Open Space