MONMOUTH COMP PLAN COMMITTEE DRAFT #1.1 Last edited December 2ND, 2020 Prepared by KVCOG

*temporary* TABLE OF CONTENTS. Included Chapters: 1. Historic Profile 2. Demographic Profile 3. Natural Resources 4. Forest and Agriculture 5. Recreation and Culture 6. Business and the Economy 7. Local Housing Profile 8. The Transportation System 9. Public Services

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HISTORIC AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROFILE

A Brief History of Monmouth

The town of Monmouth surrounds Cochnewagon Lake and has significant frontage on Annabessacook Lake, Wilson Pond, Cobbosseecontee Lake, and Sand Pond. Monmouth is bordered on the north by Wayne and Winthrop, on the east by West Gardiner and Litchfield, on the south by Wales, and on the west by Leeds. Augusta, the state’s capital, is just over 15 miles to the northeast and the biggest community in the region.

Early Settlement: The Plymouth Company held a patent for a portion of Kennebec Valley and operated a trading post at what is now Augusta. They traded with the Indians for furs. Due to competition from other colonies and declining profits, this patent was sold to the Kennebec Proprietors in 1661. The area remained wilderness until after the end of the French and Indian Wars. After Britain and France made peace in 1763, pioneers ventured up the coast and inland, escaping the crowded older settlements for the pristine wilderness. The first settlements grew along the Kennebec River, which provided the only convenient means of transportation.

The first European settlers arrived from Brunswick in 1775 and continued in a small wave through the remainder of the decade. Upon their arrival, there was a significant tribe of Native Americans who would gradually disappear without conflict. Initially, Monmouth was named Freetown, under the assumption that the land on which it stood was free to every settler. After a land dispute with the land’s lawful owner, the settlement was renamed Bloomingboro.

The first documented plantation meeting was called on August 24, 1781 with the posted notification: “By the desire of a number of inhabitants of Bloomingboro, the whole are hereby notified to meet at the house of Mr. Ichabod Baker’s on Friday the 24th day of August, 1781, at 12 of the clock, in order to act on the following articles: First, to chuse a moderator; 2dly, to chuse a Clark; 3dly, to see if the inhabitants will think proper to chuse one man to act as Capt. For the present year; 4thly, to see if the inhabitants will except of the proposals made to them by the Committee of the general court; 5thly, to act on any other thing, that shall be thought proper by said inhabitants.”

Bloomingboro was incorporated on January 20, 1792 and given the name Monmouth in a tribute to early settler General Henry Dearborn’s accomplishments at the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Monmouth in New Jersey in 1778.

Emergence of Monmouth: The first settlers of what would become Monmouth positioned themselves on the town’s southern fringe, near present-day Wales. The turn of the 19th Century saw a sizable population near what is now Monmouth Academy. By the mid-19th Century, the railroad came to town and what followed was a significant population shift to Monmouth Center. Shortly thereafter, the Town had three established villages: Monmouth Center, North Monmouth, and East Monmouth. Monmouth

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Center was, and still is today, situated at the outlet of Cochnewagon Lake. East Monmouth developed at the outlet of Annabessacook Lake and North Monmouth built up around the outlet to Wilson Pond. The outlets of the Town’s lakes and ponds provided ample energy to power the establishment of mills, factories, and various shops. Lumber, grist, and woolen mills thrived. Brickyards, tanneries, boot and shoe shops, shovel factories, and more businesses would all call Monmouth home. Perhaps more notable than the availability of waterpower, was the prime agricultural land, found throughout much of the Town. The Town was devoid of agricultural wasteland, and as such, farming prospered. Agricultural societies and farmers’ clubs were established. The Cochnewagon Agricultural Society was formed in 1907 and has organized the annual Monmouth Fair for over 100 years. Highmoor Farm, once a national leader in horse- breeding, today acts as an educational asset for the State’s University Extension program. Agriculture blossomed in Monmouth throughout the 19th and 20th Centuries and remains a large part of Monmouth’s identity today.

Does Monmouth have a good historical resource for the 20th century? Were there any major/defining events to take place that need/deserve mentioning?

Prehistoric and Archeological Sites

Monmouth had residents far before settlers with European roots migrated to the area from the settlements of the coast. Prehistoric archeological sites reveal information about these Native American inhabitants, who rarely left any records. The following four types of sites are significant in the state of Maine:

• Campsites • Village locations • Rock quarries and workshops • Areas containing petroglyphs and rock carvings

The Maine Historic Preservation Commission (MHPC) has identified 22 known pre-historic campsites in the Monmouth area. The State Site Numbers are: 25.9-25.13, 25.20-25.23, 25.28- 25.33, 25.35-25.37, 25.42, 37.10, 36.63, and 37.14. MHPC does not disclose the exact location of pre-historic sites in an attempt to reduce the likelihood of damage. MHPC has stated that most, if not all, of the prehistoric sites are located: in close proximity to the shores of the Town’s major lakes, ponds, and streams, on islands in the lakes, or are under the waterline near lake shores. Further surveys, inventory studies, and analyses to determine the location of other pre-historic along lake shorelines have been identified as needs. Given the reach of the natives and the large nature of Maine, it is highly likely that other sites exist. Some of these potential sites are unknowingly protected due to the set-back requirements imposed by the Town’s Shoreland Zoning Ordinance. Due to the changing landscape of the waterbodies’ shoreline, more sites may be under water. It is recommended that the Town place into its ordinances a demand that any proposed development in close proximity to a probable archeological site be reviewed by the Maine Historic Preservation Commission.

Historic Archeological Sites

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Historic archeological sites statewide often include early houses foundations and cellar holes, foundations for various farm buildings, mills boat yards and wharves, and forts. Since transportation and then power generation were largely provided by the State’s many waterways, they are often the location for these historic sites. The Maine Historic Preservation Commission identifies three historical archaeological sites in the Town. Safford Pottery, of significance from 1822-1921, was the oldest such site. Silas H. Coburn Pottery and the Woodbury Family Burial Ground are also listed and were both established in the 1850’s.

No professional survey of the Town has ever been conducted, however, and one should be carried out with a focus on the potential identification of resources attributable to Monmouth’s industrial, residential, and agricultural past, particularly those associated with the early settlers of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Listed Historic Buildings and Structures

Despite frequent fires and the ravages of time, Monmouth has several preserved links to its past history. Formal identification and protection for historic structures is embodied in listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The National Register currently lists three properties in Monmouth:

Cumston Hall: A public building of imposing architectural standard, Cumston Hall has been on the National Register listing for over 30 years. The hall was built and dedicated to the Town in 1900 by Dr. Charles Cumston. Designed by the well-studied artist Henry Cochrane, Cumston Hall took just one year to build and boasts the Cumston Public Library, a 250 seat opera hall, mural ceilings, and many stained glass windows. It has served as the town hall and is now the cultural center of Town.

The Blossom House, built circa 1808 by Ansel Blossom on Main Street, is one of the oldest homes in Monmouth. A notable example of the Federal-style cape form of architecture, the Blossom House is the most intact building from this era in Monmouth. It is currently part of the Monmouth Museum complex.

North Monmouth Library. Also designed by Henry Cochran, the library was built in 1927 and surveyed in 2017. Located at 132 Main Street, the North Monmouth Library is the Town’s latest building to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Buildings Eligible for Historic Register Listing

Monmouth Museum Stencil Shop. The stencil shop at the Monmouth Museum, located at 745 Main Street, was surveyed in 2011 and ruled eligible for listing. This building, believed to have been built in 1849, is a great example of vernacular architecture.

Dairy Barn and Silo. The dairy barn and its silo, located at 935 Route 135, was surveyed in 2013 and ruled eligible as a historic barn and agricultural structure. Believed to have been built around the turn of the 20th century, the barn (1890-1920) and its silo (1920-1940) are examples of vernacular architecture.

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Monmouth Academy. Originally built in 1855, the building that now houses the Monmouth Middle School has undergone many additions. Surveyed in 2011, the building at 96 Academy Road is eligible for listing on the National Register. Of particular note is the classical revival entrance built in 1944.

Local Historic Sites and Places

Other structures in Town are known to exhibit historic qualities, but for a variety of reasons, are not listed on the National Register. Such buildings as East Monmouth Methodist Church, the United Church (Monmouth Center), the Masonic Hall, the North Monmouth Community Building, the Shorey House, the blacksmith shop, and the Carriage House must be considered as part of Monmouth’s architectural heritage.

Monmouth Museum

The Monmouth Museum, a private non-profit organization, owns and manages many of the historic structures, as well as artifacts from Monmouth’s past. The museum was founded in 1970 by Earle Flanders, who originally opened the blacksmith shop to public viewing. The museum now owns eight buildings, six of which are open to the public. These eight buildings are the: Blacksmith Shop, Blossom House, Stencil Shop, Carriage House, Freight Shed, Corn Crib, and Cobbler’s Shop. Some of the collection of artifacts is housed in a fireproof vault in Cumston Hall. Most of the museum’s exhibits are representative of Monmouth life in the 19th century. The museum serves primarily as an educational tool for local school groups, entertaining 300-400 visitors a year. The museum is open seasonally, five days a week.

Cemeteries

Cemeteries are also important areas linking present day Monmouth to its storied past. The Town has an obligation to protect and maintain some cemeteries, whiles others are private or family cemeteries. The following is a listing of known cemeteries in Monmouth:

Pease Cemetery Lyons Cemetery Monmouth Neck Cemetery South Monmouth Cemetery Prescott Hill Cemetery Town Farm Road Cemetery Gove Grove Cemetery Monmouth Center Cemetery East Monmouth Cemetery Monmouth Ridge Cemetery Kimball Cemetery

Scenic Areas

Monmouth’s heritage is also reflected in its beautiful landscape. Scenic resources can be an economic, recreational, and historic asset and often evoke images of the Town’s heritage. Many

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 5 people drive to Monmouth simply to view the scenery and patronize the local farms and village businesses that lend homage to the Town. While waterways drew the Town’s early settlers, it can be assumed that idyllic and scenic landscapes encouraged them to remain. However, it is also recognized that the public benefit of scenic views is gained from the landscapes of privately owned land and the historic preservation of these lands.

Part of Monmouth’s attraction for new residents and tourists is its mixture of water views, fields and forests, and village appearance. Monmouth has completed visual resource inventories in the past and many residents strongly support a town wide effort to protect unique and historic scenic areas. Scenic resources change over the course of time and existing local regulations have not been enough to maintain all scenic views.

In the past Prescott Hill Road, Pease Hill Road, Macomber Road, and Route 135 from East Monmouth eastward have all been designated as particularly scenic roads. These roads are characterized by elevations and a mix of woods and open land. Many other scenic views have also historically received notice. Among them were views from Ridge Road, Norris Hill Road, Wilson Pond Road, and Cobbosseecontee Road. Primarily, these views are of lakes or wide open spaces. Any others?

While some may consider scenic resources to be perpetual, they can easily be degraded to the point where they are no longer a drawing point. Scenic resources in Monmouth continue to be impacted by new development or other changes in the landscape. Changes at the viewpoint tend to have a greater effect on the value of scenic views than changes in the more distant scenery – new buildings or vegetation that grows up over time blocks viewsheds, eliminating the view, while changes in the distance simply alter the scenic subject

In many cases, preserving a scenic view along a road can be as simple as requiring additional setbacks. But there are other ways to lose the view. If a corridor is not maintained as open, if it is allowed to grow from field to woodland, it may seal off the view even more effectively. This is a good argument for keeping farmland open and viable. Landowners can be offered incentives to enter into a voluntary scenic view and historic protection and maintenance agreement, or conservation easements can be established with maintenance plans (for vegetation).

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DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE The essence of a community is its people, and people come in all shapes and sizes. Our community is growing. That means it’s changing – not just increasing in numbers, but changing in age, family size, and other characteristics. Community planners have devised ways of measuring these changes.

This report uses information from the US Census Bureau, Maine Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Revenue Services, Kennebec Valley Council of Governments, and Monmouth’s 2008 Comprehensive Plan. It contains information about the community as it is now and how it is likely to grow into the future.

Synopsis:

Monmouth had a population of 4,104 as of 2010. Population growth has slowed, and may actually have stopped since then.

Because of the continued decrease in the number of people per household, the Town continues to need new housing, and in fact has built close to 12 new houses per year.

The annual influx of summer residents adds about 800 to the population at peak season.

The median age of residents in 2010 was 42.0, compared to 32.6 in 2000. This is the effect of the aging baby boom, and the median will continue to rise for some years to come. An aging population will be the driving social force for the foreseeable future. Monmouth’s population of children has dropped 20 percent since 2000, while the number of seniors (over 65) has risen 49 percent. “Seniors in waiting” (ages 55-64) add up to another 740 residents (18 percent of the population).

Population Characteristics:

In most peoples’ eyes, population size is the first measure of a town. Monmouth is no exception. Our historical population trends, shown on Figure 2-1, below, illustrate the trends that have influenced Monmouth over the past 200 years.

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Figure :

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Like many rural towns in Maine, Monmouth enjoyed a period of rapid growth from before 1800 up until about the Civil War. A period of decline followed, coinciding with the land rush to the West and industrialization of the cities. The decline stopped about 1900, but population stabilized until around 1930. Growth accelerated substantially into the current era of automobile-induced sprawl, showing only a very slight slowing into the 2000’s.

The Census brings us up to 2010, but we have estimates more recent. The census now takes a sample survey annually. The sample is so small that it takes five years to get accurate data, but their population estimate for Monmouth from 2012 to 2016 is 4,053. For comparison, Kennebec Valley Council of Governments (KVCOG) uses the town’s report of 82 new housing units since 2010, assumes a constant vacancy rate and diminishing household size (see below) to estimate 2017 population at 4,209. Between these two estimates, one (the census) estimates loss of population since 2010; the other (KVCOG) estimates growth.

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Monmouth should be enjoying continuing growth as a result of its convenient location and supply of buildable Regional Perspective: Population land. The town is not only easy commuting distance to Town 2010 Pop. 2000-10 Growth Augusta and Lewistown-Auburn, but now adjacent to the Greene 4,350 274 (6.7%) Sabattus highway interchange. KVCOG estimates seven Leeds 2,001 325 (16 %) years of growth amounting to 105 residents, equal to 2.5 percent. This shows a considerable slowdown from the Monmouth 4,104 319 (8.4%) 2000’s, when the town grew by 319 over ten years. Our average growth since 1990 has been 32 people per year. Litchfield 3,624 514 (17 %) Wales 1,322 294 (22 %) Winthrop 6,092 -140 (-2.2%) The regional comparison shows how Monmouth’s growth stacks up against our neighbors’. Leeds, Litchfield, and Wales still have double-digit growth rates (although Monmouth still had a higher head count than Wales), while Winthrop actually lost population. Kennebec County during the same period gained 4.3 percent population.

Community Changes: Migration, Births, and Deaths:

Population changes can be broken down into two elements: “Natural Change,” which is the difference between births and deaths, and “Migration,” which is the difference between those moving into town and those moving out.

Natural change tends not to fluctuate wildly, being based on trends in life expectancy and child- bearing. Between 2000 and 2010, Monmouth recorded an excess of births over deaths, for a net increase of 129. Between 2010 and 2017, we had 281 births and 192 deaths, for an increase of 89. That extrapolates to a ten-year increase of 127, almost exactly the same as the prior decade. This is actually contrary to the trend of an aging population (where deaths would start to exceed births) and suggests Monmouth is still attracting young families.

“Natural change” is a measure of the age profile of a community (older population vs. younger one), whereas migration is more a measure of economics. People will choose to move from town to town based on factors such as availability of employment, cost of housing, and perceptions of “quality of life”. Migration is calculated as the difference between overall population change and natural change. Between 2000 and 2010, Monmouth experienced a net migration gain of 190 persons, while in the 90’s, we had a gain of 227. The estimated net gain between 2010 and 2017 has been only 16, extrapolating to only 23 over the decade. This is a considerable decline suggesting either a decline in the local economy or an underestimation of the 2017 population. (The estimate is based on the KVCOG “growth” estimate.)

Seasonal Population:

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All population figures cited above refer to year-round population, or, more accurately, population as counted by the Census on April 1. In Monmouth, there is significant population fluctuation when the camps are active. Seasonal population consists of two elements: full-season residents -- such as camp owners/renters -- and visitors, which may include anyone from summer camp enrollees to day- trippers.

There are no good measures of seasonal population. We do know from the census how many seasonal homes are in town (340, as of 2010). If we take the 340 seasonal units and assume an average household size of 2.38 (the countywide average for Kennebec County), we come up with 789 seasonal residents. That assumes full occupancy, but the household size is just a guess. [Are there any summer camps, campgrounds, and motels/B&B?] Families and Households:

People seldom function independently (at least from the perspective of the Census Bureau), and are more often classified into “Households” and “Families.” Households consist of everyone living in a housing unit, and could mean families or unrelated individuals. There are occasionally persons who do not live in a “household,” (for example, group homes) but none have been recorded in Monmouth.

Table 1, below, illustrates the household profile and changes in Monmouth. The overall number of households in town has increased by 10 percent in ten years.

Table 1 Household Characteristics, 2000 and 2010 Household Type: 2000 2010 % increase All Households 1,435 1,577 10 Single-person Households 287 281 -2 Single-person “over 65” 114 111 -3 Married-couple families 875 943 8 Male-headed families 59 40 -32 Female-headed families 143 102 -29 Source: US Census

The table goes against conventional wisdom in Monmouth – that traditional families with two parents and children are becoming less dominant. They still make up 60 percent of all households, and every other category of household is shrinking. In particular, single-parent families have seen a dramatic drop, but the number of elderly households is also declining, which is unexpected.

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From the perspective of planning for the future, “Households” is actually a more useful tool than “population.” Households occupy housing units, generate a predictable number of workers and school children, and so on. Figure 2 shows another attribute of households. They shrink.

It’s a fact of modern society that the Figure 2: Household Size Trends average number of persons per household has been in decline. Trends include fewer 3.5 children, broken families, more 3 independent living among the elderly, and 2.5 delayed marriage among the young. 2 Clearly, those trends are mirrored in 1.5 Monmouth. The average number of 1 persons per household in 2000 is only 3/4 0.5 0 of what it was in 1970. 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 Ave. HH Size 3.41 3.01 2.83 2.63 2.59

The shrinkage of household size drives demand for housing as much as the influx of new residents. Consider that in the 2000’s, we had a net influx of only 190 people, yet we built 142 new year-round homes. Mathematically, it works out as follows: for every 1,000 people, we needed about 300 housing units when we had 3.4 persons per household in 1970. We need 386 units for the same number of people in 2010, in households averaging only 2.6.

Practically, it works this way: children grow up and get their own place, or a couple get divorced and move into separate homes. In this sense, household size drives the type of housing, as well as the quantity. Shrinking household sizes require us to think about the size and style of housing that the future will demand. If the average family contains only one or two children, then 4- and 5-bedroom houses don’t make much sense.

The trend of shrinking household size has been leveling off, particularly as the population ages. The “fewer children” trend doesn’t affect empty nesters. Also, there is a correlation between owned vs rented housing units. Towns with more rentals have smaller households, e.g. Winthrop, with about ¼ of their housing rentals and only 2.31 persons per household. Between 2000 and 2010, Monmouth actually decreased its percentage of rentals, down to 14.6 percent.

Population Features:

Other physical features of the population are highlighted in the census. For us, the most important of these is age. The age profile of a community can tell us whether we need to start planning for new schools -- or new senior citizen centers. The significant feature of the age issue is the Baby Boom. These are persons born between 1945 and 1965. There were a lot of them; so many that the impact

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 11 was felt first in schools, then, in starter homes, now in premium and vacation homes, and soon in retirement centers.

Figure 3 shows the impact of age group shifts on the town. Each bar represents the total population, with the segments representing the proportion in that age group. In 1970, the Baby Boom was primarily under age 17 (segment at the bottom of the bar). As the Baby Boom has aged, the segments in the middle swelled. In 2000, the Boom was split between the 18-44 and 45-64. In 2010, the “45- 64” is definitely the largest component, with a noticeable bump in 65+. In 2020, the former group will begin to deflate, with the latter seeing the impact.

Figure 3: Monmouth Age Cohorts, 1970-2000

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80% 65+

60% 45- 64 40% 18- 44 20% 0% 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

In terms of real numbers, Monmouth had 953 children (under age 18) in 2000, 11 percent more than in 1970, yet a much smaller percentage of total population. Seniors, we had 217 in 1970, and as of 2010 had 481. The over-65 class is already growing as a percentage of the total, and will do so dramatically in the next 20 years. The 2016 census estimate already has 563 in that age category.

A more general measure of an aging community is its “Median Age.” A median is a point at which exactly half the population is above and half below, and is not the same as “average.” Monmouth’s median age in 2010 was 42. In 1990, it was 32.6. Now, while most of us, as individuals, age ten years in a decade, it is not the same with a population. A ten-year rise over 20 years means that more people are being added to the “old” side of the equation than the “young” side.

Regional Perspective: Median Age The nearly ten-year advance in Monmouth’s median age is just a little above what is typical in the area, as can be Town 1990 age 2010 age seen in the box at right. Litchfield and Wales remain Greene 32.0 42.6 “younger” towns, while Greene is aging more quickly Leeds 31.8 41.3 and now older than Monmouth. Kennebec County, in 2010, had a median age of 42.8, and Maine 42.7. Litchfield 32.4 39.1

Monmouth 32.6 42.0 Wales 31.1 38.7 Because it is an issue in many parts of the country, the census also tallies race and national origin. This is not a big issue in Monmouth, although like the rest ofWinthrop Maine, the town36.3 is showing 44.0 some signs of becoming more diverse. In 2000, just one percent of Monmouth (35 people) were “non-white” including mixed-race. In 2010, that number had risen to 2.1 percent, or 92 people. The 2016 estimate

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 12 now lists 3 percent of the population as non-white. In addition, about one percent of the population has Hispanic heritage.

The ancestry of our community may be of some interest, though not necessarily from a planning standpoint. In Monmouth, about 1/3 of the population are French or French-Canadian. Other than Anglo-Saxon, no other ancestry group has a significant number.

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Community Futures:

A lot of demographic data is interesting because it shows us changes over time. But it only becomes valuable if we can use it to assess the future. With a good idea of how Monmouth is changing, we can make informed planning choices; these choices will allow us to anticipate and manage the future.

The conventional mechanism of forecasting the future is to project past trends, using population as the measure. A typical forecast would draw on the growth rate from the past decade, and assumes that it will continue into the next. KVCOG prepares growth projections based on such a formula. KVCOG’s mathematical forecast range for Monmouth in the year 2030 is between 4,516 and 4,580.

The State Office of the Economist uses a more sophisticated formula that takes into account the survival rate of different age groups in town, migration rates, and other factors. The official State forecast for Monmouth in 2030 is 4,239. This is a Regional Perspective: Future Growth gain of only 135 over a twenty year period (measured Town 2030 State Pop. Forecasts from 2010), indicating a significant slowdown in Greene 4,920 (13 %) gowth. (The same forecast for neighboring towns is in the box, with calculated growth rates from 2010 Leeds 3,019 (50 %) in parentheses.) Monmouth’s growth rate to be Litchfield 4,229 (17 %) about on a par with Greene, and a little slower than Leeds and Litchfield. Monmouth 4,239 ( 3 %) Wales 2,103 (59 %) The remainder of this section takes forecasting one stepWinthrop further by establishing 5,749 a ( set-6 %) of “what if” scenarios. These scenarios estimate the impact on the town in three critical areas: population, housing, and employment. By looking at the physical impact of various alternatives, the town can make critical choices, which will lead it down its preferred path.

Scenario 1: Continued Growth

Monmouth’s population in 2010 was 4,104. According to KVCOG projections, the town’s population will grow to somewhere in the vicinity of 4,600 over 20 years (by 2030). This translates to a growth rate of 0.6 percent per year. That is well below the growth that the town has experienced since 1970, but reflects an overall trend towards slowing growth.

What kind of impact would the addition of 500 residents have on the community? The best way to understand is to convert it into households. We have to make an assumption about household sizes in the future, which is that they will continue to shrink. However, the rate of shrinkage will decrease – Monmouth already has slightly smaller households than average for the region. Over the past three

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 14 decades, the decline has been 0.18, 0.2, and 0.04. Let’s assume that the average number of persons in a household in 2030 will be 2.49 – a decline of 0.1 over 20 years. That does not apply just to the 500 new residents, but to the existing population base. Whereas in 2010, the Town had 1,577 households, in 2030, the town will have 1,847. That means an additional 270 homes, which equates to 13 ½ new homes per year. The Town’s records show that between 2010 and 2016, 68 new houses were added to the tax rolls – about 11 per year – so right now growth is tracking a little below this line.

We can also calculate the number of new jobs that will come with these households. The current ratio of workers to households is 1.38. The Growth Scenario: number of employed people per household has stayed fairly steady for a Change, 2010-2030 number of years, though it may be changing as the baby boomers begin to retire. So, let’s assume that in 2030, we will have an average of 1.35 workers per household. 1,768 households must be supported by 2,493 Total Pop: 4,600 workers. There were 2,176 workers in 2010, so that would mean an increase in jobs of 317, about 15.9 new workers per year. New Residents: 496 New Housing: 270 Not all of these jobs are expected to be available inside Monmouth. Currently,New less Jobs: than half the317 total number of jobs held by residents is within Monmouth. Therefore, as long as the regional economy remains roughly the same, we can count on only needing about eight new jobs per year in Monmouth.

The need for public services based on growth is not as easy a mathematical exercise. For some services, 12 percent growth over 20 years just means a 12 percent increase in public services. That might work for recreation, general office, and solid waste. But for others, like transportation, the impact may be higher – Route 132 traffic has been growing at about twice the rate of population growth over the past ten years. For still others, the impact may be more erratic.

Scenario 2: No Growth

The census bureau seems to think that Monmouth has lost population between 2010 and 2016 (even though there were 68 new homes built in town). So, it is possible that the town is losing population. This scenario demonstrates the impact of zero population growth.

Zero population growth does not mean zero impacts. Household sizes will continue to decline. The 2010 population of 4,104 will require 1,648 housing units in 2030, an average of 3 ½ new homes per year.

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“No Change” Scenario: Because jobs are tied to households, an increase in households would raise demand for jobs even without a population gain. Even at the 2010-2030 same number of jobs per household, 1,648 households would generate demand for 49 new jobs between 2016 and 2030, 2 ½ per year. Total Pop: 4,104

New Residents: 0

New Housing: 71

New Jobs: 49 Scenario 3: Accelerated Growth

While “continued growth” is an extrapolation of trends from the recent past and “no growth” is a thought exercise prompted by census estimates, we have seen in the past a sudden shift to accelerated growth. There are any of a number of economic circumstances that could trigger a new wave of growth, from a renewed “back to the land” movement to climate-induced migration from the south to a new baby boom.

At any rate, to develop a plausible scenario, this time we’ll start the assumption with the rate of new housing growth. We don’t have to “Fast growth” Scenario: go very far back for an example. Between 1990 and 2000, Change, 2010-2030 Monmouth experienced 250, new homes, 25 per year. If that trend re-established through 2030, the town would see 500 new homes. Five hundred added to the existing 1,577 makes over 30 percent Total Pop: 5,172 growth in twenty years. (In 1990 to 2000, it amounted to 21 percent over ten years.) At a household size of 2.49, the 2030 population New Residents: 1,068 would be 5,172. New Housing: 500

New Jobs: 628 As it did in the 90’s, that many new homes would have more than just an impact on the population; it would have a noticeable effect on the landscape. In Monmouth, the minimum lot size outside of the sewer system is 40,000 square feet, however we know from experience that most new lots in the rural area are significantly larger. If 500 new homes were built on average 2 acre lots, it would convert 1,000 bare acres into houses. Monmouth only covers 22,000 acres in the first place. The minimum road frontage in the rural area is 200 feet. Five hundred new homes will require at least 100,000 feet of road frontage, which is the equivalent of a new road 9.5 miles long. These numbers are good arguments for encouraging more housing in smaller units on town sewer, where the requirements are half as much.

Using the same ratios as previously, 2,077 households will generate demand for 2,804 jobs, an increase of 628 jobs, or 31 per year.

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In summary, these three “what if” scenarios offer not just numerical estimates, but also a perspective on how growth responds to social and economic environments. The community can choose to respond to growth as it happens (which could be any of the three scenarios) or plan for the growth rate it feels comfortable with, and take the appropriate action to make it happen.

Impact of the Aging Population:

In addition to changes in population numbers and needs for housing and jobs, one other strong demographic trend will be evident. As Figure 3 has shown, the proportion of seniors to the rest of the population has grown, and is due to grow faster. Between 2010 and 2030, those people in the 45-64 age group will move into the 65+ age group.

Within each age group a certain percentage of the population will not survive, but that is statistically predictable. Using national statistics on survival rates, we can project that Monmouth’s current population level will consist of 781 persons over 65 by 2020 and 1,048 by 2030. In 2010, seniors made up 11.7 percent of the population, and we thought that was a noticeable bump from 10 percent in 2000. The calculations cited above yield a ratio of 19 percent seniors in 2020 and 25.5 percent by 2030. With one-quarter of the population senior citizens just over a decade from now, we will need to make significant changes in how the town operates.

Issues for the Community and its Future: Monmouth appears to be in a well-established growth pattern. Monmouth is viewed as having many attractive qualities: relatively low land and housing prices, an attractive community with top schools, and easy access to job centers. It is easy to see why Monmouth is poised for more growth. Like many of its neighbors, Monmouth is the object of demographic facts of life. Our households are growing smaller, driving the need for more and different housing. Our population is also getting older. This may result in a decrease in school populations, but may also increases future demand for more senior services, such as more senior-centered recreation, home health, and transportation programs. Monmouth’s likely growth will result in or drive demand for more housing and jobs, as well as more and different town services. Where will this development occur? And, how will it affect demand for town services? The extent to which we choose to manage our growth will have a significant impact on the future character of our community.

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NATURAL RESOURCES

Community Overview:

Monmouth’s village areas, lakes, rolling hills, distant views, open fields and forested areas combine to create a visual character that is appealing in its diversity. The resources that make up the natural setting of the town provide much of that visual diversity. People’s actions on the land, development, the use and transformation of the Town’s natural resources can enhance Monmouth’s appeal -- and can also destroy it.

This chapter profiles natural resources that have a significant influence on development decisions in Monmouth. It addresses the relationship between natural resources, environmental preservation, and development.

The general topography provides the physical framework within which people live, affecting development decisions in various ways. People tend to settle and build structures and roads most frequently on lowlands, moderate hillsides and level ridges, while steep hills often remain forested, or at least less densely developed, such is the case in Monmouth.

Numerous hills and extensive ridgelines, scattered throughout town, characterize Monmouth’s topography. Several offer spectacular views of the Presidential Range in New Hampshire and of Mt. Blue and the mountains near it in western Maine. Many more provide expansive views of the town itself and neighboring communities, as well as making striking sights themselves from lower vantage points.

A long, narrow, relatively level, lowland area lies in east central Monmouth, bounded by both lakes and hills. It contains several small, boggy ponds and streams and fairly extensive wetlands in its lowest elevations. The Bog Brook marsh occupies most of another extensive level area in the northwest corner of Town.

Soils and Slopes:

The Soil Survey of Kennebec County, a set of maps published by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service (now Natural Resource Conservation Service), delineates the soils found throughout Monmouth, and describes their attributes and limitations.

For the purpose of development planning, we do not need to know the technical details of soils. We are concerned with the limitations that soils may impose on development. Soils may be too saturated

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 18 or too erodible for construction of foundations, septic systems, or roads. Or the topography (also reflected in soil types) may be too steep for construction. In general, septic systems, for example, are prohibited on slopes in excess of 20 percent. The accompanying map shows soils which have been rated to have “very low potential for low density development.” This includes both poorly drained soils and steep or erodible soils.

Poorly drained soils and soils with seasonally high water tables (marine sediments and wetlands) pose problems for road construction, structures with basements, and subsurface waste disposal systems. Such soils occur most extensively in wetlands and along streams and ponds in Monmouth. Even in areas served by town sewer, poorly drained soils pose problems for roads and basements. By avoiding such high-cost soils, developers also avoid wetlands.

Soils on steep or erodible slopes are also mapped. However, isolated steep areas tend not to show up on maps, so the best way to regulate development on steep slopes is on a case-by-case basis. The most likely areas in town to encounter slopes of greater than 20 percent are in the Woodbury hills, in the southeast of town, or near Sawyer Hill or Monmouth Ridge. Also, some slopes leading down to lakeshores will have areas in excess of 20 percent.

Just as there are soils very difficult and expensive to develop, other soils are very easy. These are not a constraint on development; they are an opportunity. On these soils, we are much less likely to create environmental problems or raise housing costs. These soils, too, are depicted on the map. To the extent possible, we should encourage growth on the best soils.

Prime farmland soils occur throughout Monmouth, in many cases with active, viable farms located upon them. The most extensive are gently sloping Buxton, Paxton, Paxton-Charlton, and Woodbridge soils. Prime farmland soils are among those best suited and easiest to develop, placing competing values upon a limited resource. Such soils are both an opportunity, if we want to encourage rural development, and an asset, if we want to preserve farmland.

Critical Natural Resources

Critical natural areas are at the heart of natural resource protection. The state defines critical areas as those containing plant and animal life or geological and ecological features worthy of preservation in their natural condition or of significant scenic, scientific, or historical value. Maine’s Beginning with Habitat program, a part of the Natural Areas Program at the Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF), provides information, presentations, and resources to towns on local critical areas, such as unique natural areas, wildlife habitat, fisheries habitat, wetlands, and sand dunes Much of the BWH information is reflected in this report.

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High on the list of critical natural areas are locations of endangered species. The Maine Endangered Species Act authorizes the IFW to designate and protect Essential Habitat for Rare and Endangered Species.

Rare and Endangered Species and Habitats

Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nest along the eastern shore of Cochnewagon Lake, just south of the Center village. These symbolic fliers were nearly eradicated in Maine but, thanks to conservation policy, have now rebounded and nest in great numbers. In the 1970’s it is believed that there were less than 30 nesting pairs of bald eagles in Maine. In 2009 they were removed from the state Endangered Species list and Maine is now home to more than 700 nesting pairs. Bald eagles remain listed as Special Concern. Bald eagles generally nest along bodies of water. Breeding habitat includes large trees, primarily old white pines, in close proximity (less than one mile) to water where their food source is abundant and human disturbance is minimal. Bald eagles and their nests are protected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.

Least bitterns (Ixobrychus exilis) are known to occupy two locations in town, the Wilson Stream inlet to Annabessacook Lake and the Jock Stream inlet to Cobbosseecontee Lake.

These small, heron-like birds are relatively scarce breeders in coastal and inland wetlands, but when food is in abundance may be quite popular. They occupy fairly scattered nests in both freshwater and brackish marshes with tall aquatic vegetation such as cattails and other reeds. Some birds forage during summer in saltmarshes and mangrove swamps, but nest in those habitats less commonly. Least Bitterns winter in the southernmost coastal areas of their U.S. range, specifically southern Texas and Florida, as well as in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. The least bittern diet is mainly small fish such as minnows, sunfishes, and perches. They are also fond of large insects like dragonflies and will eat crayfish, frogs, and tadpoles when the opportunity presents itself.

Nests are platform in nature, created by the male beding down marsh vegetation and building a platform with grasses and sticks on top. As such, nests are rarely more than 10 yards from the edge of the reed bed.

Eastern Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis sauritus) habitat is found at the southern fringe of Cobbosseecontee Lake, in an area centered around the intersection of Cobbossee and Maple Ridge Roads. Eastern Ribbon Snakes are not classified as endangered, but rather, a species of special concern- one that is particularly vulnerable, and could easily become, an endangered, threatened, or extirpated species.

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The eastern ribbon snake is a slender, semi‐aquatic snake that typically ranges in size from 16 to 28 inches. They are often observed swimming near the edges of emergent marshes, wet meadows, scrub‐ shrub wetlands, beaver impoundments, bogs, river and stream floodplains. In Monmouth they are found in the vegetated shorelines of ponds and lakes. Ribbon snakes generally avoid deep water but will swim readily along the surface. Juveniles and gravid females may use uplands, but the extent of use is not well established. Ribbon snakes’ diets are primarily amphibian in nature, however, they will supplement their diets on occasion with mice, spiders, small fish, small frogs, and insects.

Great Blue Herons (Ardea Herodias) are also considered a species of special concern by the State. Great blue habitat is found on the southwestern shore of Cochnewagon Lake.

Widespread and familiar, great blue herons are the largest heron in North America. They are often seen standing silently in Maine’s coastal marshes or along its inland rivers and lakeshores. They are easily identifiable in flight with a slow and methodical wingbeat and their head tucked back onto their shoulders. Great blue herons are highly adaptable and maintain residence in various forms of water from subtropical swamps to desert rivers to the coastline of southern Alaska. Its variable diet allows it to spend the winter farther north than most herons, even in areas where most waters freeze. Great blue herons’ diets are primarily made up of fish, but they will also eat frogs, salamanders, turtles, snakes, insects, rodents, and birds when the opportunity allows. They typically breed in colonies, most often with other great blue herons, but will sometimes mix with other wading birds. Nest siting can be highly variable but usually occurs in trees 20-60 feet above ground or water. Nests are sometimes located in low shrubs, on the ground, or even above 100 feet in trees.

Inland Waterfowl and Wading Bird Habitat (IWWH)

Five criteria are used to rate IWWHs as high, moderate, or low value: (1) wetland type composition, (2) number of different wetland types, (3) size, (4) interspersion, and (5) percent of open water. Wetlands with a rating of “High” or “Moderate” are the only ones required to be protected under Shoreland Zoning and other State Laws. These are depicted on the map and listed in the table overleaf.

Table - Significant Waterfowl and Wading Bird Habitat

Location MDIF&W# Rating

Large tract of land encompassing the Monmouth Bog 031427

Southeast of Rt. 202, between Blue Rd., Academy Rd., and Norris Hill Rd. 200689

Wetlands at the southern end of Cochnewagon Lake 031838

Streambeds near Leeds Junction 031836

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Source of Mud Mills Stream in between Warren Rd. and Ridge Rd. 031841

Dilnow Brook and associated wetlands 031833

Wetland/seasonal pond northeast of South Monmouth and west of Rt. 126 031832

Large area containing Mud Pond, portions of Jock Stream, and the lake 031831

Due south of the Cobbosseecontee Rd. and Prescot Hill Rd. intersection 031839

Large area west of the northern half of Tillson Rd. 031829

Large area containing most of Wilson Stream and the Annabessacook inlet 030681

Small area at the western terminus of Lakeside Estate Dr. 031828

Area covering the intersection of Red Top Dr. and Macomber Rd. 031827

Small area just north of Annabessacook Rd. and east of train tracks 200690

Source: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

Most IWWH land remained unchanged since the 2007 plan. However, there are a few additional designations and some rather small retractions from the 2007 IWWH. MDIFW#’s 200689, 031832, and 031828 are all newly designated. Meanwhile, MDIFW#’s 031831, 031833, and 030681 all saw a reduction in area.

Wetlands

Ground water at or near the surface creates a wetland. Wetlands are sufficiently saturated to support the growth of aquatic and moist soil vegetation and limit the construction of foundations and septic systems. Wetlands are often viewed as a waste of land and filled in order to accommodate development. However, wetlands perform significant natural functions. They provide habitat for a diversity of wildlife, temporarily store floodwaters to moderate floods, create clean water by filtering sediments and pollutants, and recharge aquifers. Since these functions are not readily apparent, wetlands are too often misused.

Monmouth, due to its lowland nature, has several large wetland areas and many smaller wetlands, both forested and non-forested. These wetlands and other surface water features may be viewed on the Critical Natural Resources Map.

Development activity in any wetland area is strictly regulated by state and federal governments. Non- forested wetlands of ten acres in extent or greater are protected from development by the Natural Resources Protection Act. The surrounding 250 feet of shoreland is governed under the Resource

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Protection District in the Town’s Shoreland Zoning Ordinance. Development and timber harvesting are restricted in these areas, providing maximum protection to the wetland and wildlife dependent thereon.

Deer Wintering Areas

Deer are relatively common in Monmouth but their existence and survival relies on sufficient habitat. The discussion of sufficient habitat centers on deer wintering areas, or DWA’s.

A deer wintering area is defined by the Maine IF&W as a critical forested area used by white-tailed deer living at their range’s northern fringe. A DWA is an area where deer can seek refuge and protection from the harsh winter weather. In Maine, deer will require DWA’s for as littles as 20 days a year to as many as 125 days a year. Non-forested wetlands, non-stocked clear-cuts, hardwood types, and stands are included within the DWA only if less than 10 acres in size. Agricultural and development areas within DWAs are excluded, regardless of size.

Monmouth has 24 identified DWA’s that can be seen on the critical resources map. The DWA’s vary in size and location. Some are rather large while others are rather small. They have a fairly even distribution throughout town. A comparison with the 2007 plan reveals that the DWA’s have remained unchanged.

Barren Strawberry

Barren Strawberry grows in an area along Route 132 between Pine Hill Road and Warren Road. The site is small but it sustains a vigorous and sizable growth. The Barren Strawberry is very rare throughout its range and there are few reported incidences in Maine.

Undeveloped Forest Blocks

There is a direct relationship between the number and variety of wildlife, and the size of their habitat. We are used to urban wildlife, such as skunks and chickadees, which do not need much open land to thrive. But other types of animals are much less seen, because they thrive in unbroken patches of forest. As roads, farms, and houses intrude on the landscape, the large habitat blocks break up and the wildlife that relies on them disappear.

The Critical Natural Resources Map illustrates the distribution of undeveloped blocks within Monmouth. Of particular interest is the undeveloped block to the northeast of the Center Village. This Wilson

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Stream/Mud Mill Brook area, roughly bound by the Berry Road to the south, Route 132 to the west, Annabessacook Road to the north, and the Waugan Road to the east, contains over 1,400 acres of undeveloped land. It is no coincidence that this area provides a sizable deer wintering area, prime inland waterfowl and wading bird habitat, and a critical habitat for least bittern.

Another crucial undeveloped block, the Monmouth/Leeds Bog straddles the Monmouth/Leeds town line. Bisected by the Bog Road, the north part is mapped out as 2185. This is the largest block of undeveloped land in town. The Town of Monmouth holds about 200 acres of these bog lands. Another 549 acre part lies south of the Bog Road, of which most is owned by the Monmouth Fish and Game Club. Altogether this area encompasses 2,734 acres with a diverse complex of wetland types including the high value Unpatterned Fen Ecosystem, known for its importance in providing nutrients for diverse wildlife. The upland margins of this block is threatened by development, especially from Back Street and Beaver Brook Road.

An area around Dilno Brook and Jock Stream, shared with Wales, also provides over 1,500 acres of undeveloped forests, fields, wetlands, and Streams. A complex of lands, roughly surrounding Mud Mill Brook, collectively contains over 2,500 acres of land. The individual tracts are a 1,230 acre block on the Monmouth and Wales line, a 470 acre block between Ridge and Gilman Roads, a 439 acre block between Gilman and Cobbossee Road, and a 529 acre block between Cobbossee Road and Route 135.

Finally, the Sabattus Stream headwaters are surrounded by a 1,009 acre tract of land shared by Monmouth, Leeds, and Wales, and an 838 acre block of land just south of Cochnewagon Lake.

Futher undeveloped tracts can be found in the areas outside of the major road corridors.

Any development pressure in these areas?????

Conserved Lands

Monmouth, all told, has over 750 acres set aside as conservation lands. The largest share of these conserved lands belongs to the Woodbury Bird Sanctuary, at just over 390 acres. A further 275 acres is set aside as part of the Maine Farmland Trust. The Small Woodland Owners of Maine maintain over 60 acres as the Woodcock Acres Forest and the Kennebec Land Trust maintains 22 acres known as the Monmouth/Leeds Bog. These lands are detailed further in the Recreational Resources chapter.

Wild Brook Trout

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Both Cobbossecontee Lake and portions of the Dead River are identified by Maine IF&W as brook trout habitats.

Maine supports the most extensive distribution and abundance of wild brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) in their native range within the United States; more than 1,200 lakes and ponds are managed for brook trout, of which approximately 60% are sustained by natural reproduction. In addition, brook trout occur in an estimated 22,248 miles of stream habitat, the vast majority of which are wild. Although brook trout populations are declining across their historic range within the United States (Maine to Georgia), a 2006 range-wide assessment by the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture (EBTJV) concluded that Maine is the last remaining state with an extensive population of wild and self-reproducing brook trout.

"Maine is the only state with extensive intact populations of wild, self-reproducing brook trout in lakes and ponds, including some lakes over 5,000 acres in size. Maine's lake and pond brook trout resources are the jewel of the eastern range: lake populations are intact in 185 sub watersheds (18% of the historical range), in comparison to only six intact sub watersheds among the 16 other states." Furthermore, Maine is the last true stronghold for stream dwelling populations of wild brook trout, supporting more than twice the number of intact sub watersheds as the other 16 states in the eastern range combined.

Maine's native and wild brook trout lakes, ponds, and flowing waters represent a unique and abundant resource not available elsewhere in the United States. Not surprisingly the MDIFW places a high priority on the management of this important resource, with a focus on protection, conservation, enhancement, and restoration of self-sustaining populations and the Town of Monmouth should work to protect this resource also.

Water Resources

Since clean water is one of our greatest needs, good water quality is a priority in Monmouth. In addition to drinking water, good water quality supports property values, recreation, the local economy, and fish and wildlife populations. Monmouth’s most visible water resource is the lakes that dot the landscape. The discussion here will focus upon current water quality and possible protection strategies.

Lakes

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Most of Monmouth lies within the Cobbossee Lakes watershed complex. A portion of the northwest side of town drains into Bonny Pond and Bog Brook and then flows into Androscoggin Lake, while the southwest corner of town drains into the Dead River, which flows into Sabattus Pond. The remainder of land in Monmouth falls within the watersheds of five lakes in the Cobbosee chain: Annabessacook Lake, Cochnewagon Lake, Cobboseecontee Lake, Sand Pond and Wilson Pond.

The State enacted a new Water Classification Program in 1987 that required, among other things, that lakes must exhibit a stable or decreasing (improving) trophic state. No change of land use in the watershed, by itself or in combination with other activities, may cause water quality degradation. Trophic state is a measure of biological productivity. DEP defines changes in trophic state in part by phosphorus concentrations in the water, with a one part per billion increase indicating a decrease in water quality.

Phosphorus is a nutrient present in most Maine lakes in small amounts, essential for aquatic plant growth. Certain land uses, specifically agriculture and development, can increase phosphorus levels. Practices such as exposing soils, covering land with pavement and removing vegetation along waterways increases the amount of phosphorus reaching lakes. This is not an issue limited to lakeshores; any of these practices which result in surface runoff reaching ditches and streams will increase the flow of phosphorous into lakes.

Green algae begin to multiply in profusion when phosphorus concentrations reach a certain level, usually around 15 parts per billion (ppb). Such algal blooms color lakes green and rob the water of vital oxygen. The excessive growth of algae can cause odor, taste, and treatment problems in water supplies, deplete cold water fisheries, lessen people’s interest in using lakes for recreation, tend to depress property values, and overall, diminish a valuable community asset.

Descriptions of the current status of each lake in Monmouth follow. The Cobbossee Watershed District (CWD) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) maintain detailed records pertaining to water quality and have contributed much of the information for this section.

Annabessacook Lake lies in the northeastern corner of town. It is the second largest water body in Monmouth, and has a watershed area of more than 6,000 acres – draining most of the center of Monmouth (including the village area) as well as Wilson Pond and Cochnewagon Lake. The shoreline is well-developed on the southern and western shores, but largely undeveloped on the east. Annabessacook was described in 1991 as having the worst water quality in Monmouth but has responded to aggressive treatment with substantially lower phosphorus concentrations, increased clarity, and decreased algal biomass, and now exhibits good water quality, according to the Cobbossee Watershed District. And although Annabessacook Lake has a flushing rate of 3.67 flushes per year, the DEP still classifies the water quality as “Poor,” and lists the lake as impaired due to not fully attaining its water quality standards and having improving, but persistent, algal blooms. Further exacerbating water quality issues has been the discovery of invasive Variable Watermilfoil which has led to the closure of the public boat launch. Variable watermilfoil is virtually impossible to eradicate, easily spread, and impairs fishing, swimming, boating, and general water quality.

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Annabessacook Lake is also notable for its Water Stargrass habitat in the southern reaches, near the outflow to Jug Stream, which aids in the natural maintenance of water quality.

Cobbosseecontee (Cobbossee) Lake is the other major lake located in Monmouth, covering the most acreage and lying along the eastern boundary of town. The lake drains Annabessacook Lake, and the watershed within Monmouth covers 7,300 acres. A considerable fraction of Winthrop, Manchester, West Gardiner, and Litchfield also drain into the lake. Both the shore frontage and the larger watershed of Cobbosseecontee are moderately well-developed, making it very sensitive to additional development.

The lake has also been known for serious water quality problems in the past. However, phosphorus loading was nearly cut in half following the 1978 restoration project and the lake has experienced fewer algae blooms since. Algae blooms do still happen in Cobbossee, but they often do not occur until late summer. The CWD has focused lake protection efforts since the restoration on agricultural animal waste management in this watershed, as well as on preventing phosphorus loading from new development. DEP has removed the lake from the impaired list due to its steady water quality improvement, the result of years of work in this watershed. The Lake averages 1.07 flushes per year, just in line with the state’s average. However, DEP still recommends a “high” level of protection for the lake, which would result in allowable phosphorous runoff of 0.043 pounds per acre per year.

Cochnewagon Lake is a relatively shallow, slow flushing (0.5 per year) lake located in the center of town, just outside of Monmouth Center. It, too, has experienced shorefront development around almost the entire perimeter of the lake. Due to its small size, shallow depth, slow flushing rate and steep watershed, Cochnewagon is sensitive to phosphorus loading. Cochnewagon Lake is listed as an impaired water body by the DEP due to its phosphorus levels and turbity. Much of the Monmouth Center village lies within Cochnewagon’s sensitive watershed, an issue that has been identified as a major obstacle to the increased density of development generally desired for the downtown.

Wilson Pond lies upstream from Annabessacook, partly in northern Monmouth and mostly in Wayne. The watershed of Wilson Pond covers 1,828 acres in Monmouth, extending down past Blue Road. The pond has had good water quality in the past, but has declined steadily. DEP assigned a high probability of development to this watershed (even though it is relatively isolated) and the CWD concluded that of all the lakes in Monmouth, Wilson is the most likely to decline. DEP lists this pond as impaired due to the low dissolved oxygen and nutrient loading issues.

Sand Pond and Woodbury Pond are part of the Tacoma lakes chain, extending into Litchfield. Most of Sand Pond is in Monmouth, while only a finger of Woodbury Pond is. Both ponds exhibit moderate water quality. The Tacoma lakes are small, deep lakes with a moderate flushing rate (1.81 flushes per year). The watershed of Tacoma lakes, including Little Purgatory, which is entirely in Litchfield, covers 443 acres in Monmouth. The CWD predicts the ponds will be able to withstand development

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Annabessacook Lake, Cobbosseecontee Lake, Cochnewagon Lake, Wilson Pond, and Sand Pond are all currently on the state’s NPS Priority Watershed List, which indicates that they have significant value from a regional or statewide perspective, and have water quality that is either impaired or threatened to some degree from nonpoint source water pollution. This list, which was adopted by the Land & Water Resources Council in October 1998, helps identify watersheds where state and federal agency resources for NPS water pollution prevention or restoration should be targeted.

Phosphorus limits for development?

Brooks and Streams

Streams are an integral part of Monmouth’s lake watersheds, impacting the health of Monmouth’s lakes and ponds. They are also an important ecological resource, providing habitat for a variety of aquatic organisms as well as animals that use streamside areas. Many streams are also associated with wetlands or forested wetlands, another important component of Monmouth’s watersheds and significant wildlife habitat.

All streams in Monmouth are classified by the state as “Class B” waters, meaning they are general- purpose waters that must be managed to attain good water quality. Discharges to these streams shall not cause adverse impact to aquatic life, and water quality should be good enough to support indigenous aquatic species without change to the resident biological community.

Jock Stream is listed by the state as an impaired stream since it does not meet its Class B standards.

As with the town’s lakes and ponds, streams are at risk from the impacts of development, such as pollutants in increased storm water runoff. Streams that run through the village areas are subject to increased pollutants from denser development and little or no buffers. Riparian (streamside) buffer areas must be well protected from development to preserve habitat and water quality, including maintaining the natural streamside vegetation.

Groundwater and Public Water Supplies

Development and groundwater quality have a significant relationship. In general, you want to avoid many forms of commercial development and high density residential development over sand and

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 28 gravel aquifers. More specifically, though, we need to be aware of public water supplies in the community, and protect them from contamination.

A public water supply is not necessarily limited to the wells of the town’s water system. The Maine Department of Human Services, Bureau of Health, Drinking Water Program (DWP), which regulates public water supplies, defines it as one that serves 15 or more individual hookups or 25 or more persons from a single source. Public water supplies are further classified based on whether they serve the general community or individual populations.

There are multiple public water supplies in Monmouth:

•The first is a pair of bedrock wells serving Tex-tech Industries in North Monmouth. One of these wells is 185’ deep, the other 203’ deep. While these supplies show no current water quality problems, the DWP classifies them as having a high risk of future chronic contamination. This is because of the nature of the business and the fact that Tex-tech does not control the land uses within a radius of the wells.

• The second is a pair of deep bedrock wells serving Cobbossee Colony Golf Course. The quality of these wells is good. Because the golf course owns all the land within 300’ of these wells, the DWP regards the risk of future contamination as low.

• The third is a well serving the West Village Mobile Home Park on Route 202. This, too, is a bedrock well. Because of the proximity to Route 202 and the lack of landowner control over the area surrounding the well, the DWP rates this as being high risk of future contamination.

• The fourth water supply is not from groundwater. They are intakes on Cobbosseecontee Lake serving Camp Kippewa and Camp Cobbossee. This water is filtered and used only seasonally. Because of the size of the lake and conditions surrounding the intake, the DWP rates the susceptibility of this water source as low.

The Drinking Water Program promotes the establishment of wellhead protection plans for public water supplies. The Rule of Thumb is that all wells should maintain a minimum 300’ radius of restricted land uses around their wellhead (more for larger systems). The location of these wellheads, particularly at the mobile home park and Tex-tech, becomes a constraint on development in the immediate vicinities.

Floodplains

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The land adjacent to lakes, rivers, and streams subject to inundation by floodwaters are floodplains. Floodplains carry and store floodwaters during peak runoff seasons. They attract development because of level ground, fertile soils and waterfront locale. Development in the floodplain, with filling and construction, constricts the flow of water, increasing floodwater velocities and increasing the likelihood of damage to both the property and downstream.

Floodplains are a definite constraint to development, though not one that is always visible. In fact, the risk of damage from development is so great that the federal government has taken on the responsibility for insuring flood prone property. The National Flood Insurance Program requires communities to regulate and restrict development in 100-year floodplains in order for their residents to participate. The Town of Monmouth cooperates by establishing a local flood management program and ordinance.

Flood hazard areas occur around the Town’s many lakes and ponds and along the various brooks. The most extensive floodplains incorporate the wetlands and lowlands along Bog Brook, Dilnow Brook and Jock Stream and also lie along Jug Stream. These are mostly low-risk for development, however, as they are remote from existing developed areas.

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FOREST AND AGRICULTURE Monmouth’s traditional landscape and economy is really thanks to our rural resources – agriculture, forest management, gravel extraction, and other resource-based activity. Though the time has passed when most of the population owned a farm or worked in the woods, rural and suburbanizing towns like Monmouth still value the traditional land uses that keep our community healthy and productive. There is another good reason for maintaining farm, forest, and other open space land – they are good for the tax base. Some towns, particularly fast-developing ones, conclude that, in order to get on top of rising taxes and service demands, they have to add to their tax base, usually in the form of more development. But case after case shows that in more undeveloped towns, taxes are lower. The simple fact is that even though open land pays very little in taxes, it costs less than it pays because it makes few demands on public services. The same cannot be said of commercial, residential, or any other type of development. The American Farmland Trust, a national agricultural advocacy organization, has documented the value of farming to a community in their Cost of Community Services studies across the country, including Maine. Their findings: the average home requires about $1.16 in municipal spending for every $1 it generates in tax revenue. The average farm requires only $0.37. That means a community takes two out of every three dollars that farmland owners pay in taxes to provide services to their new tax base. It might make sense, therefore, to keep as much land in farming as possible. New development is not the cure for rising taxes; it is the cause.

Agriculture in Monmouth: Farming in Monmouth is a vital and continuing part of the community. Agriculture formed the backbone of its economy until very recently. A combination of changes in the nature of farming, competition, demand for suburban land, improvements in transporting food and other factors have contributed to a tremendous drop-off in local agriculture. There are, however, signs of a transition in farming, putting Monmouth in the spotlight as a progressive agricultural community. It was big news when Chick Orchards, once one of New England’s largest apple orchards at over 1,000 acres, went out of business. But farming in Monmouth, as in most of New England, has moved from being commodity oriented and land-intensive to being labor- intensive, value-added, and generally smaller-scale and with a local emphasis. Nine of Chick Orchard’s original acres are now under operation as Chick’s Apple and Berry Farm, a testament to this localized approach to agriculture. To further illustrate: between 1987 and 2012, Kennebec County went from 299 full-time farmers to 276 and total farm acreage dropped from 112,203 acres to 78,050 acres, a 30% decrease. Furthermore, the average size of farms decreased 34% from 195 acres in 1987 to 129 acres in 2012. Yet, the number of farms increased from 576 to 604 and the market value

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 31 of products sold grew by more than 12% in that same 25-year period. In other words, farms have become smaller, yet more profitable.

Monmouth Agriculture Inventory In Kennebec County, crop sales now account for 29% of all agriculture sales while the remaining 71% is comprised of sales of livestock, poultry, and their associated products. In 1987, just 12% of sales were attributable to specialized crops and 88% came from the sale of livestock, poultry, and their products. The sale of specialized crops has increased significantly in Kennebec County. The same trends are notable in Monmouth. As of 2019, while some of Monmouth’s farms cater to the traditional commodities of dairy, potatoes, or apples, several more have found niches that contribute to household income and are compatible with small- scale living. Principal farms in Monmouth include:

• Beautiful Day Farm. Eggs, vegetables, herbs. Tillson Road

• Friends’ Folly Farm. Wool and fleece. Norris Hill Road

• Stevens Farm and Greenhouses. Bedding plants, produce, flowers. Main Street.

• Packard Heritage Farm. Blueberries, eggs, fleece. Packard Road

• Phoenix Farm. Vegetables, herbs, flowers. South Monmouth Road

• Snafu Acres Dairy Farm. Dairy, meat, eggs. Tillson Road

• Elm Crest Farm. Apples, produce. Norris Hill Road

• Evergreen Acres Tree Farm. Christmas trees. Black Street

• Frederickson’s Tree Farm. Christmas trees. Prescott Hill Road.

• Clemedow Farm. Dairy. Route 132.

• O’Donnell’s Farm. Natural & Organic Grassfed Beef. South Monmouth Road.

• Chick’s Apple and Berry Farm. Apples, berries. Main Street.

• The Milkhouse Farm and Dairy. Organic dairy, meat, eggs. South Monmouth Road.

• Ohana Acres Farm. Assorted organic produce. South Monmouth Road.

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• Magnolia Pine Farm. Vegetables, herbs, flowers, eggs, fruit. South Monmouth Road.

Highmoor Farm A testament to Monmouth’s rich heritage and strong agricultural suitability, Highmoor Farm, the University of Maine Agricultural Experiment Station, is located in town. Highmoor Farm specializes in research and technical support for apple, fruit, and vegetable research and development. Encompassing 278 acres on Route 202, the farm maintains 17 acres of orchards and 5 acres of tilled fields for small fruit and vegetable research. The campus, first established in 1909, contains two laboratories, two large barns, cold storage, two hoop houses, a greenhouse and a shop. Furthermore, the staff of Highmoor Farm work with various organizations within the state including the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, the Maine Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation, Maine Vegetable and Small Fruit Growers, and the Maine State Pomological Society.

Prime Agricultural Soils Monmouth possesses fairly extensive areas of prime agricultural soils within its boundaries. Paxton, Paxton-Charlton and Woodbridge soils occur extensively along the Town’s many ridgelines while Buxton soils lie in lower areas. The active farms and fields in town exist in many of those areas.

Support Efforts In this era of intensive farming, the quality of the farming support systems may be just as important to successful agriculture as the quality of land and soil. Farmers need the support of infrastructure, from useable roads to equipment dealers to marketing assistance. This is particularly true for the new generation of farmers, who are looking for niche markets and local sales to sustain them. The Maine Department of Agriculture provides support through publicity, events, and marketing strategies for small farms. Other organizations, such as the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, also provide assistance. Monmouth is unique in having its own support system, Monmouth Grows. This organization was formed in 2001, and serves to promote local agriculture through such activities as a Farm Day at the Cottrell School, gateway signage, a newsletter, farm directory, and displays at the fair and Apple Fest.

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The Town provides support to farming through multiple channels. The use of the state’s Farm and Open Space Tax Law Program is encouraged locally. A total of 72 farm parcels in Monmouth benefit from this program, reducing property valuations and taxes, on 2,304.25 acres of farmland. To qualify, designated farmland must consist of at least five contiguous acres and produce gross agricultural income of at least $2,000 annually (in at least one out of the last two years or three out of the last five years). Monmouth also approved, at 2018’s Town Meeting, a tax break program for which some Monmouth farmers could apply for a 75% tax refund if they commit to conserving their land for 20 years. As much as 3% of Monmouth’s total taxable land is potentially eligible for the program. Just the second town in Maine to adopt such a program, Monmouth resident’s clearly value local agriculture now, as they have throughout the town’s past. Any more information on this program? The national trend of development, and consequently, the decline in local farmland and farming activity is alarming. Development impacts farming in many ways. It drives up land values in competition with farmers, increases service demands and taxes, fragments land ownership into small parcels difficult to lease and use, drives out agriculturally supportive businesses, and increases nuisance complaints for standard farming practices. Local, regional, and statewide support efforts, like those currently underway in Monmouth, will help to preserve the important agricultural industry.

Forest Land: Forests contribute to the community in many ways. They provide a source of pleasure and income to landowners and residents. Trees collect water into the landscape and aquifer by intercepting precipitation, reducing the rate of runoff, soil erosion, and phosphorus loading. Forests also bind up soil moisture in an area that may otherwise be subject to seasonal flooding or drought. In addition, they provide outdoor recreation and habitat for wildlife. Tree Growth Program Small-scale forestry activities are the norm in Monmouth. While forestland comprises about 2/3 of the land cover in Monmouth, only a small portion of that is commercial forest. State- Certified Tree Farms and forestland registered under the Tree Growth Program make up what is generally recognized as working forests. However, the State allows all parcels of land over ten acres with commercial tree species to be classified. That definition increases Monmouth’s commercial inventory considerably, even though there are no large forestry concerns operating in town. Enacted by the Maine Legislature in 1972, the Tree Growth Tax Law helps Maine landowners maintain their property as productive woodlots and incentivizes the designation by reduced valuation and tax burden.

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Land enrolled in Tree Growth in Monmouth includes 33 parcels. The total of just over 1,557 acres is far below the roughly 12,000 acres of forest cover in town. While the smaller wood lots may not qualify for Tree Growth classification, some forest owners find the Tree Growth Program to be too onerous, in the form of its penalties or requirements for management plans. To address this, landowner outreach is needed. The Town gets reimbursed for most of the property tax reduction from this program. Timber Harvest Because wooded land is so extensive, not just in Monmouth but also throughout the State, people tend to take its presence for granted and not to think about its gradual disappearance as development continues throughout the area. However, forests add another dimension to the local economy. The clearest example is in the harvesting of timber. According to landowner reports to the Maine Forest Service, between 1991 and 2016, Monmouth landowners averaged 14 timber harvest operations per year. Each operation averaged about 27 acres. Most harvests were a selection of individual or small groups of trees; 5% were clear cuts. Most of the land was left to grow back into forest; “Change in land use” was the reason for cutting in only 4% of cases. It is worth noting that the last significant clearcut harvest in Monmouth occurred in 1998 when 130 acres were harvested using clearcut measures. Of the 543 acres harvested by clearcut since 1992, 525 acres were harvested in 1998 or earlier.

Mineral Resources: Mineral extraction in the town of Monmouth generally means gravel extraction. Monmouth, however, is not heavily dependent on its gravel resource. The 1990 “Land Cover Map” depicted only half a dozen small gravel pits in Monmouth, most of them clustered on glacial terrain south of Annabessocook Lake. The occurrence of gravel pits is limited to areas of gravel-bearing soils. These soils are usually either glacial formations or outwash plains. These occur in few location in Monmouth, south of Annabessoccok and east of Ridge Road. Because of the lack of significant gravel- bearing soils, gravel pits are a relatively small issue in Monmouth. Nevertheless, due to the potential for impact on groundwater aquifers and lake watersheds, the town must be sensitive to any future development of open pits, for gravel, topsoil, or other resources.

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RECREATION AND CULTURE

Overview

Recreational opportunity in Monmouth is a key determinant in the residents’ quality of life. Much like Maine as a whole, residents of Monmouth enjoy, and have come to expect, access to outdoor and recreational amenities. These opportunities are not limited to the ballfields and recreation programs run by the Town. The many lakes and streams provide residents with abundant opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. The Town’s fields and forests provide areas for hunting, hiking, and birdwatching. During the winter cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing are popular. The many rural roads provide an outlet for people who simply enjoy a Sunday drive or stroll through scenic country.

Monmouth’s recreational infrastructure is comprised of the Town’s baseball fields on Cobbosseecontee Road, the boat launches on Wislon Pond, Cochnewagon Lake, and Cobbosseecontee Lakes, and the school’s fields, playgrounds and tennis courts. The Town’s recreation department is operated by a committee and provides recreational activities to the town’s youth.

Similar to Maine’s land use history, much of Monmouth’s lands are privately owned but, more often than not, are open to recreation. In fact, most of Monmouth’s hunting and snowmobiling occur on private land. The practice of posting lands, prohibiting use by the public, has begun to migrate from southern Maine and could jeopardize the quality of life presently known to Monmouth residents.

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Public Use Facility Inventory:

Name of the Facility Brief Description

401 acre wildlife sanctuary owned and operated by the Stanton Bird Club. Woodbury Sanctuary

Monmouth Academy Tennis courts, baseball and softball fields, soccer fields.

Cochnewagon Lake Public beach and public boat launch with facilities.

Wilson Pond Privately owned, public use beach and public boat launch.

Cobbosseecontee Lake Public boat launch with facilities.

Martin R. Hovey Popular local fishing spot at Annabessacook Lake’s Jug Stream outlet. Memorial Dam

Monmouth Ball Fields Baseball and softball facility on Cobbosseecontee Road.

Annabessacook Lake Public boat launch closed to open water use in 2018 due to variable- leaf water milfoil.

Monmouth Located on Academy Road, the fairgrounds provide open space for Fairgrounds/ Cumston recreation. Park

Woodcock Acres 65 acre parcel of land held in trust by the Woodland Owners Association of Maine.

Whittier Woods 65 acre parcel of Town owned land at the Cobbossecontee Lake boat launch.

McCabe Nature Park Small in-village park on Maple Street.

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Water-Based Recreation

Lakes have long shaped the character and development of Monmouth. Early settlers used the outlets for power generation and water supply. Current use generally involves recreation. Access to, and significant portions of, Annabessacook Lake, Cobbesseecontee Lake, Cochnewagon Lake, Wilson Pond, and Sand Pond, provide a great amenity to the Town. Furthermore, many streams and smaller ponds are located with The Town and provide many more outlets for recreation. When the waterways are frozen, residents enjoy snowmobiling, ice-fishing, skating, and cross country skiing and snowshoeing on their surfaces. During the majority of the year, when the water is devoid of ice, residents participate in fishing, sailing, swimming, canoeing, boating, and kayaking.

Boating

Monmouth residents are fortunate when considering water access. The town has three public- use boat launches and one hand-carry launch as listed at the following locations:

• Cochnewagon Lake: The boat launch shares a location with the town’s beach and has 17 trailer-size parking spaces, 37 regular parking spaces, and a paved ramp. • Wilson Pond: The paved boat launch is located on northern side Wilson Pond Road, west of North Monmouth, at the southern reach of Wilson Pond. There is ample parking across the street on a dirt parking lot. • Cobbosseecontee Lake: The paved boat launch is located on Launch Road, off of Route 135, in East Monmouth. The town has upgraded this facility. It includes 42 trailer-size parking spaces, picnic facilities, and significant water-frontage. • Martin Hovey Dam: There is a hand-carry boat launch above the dam that provides access to Annabessacook Lake for small, recreational watercraft like kayaks and canoes.

The Waugan Road boat launch at Annabessacook Lake was closed by The Town in 2018 due to rising concerns regarding the spread of variable-leaf water milfoil. Invasive species are a growing concern in the region. Two other invasives, European frogbit and Eurasian water milfoil, were also recently discovered in Cobbosseecontee Lake. Invasive species, like these, can harm water quality and crowd out native species.

In addition to The Town’s launch offerings, the many surrounding towns operate public boat launches that are in close proximity to Monmouth residents.

Are there are concerns or needs that need to be addressed?

Swimming Access

Monmouth residents enjoy public beaches on both Wilson Pond and Cochnewagon Lake. Monmouth owns and maintains the public beach, known as Center Beach, at the northeast end of Cochnewagon Lake, just west of Monmouth Center on Beach Road. The grassy beach area is 115 feet long and there is ample shared parking with the Cochnewagon Lake boat launch. The beach also has restrooms, a lifeguard stand, a dock, an enclosed swimming area,

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 38 a basketball court and an area for picnicking. The Recreation Department maintains the Cochnewagon Lake beach and also supervises the lifeguard program and swim lesson program. The beach on Wilson Pond, known locally as North Monmouth Beach, is also owned and maintained by The Town. The North Monmouth Beach is located on Town Beach Road, off of Wilson Pond Road. This is a much smaller beach area, with only 70 feet of frontage, and 15 parking spaces in a natural lot. It, too, has picnic facilities. With the rising costs of shorefront property the opportunity to acquire additional beach area for public use are likely to diminish in the coming years.

Outdoor Recreational Opportunities

Hunting & Fishing

Many of Monmoouth’s residents enjoy the traditional recreational pursuits of hunting and fishing. The many lakes provided excellent fishing for warm water species.

Cobbosseecontee Lake: One of the state’s largest lakes, Cobbosseecontte Lake is noted for its excellent bass fishing, both smallmouth and largemouth. It receives significant annual stockings of brown trout. Its location in the greater Augusta area and its ease of access means that it can get crowded, particularly during the summer.

Cochnewagon Lake: Located in the center of Town, Cochnewagon Lake provides easy access to phenomenal warm water fishing. White perch, pickerel, and bass are abundant. Both brook trout and brown trout are stocked annually. The lake is susceptible to algal blooms.

Wilson Pond: Wilson Pond provides good fishing for both bass and perch. Northern pike could potentially disrupt the quality of the bass and perch fishery should they become abundant. Brook trout and brown trout are stocked annually in both Wilson Pond and Wilson Stream.

Annabessacook Lake: One of the most popular largemouth bass fisheries in Central Maine, Annabessacook Lake is fished year-round. Trout fishing is slow, with no annual stockings, but some trout do drop down from Maranacook Lake.

Sand Pond: Access to Sand Pond is provided by both Buker Pond and Woodbury Pond. Sand Pond provides wonderful black bass and smelt fisheries. Other bass, perch, and pickerel are also prevalent. Brook trout and brown trout are stocked annually.

Along with the larger lakes and ponds in Town, many residents choose to fish Monmouth’s smaller ponds and streams. Particularly popular is the access provided by the Martin R. Hovey Memorial Dam located at the Jug Stream outlet of Annabessacook Lake. The area has ample parking and a nice boardwalk on top of the dam that provides wonderful access. Any more features?

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Wildlife habitat in The Town is adequate and many hunters enjoy the undeveloped tracts in Town. ANY MORE IDEAS/are there any specific areas/hunting derbies/anything else?

ATV and Snowmobiling

Aside from private, recreational riding, the Cochnewagon Trailblazers snowmobile and ATV club through volunteers and membership dues, maintains approximately 40 miles of trails throughout The Town for public use. Members have access to the trail network and are encouraged to participate in monthly meetings, social events, and philanthropic events like volunteering in the Adopt-A-Highway program. The Club also organizes group trail rides for both ATVs and Snowmobiles and their revenues support trail maintenance, improvement, and expansion. How many members?

The Maine Snowmobile Association and the statewide Interconnected Trail System have a club sponsored and maintained trail network that helps oversee some of Maine’s 14,000 miles of snowmobile trails. A 43 mile portion of Interconnected Trail System Trail 115, which runs from Sabattus to Chesterville, flows through the entire length of Monmouth.

Hiking Trails, Nature Preserves, Parks, and Undeveloped Lands

Woodbury Sanctuary

Woodbury Sanctuary is a 401 acre wildlife sanctuary (all but 10 acres are in Monmouth) that is owned and maintained by the Stanton Bird Club of Lewiston. The original 160 acre sanctuary was deeded to the Stanton Bird Club in 1929 by members of the Woodbury family who had farmed the in the 1800’s. The additional 241 acres was deeded to the Club in 2010 by Central Maine Power Company in exchange for an easement that would allow them the to traverse the property with power lines in the Pease Hill Road area.

The sanctuary, with parking areas on Carver Road and Pease Hill Road, provides a 4 mile trail network that is suitable for hiking, walking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Picnicking and nature observation are also encouraged.

In an effort to discourage over-use and to preserve the natural identity of the sanctuary, activities such as snowmobiling, hunting, mountain biking and dog walking are prohibited.

Woodcock Acres

This 65 acre parcel of land is held in trust by the Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine. Located just off of Route 202, this working woodlot is open to the public for hiking, hunting, snowmobiling, and birding.

Whittier Woods

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This 65 acre parcel of land is located in East Monmouth off of Launch Road. Along with the popular boat launch, there are trails maintained for hiking and walking and snowmobiling.

McCabe Nature Park

Established in 2017 by a town vote, this property was gifted by Lloyd McCabe in memory of his wife Vera. The in-village park is located on Maple Street and provides a beautiful, wooded respite along Mud Mill Brook.

Monmouth/Leeds Bog

This protected bog, on the Monmouth and Leeds town line, is bisected by the Bog Road. The 2,185 acre tract on the northern side of Bog Road is the largest undeveloped block of land in Monmouth. A further 549 acre tract is situated south of the Bog Road, of which, the Monmouth Fish and Game Club owns 265 acres. Some of the bog is overseen by the Kennebec Land Trust.

With landowner permission there is access to Bog Brook via a small personal watercraft at the end of Beaver Brook Road. Access by trail through the Curtis Homestead Conservation Area in Leeds is also possible.

Dilno Brook and Jock Stream

This 1,589 acre undeveloped tract of land, located in South Mounmouth, extends into Wales and contains forests, fields, wetlands and streams.

Wilson Stream and Mud Mill Brook

This 1,437 acre tract of land to the north, near 202 and Annabessacook Road contains crucial wildlife habitat along Annabessacook Lake.

Mud Mill Brook Complex

This multi-tract complex consists of a 1230 acre block on the Monmouth-Wales boundary and three sections of sizable blocks through the mid-section of town – a 470 acre block between the Ridge Road and Gilman Road, a 439 acre block between the Gilman Rd and the Cobbossee Road, and a 529 acre block between the Cobbossee Road and Rte 135. Collectively, the 2, 668 acre blocks of undeveloped lands found in the valley of Mud Mill Stream and its confluence with Wilson Stream and connections to Annabassacook Lake make this the second largest stretch of open lands in the town, threatened by residential development, gravel mining, and insensitive land use practices.

The Monmouth Recreation Department

The recreation department has a full-time Recreation Director. The Recreation Director is responsible for the oversight of all recreational activities including the hiring of beach personnel and the maintenance of all facilities.

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The Recreation Department provides ample opportunities for the youth of Monmouth. Notable programs include a fall soccer league, a winter basketball league, cheerleading programs, skiing club, swim lessons and camp, and a soccer camp.

Monmouth Ball Fields

The Monmouth Ball Fields on Cobbosseecontee Road provide two baseball fields and one softball field for The Town’s residents. The facilities are well maintained and have ample parking in a dirt lot. The fields are for day use only and the restrooms are portable.

Monmouth Schools

The Monmouth Schools provide recreation opportunities for The Town’s residents as well. At Monmouth Academy there is a baseball field, a softball field, a soccer field, and two tennis courts. At the Henry Cottrell School there is a playground area with multiple swing sets and two play structures. There are also four square courts and a multi-use field. Nature and hiking trails flow outward from the current schools and will also be incorporated into the new school.

Cycling and Walking

As noted in the Transportation chapter, there are no designated bike paths or bike lanes in Monmouth. Furthermore, pedestrian infrastructure is also limited in scope. While walking and hiking trails are available at the Woodbury Sanctuary, there are no paths near the village centers. Sidewalk infrastructure is also scarce and only exists on a limited basis in Center Monmouth’s and North Monmouth’s village areas.

Cycling on the many local roads is relatively popular, and as mentioned before, MDOT’s Capital Area bike loop utilizes Cobbosseecontee Road and Route 135 to complete a 42 mile loop that also includes visits to Hallowell, Gardiner, Manchester, and Augusta.

US Bike Route 1, spanning over 1,500 miles from Florida to Maine, also flows through town as its course is carried along portions of 202, Norris Hill Road, Cobbossee Road, Fish Hatchery Road, South Monmouth Road, and Route 9.

Central Maine Power’s corridor on the southeastern side of Town is generally open to public use, including off road walking and cycling. Nearly 4 miles of the power line corridor run through Town.

Private Recreational Facilities

Name of the Facility Location and Brief Description

Cobbossee Colony Golf 9 hole golf course located on the Cobbossee Road. Course

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Monmouth Fish and Hunting and fishing club with shooting ranges and a fishing Game Association pond located near the intersection of 202 and Bog Road.

Camp Cobbossee Second oldest continually operating camp for boys in the nation. Located on the southwestern shore of Cobbosseecontee Lake.

Camp Kippewa Summer camp for girls on the southwestern shore of Cobbosseecontee Lake. Spring Brook Golf Club 18 hole golf course located on 202 in Leeds and open to the public.

Summer Camps

Summer camps for boys and girls have long maintained a rich tradition in Monmouth. Camp Cobbossee is the nation’s second oldest continually operating camp for boys. Founded in 1902, Camp Cobbossee, has two camp sessions per summer that operate in the June through August timeframe. The Camp’s facilities include nine tennis courts, two baseball fields, two soccer fields, two football fields, a lacrosse field, a hockey rink, three basketball courts, a fitness center, a squash center, a fieldhouse, and a driving range. The camp also boasts a large waterfront area with a beach and docks.

Founded in 1957, Camp Kippewa is located just north of Camp Cobbossee on the southwestern shore of Cobbosseecontee Lake. Camp Kippewa operates in the same timeframe as Camp Cobbossee and also boasts first-rate facilities that include six tennis courts, athletic fields, a basketball court, an expansive beach and enclosed swimming area, an equestrian facility, a gymnastics pavilion, an archery range and a fencing facility.

Both Camp Cobbossee and Camp Kippewa are private facilities that are closed to the public. However, while camp is out of session the facilities are available for rent.

Cobbossee Colony Golf Course

The Cobbossee Colony golf course, located on Cobbossee Road near the Litchfield town line, is a beautiful, family-owned 9-hole golf course that is open to the public. The course hosts numerous tournaments throughout the season and also organizes weekly golf leagues. Spring Brook Golf Club

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Located along Route 202 in Leeds, this 18 hole golf course is open to the public and provides a unique and natural landscape for golf. Opened in 1966, Spring Brook hosts outings, tournaments, and social events.

Snowshoeing/skiing in winter?

Monmouth Fish and Game Association

The private Monmouth Fish and Game Association, at the intersection of Route 202 and Bog Road, provides an outlet for Monmouth sportsmen and sportswomen to hone their skills in a safe manner. The Club boasts a club hall with a full kitchen and restrooms and is mainly utilized for meeting space. There are also 3 shooting ranges at The Club: a 100 yard range, a 50 yard range, and 3 trap shooting stations. An archery lane and a fishing pond round out the facilities. The Club also regularly hosts hunting and fishing related events and sales.

Other Outdoor Recreation

Planning Concerns and Issues

Cultural Resources

Indisputably the foremost cultural facility in Monmouth, and one of the finest in the state, Cumston Hall dominates Monmouth Center. The Hall’s primary function is to house the Theater at Monmouth, a summer theater company, though it also accommodates the Cumston Free Public Library. The building is owned by the Town and managed by a Board of Trustees. In addition to the Monmouth Community Players, other organizations that use the hall regularly include school drama companies, non-profit, and for-profit groups.

Cumston Hall’s stated mission is to expand and provide a civic and business meeting center, as well as an entertainment and cultural center, for the people of Monmouth and the region. The Hall estimates that over 40,000 people per year utilize the building or attend events there. Theater nights draw crowds to Monmouth Center from far and wide, and provide a definite economic as well as cultural boost to the town.

The Cumston Free Public Library is one of two libraries in the town. The library area has been recently consolidated and renovated, and now provides a range of services including computeraccess areas, children, and young adult areas, and added volumes. The library has more than 18,000 volumes and 3,000 patrons, with a circulation of between 23,000 and 27,000 annually. A separate Board of Trustees oversees the library. The library is open 25 hours a week, including two evenings and Saturdays.

The North Monmouth Library closed to the public in 2014 and has since been under the

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The Monmouth Museum is the other major cultural entity in Monmouth. It has been described previously in the Historic Resources section.

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BUSINESS AND THE ECONOMY Highlights of the Economic Profile: • The town of Monmouth is not a well-recognized employment center for the area. The vast majority of Monmouth’s workers commute to out-of-town jobs, while around 700 non-residents commute into town to work. Only tiny percentage of the jobs in the labor market area are in Monmouth.

• In 2017, Monmouth had a labor force of 2,209 workers, with about a 52:48 men to women ratio. It averages out to 1.39 workers per household.

• Monmouth’s unemployment rate during most of the 2000’s averaged around four to five percent. The rate grew to a high of 8.4 percent during the national recession in 2009-2010, but has been slowly dropping back since then, standing at about 3.0 percent in 2017, effectively full-employment.

• Monmouth has a limited mix of commercial and industrial employers, with ______being the largest. Health care and education industries are by far the town’s resident’s largest employers. About 83 percent of workers are in the private sector, either self-employed (9 percent) or working for wages (74 percent). 17 percent work in the public sector.

• The town faces challenges familiar to the region of maintaining an economic base for its residents and prevent any more decline in jobs and population.

Introduction: As with many central Maine communities in recent times, Monmouth has had a challenges with regard to economic development, in most industry sectors. The Historic Profile outlines the active role that community leaders and citizens in general have played in purposefully attracting employment and tax base to Monmouth throughout its history. These efforts continue to this day, as the Town must try to keep up with shifts in economic activity that has shifted from manufacturing and agriculture to a more service-oriented economy, as well as changes in retail consumption patterns. This chapter seeks to describe current conditions, outline Monmouth’s role in the regional economy, identify the town’s numerous economic development assets, examine visible trends and areas of need, incorporate public sentiment and lay out a direction and strategy to guide the Town’s economic development efforts for the foreseeable future.

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Monmouth’s Role as Regional Employment Center: Monmouth is a reasonable source of labor for the region, with an estimated 2,143 townspeople working (employed). As one can see from the table below, only about a tenth of Monmouth workers hold jobs in town, with the next largest number of workers coming from Augusta and Waterville that only represent a tiny amount of their total labor force. The majority 583 come from numerous assorted towns combined. In total there are an estimated 712 people working jobs within the town.

MONMOUTH’S ROLE AS A REGIONAL EMPLOYMENT CENTER

Town of Employed Working in Percent 2017 Residence Workers in Monmouth Employed Unemployment 2017 in 2017 in Rate Monmouth Monmouth 2,143 216 10.1% 3.0 % Augusta 8,765 24 0.3% 3.3% Auburn 11,552 21 0.2% 3.0% Lewiston 16,724 22 0.1% 3.4% Winthrop 3,248 23 0.7% 3.0%

SOURCE: 2017 Civilian Labor Force Estimates,"; (Maine Department of Labor), 2016 U.S. Census ACS

Where the vast majority of Monmouth residents go to work is illustrated below. The largest destination for work is, unsurprisingly, nearby Lewiston with the other larger towns/cities picking up the majority of the rest. This supports the idea of Monmouth mainly as a “bedroom community” rather than an employment center itself although employing over 10% of its own workforce is an encouraging statistic.

Town of Coming from % of total Employment Monmouth in workers 2017 commuting outside town

Lewiston 366 17.1% Augusta 351 16.4% Monmouth 216 10.1% Auburn 163 7.6% Winthrop 90 4.2% Portland 56 2.6% Employing 30-50: Bath, Brunswick, Bangor and Gardiner

SOURCE: 2017 Civilian Labor Force Estimates,"; (Maine Department of Labor), 2017 U.S. Census

The average commute took 24.6 minutes in 2010, but has increased significantly to 33.7 minutes in 2017, suggesting that a quite a few less percentages of residents may work in

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Monmouth now, or that commuting distances have increased as more employment opportunities are created outside of the region. Monmouth is part of the Lewiston-Auburn Labor Market Area (LMA), which is how most Department of Labor (DOL) statistics are organized. The Lewiston-Auburn LMA currently encompasses 16 towns, including the following though boundaries can change every ten years: Auburn Monmouth Buckfield Hebron Canton Mechanic Falls Greene Minot Leeds Poland Lewiston Sabattus Lisbon Turner Hartford Wales

The total labor force in the LMA, as of 2017, was 56,095, with Monmouth comprising only about 3.94 percent of the workers but only about 1.6 percent of the employment. Given the scale of the Lewiston-Auburn cities it is not really surprising that Monmouth is not providing its fair share of employment in the LMA, but is good to see that the unemployment rate for the town and LMA are essentially the same at 3.0 and 3.1%. Local Labor Force and Employment In 2017, Monmouth had a labor force of 2,254, according to the census. Census numbers are based on a statistical estimate; Department of Labor numbers are considered more accurate and its estimate for the beginning of 2017 was 2,209. The total working age population is 3,335. The census provided that those in the labor force contains an estimated 1,166 males and 1,088 females. That is 67.6 percent of all working-age males and females. (The census defines “working-age” as everyone over 16 years of age, regardless of whether they are retired.) That is an average of 1.39 workers for every household. In 74.2 percent of households with young children, both parents worked. The recent history of the unemployment rate in Monmouth and in Kennebec County is illustrated in the graph below. Both lines follow the statewide and, indeed, national trends in the economy. The recession beginning in 2008 interrupted what was a reasonable positive trend. Monmouth’s unemployment rate has just about been below that of Kennebec County through the recent past. Monmouth’s unemployment rate climbed to 8.4 percent in 2010, but fell back to 3.0 percent in 2017.

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 48

9 Figure 4: Unemployment Rate: 1999-2017

MONMOUTH 8 KENNEBEC CO. 7

6

5

4

Percent Unemployed Percent 3

2

The census categorizes workers by the type of industry they work in (table below) and their occupation (table overleaf). “Industry” refers to the type of business they are employed in, and is a good measure of the strength of various industrial sectors. “Occupation” refers to the type of job a worker does, and may indicate trends in education, salary levels, and opportunities for future growth.

A diversity of employment TABLE: INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION OF opportunities available to area MONMOUTH WORKERS IN 2017 residents is reasonable for the community. In 2017, Number of Percent of Industrial Sector employment in the education Workers Workforce and health care industries led Agriculture, forestry and fisheries 17 0.8% the way by a large margin; three Construction 297 14.03% other sectors – manufacturing, construction and professional – Manufacturing 256 12.09% were the next largest groups. Transportation, Warehousing & Utilities 84 3.97% This is quite consistent with Wholesale trade 50 2.36% national trends, where any form Retail trade 119 5.62% of service-based economy is on Information Services 65 3.07% the rise. With local schools and Insurance, Real Estate, Finance 138 6.52% hospitals in the area, an Professional, Scientific, Management 177 8.36% increasing number of jobs in Education and Health care 542 25.60% education and health-related Entertainment and recreation services 137 6.47% occupations are likely to remain Other services 82 3.87% available. Public Administration 153 7.23%

Source: American Community Survey (2013-17)

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 49

Essentially a quarter of Monmouth’s workers are in an Education or Healthcare occupation assuming they work in the local school system or nearby hospitals and health systems. There is a significant amount employed in management and professional positions which are usually the higher salaried jobs. It would be useful to determine which of these occupational categories is changing over time, but the census bureau shuffles them every few years to account for new occupations arising. One notable figure is the manufacturing jobs which has TABLE : OCCUPATION OF decreased by 56 jobs over the last MONMOUTH WORKERS IN 2017 8 years.

OCCUPATION No. of Percent of Among Monmouth workers, 73.8 Workers Workforce percent are employed in the Managerial and Professional 681 32.2% private sector as wage or salary Sales and Administrative 526 24.8% Service Occupations 337 15.9% workers, and another 8.8 percent Natural Resources or Construction 267 12.6% are self-employed. A reasonably Production, Transportation 307 14.5% substantial 17.4 percent work in

Source: American Community Survey (2013-17) the public sector.

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 50

Local Business: Who has the master record for the businesses on monmouthnow.com/directory? These are listed below from State sources:

Employer Name Employer Size N Rip Grip Racing 1 - 4 Angell Amanda M, DC 1 - 4 Norton & Davis Insurance 10-19 Annabessacook Veterinary Clinic 20-49 Pat's Auto Repair 1 - 4 Apple Valley Bakery 5-9 Peases Screen Print ng Co 1 - 4 Auger Thomas 1 - 4 Phil's Super Variety & Grill 10-19 B & B Bussiere Fence Co 1 - 4 Puddle Jumpers Preschool 10-19 B&B Bussiere Fence Co 1 - 4 RSU 2 20-49 Bangor Savings Bank 1 - 4 Rise & Shine Bed & Breakfast 1 - 4 Barbara Granville Lcsw 1 - 4 Ruopp Paul Jr PLS 1 - 4 Bits N Pieces Unknown Ruopp Surveying & Mapping 1 - 4 Boedeker Hans L, MD 1 - 4 Russell Medical Ctr 50-99 Bragdon-Finley Funeral Home 1 - 4 Sargent Materials 10-19 Brahms Mt Textiles Inc 10-19 Seams To Be Upholstery 1 - 4 Camp Cobbossee Inc 100-249 South Monmouth Market 5-9 Camp Kippewa For Girls 100-249 Spectrum Occupational Therapy 1 - 4 Central Maine Financial Services 1 - 4 Sports Fields Inc 10-19 Central Maine Safety Services 1 - 4 Stevens Electric & Pump Svc 10-19 Chalky & Co Unknown Stevens Farm & Greenhouses 5-9 Cobbossee Colony Golf Course 5-9 Susan's Hair Care 1 - 4 Community Oil 1 - 4 TMAC Computers 1 - 4 Community Partners 5-9 Tent Shop 1 - 4 Cumston Public library 1 - 4 Theater At Monmouth 1 - 4 Davis Real Estate Agency 1 - 4 Town of Monmouth 1 - 4 Don's Electric 10-19 US Post Office 5-9 Duke's Plumbing & Heating 1 - 4 United Church of Christ 1 - 4 Duke's Plumbing & Heating Co 1 - 4 Varney David W, DC 1 - 4 Dumais Renee 1 - 4 Watton Technologies LLC 1 - 4 Eric D Boyd Unknown Webs-N-Moore 5-9 Fabric Shop 1 - 4 Winthrop Real Estate 5-9 Fox Computers 1 - 4 X Fire Technology Unknown Fox Small Engine Repair 1 - 4 Frederickson's Tree Farm 1 - 4 Goudreau's & Sons Golf Cars 1 - 4 Gowell's-Patriot Cash Fuel 1 - 4 Grace Pond Farm Unknown Granite 1 - 4 Guyon's Motorline 1 - 4 Henry L Cottrell School 20-49 Hi-Tech Mobile Wash Inc. 1 - 4 Highmoor Farms 5-9 Hoopers Embroidery Svc 1 - 4 Hopkins Jim 1 - 4 Houston Plumbing & Heating 1 - 4 Jack Traps 1 - 4 Kennebec Tree Svc 1 - 4 Kwik Shop 10-19 LPL Financial 1 - 4 Larry & Sons Inc . 5-9 Lavoie Construction 5-9 Leo's Custom Upholstery 1 - 4 Local edge A Hearst Media Svc 5-9 Lyon Cemetery 1 - 4 Maine Pine Sheds Unknown Mainely Moisture Control LLC 1 - 4 Markee Welding & Custom Fab 1 - 4 Masonic Lodge Unknown Monmouth Police Dept 5-9 Monmouth Press 1 - 4 Monmouth Public Works 5-9 Monmouth Ridge Cemetery 1 - 4 Monmouth Sanitary District 1 - 4 Monmouth Town Bldg & Grounds 1 - 4 Monmouth Transfer Station 1 - 4 Mvb Painting 1 - 4

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 51

From old plan: Monmouth’s largest single employer is located in the historic industrial village of North Monmouth. Tex- tech Industries employs 200, about 1/5 of Monmouth’s total job base. North Monmouth has always been the site of local industry, due to the convenience of water power, but contributes very little else to the local economy. The same is true of the other historic villages of East Monmouth and South Monmouth. Monmouth’s other significant employer is the school system, employing 138. The three schools are in relatively close proximity, just north of Monmouth Center. From the recent Downtown Plan:

Name Address Business Type Apple Valley Bakery - MU 829 Main Street Retail, food Bangor Savings Bank 787 Main Street Financial Bragdon-Finlay Funeral Home 707 Main Street Funeral Services Central Maine Financial Service 832 Main Street Financial Chalky and Co 767 Main Street Retail, Craft Chuprevich Construction - HO 10 Berry Road Construction Cumston Public Library 796 Main Street Municipal, Public Dog Gone Dogs Grooming 23 Pleasant Street Pet Services Don's Electric 767 Main Street Electrical Contractors Fairfield-Kilgore Insurance 832 Main Street Financial, Insurance Kempville Corner Gift Shop / Ice Cream 756 Main Street Retail, food, gifts Kwik Stop 4 Academy Road Retail, General, Gas Masonic Lodge 736 Main Street Private Organization Monmouth General Store - MU 760 Main Street Retail, General Monmouth Museum 749 Main Street Community Non-Profit MVB Painting - HO 15 Academy Road Painting / Decorating Central Financial / Peoples Insurance 832 Main Street Financial, Insurance Peases Screen Printing Company - MU 39 Maple Street Retail, apparel Rick Grant Construction - MU 870 Main Street Construction RTA Trucking 54 Pleasant Street Haulage Ruopp Surveying and Mapping - HO 25 Maple Street Surveying, Mapping Russell Medical Center 11 Academy Road Medical Stevens Electric and Pump Service 11 Berry Road Electrical / Plumbing Theater at Monmouth 796 Main Street Community Non-Profit Town Offices 859 Main Street Municipal, Public US Post Office 744 Main Street Federal Mail Service Vestry Community Thrift Store 776 Main Street Retail, Non-Profit

HO = Home Occupation MU = Multi Use (upstairs residential)

It could be helpful to understanding the local economy to collect some additional information, such as the nature of the business (included in some cases now), number of employees, and perhaps any business needs or concerns (e.g. trained labor, access to markets, room for expansion, environmental permitting, etc.).

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 52 Does the Chamber of Commerce conduct any kind of Business Visitation Program for some of this information to be gathered? Additionally, many self-employed people are not listed in many places, so the actual number of businesses in town is probably between ?????. The largest private employer is ______No of employees? Prospects? Other significant employers include ______??? The greatest concentration of commercial activity, primarily retail and professional, is within downtown Monmouth. Anchor businesses include ______. Most of the remaining businesses are scattered throughout town, distribution description? Local Opportunities: Opportunities for more significant growth may include agriculture, wood products, precision machining, and other similar industries. It is also expected that more people will continue to work from home, taking advantage of high-speed internet connections and new technology. As demographic trends suggest, the number of jobs in the education sector may subside or remain stable, but those in the healthcare sector are expected to increase significantly as the baby boomer generation ages. Other ideas?

Regional Economic Trends: Traditional Manufacturing The Lewiston Augusta Labor Market Areas have both experienced the closing of traditional manufacturing facilities over the past twenty years. Newark Paperboard (right in Monmouth), Cascade Fiber (Auburn) and the American Tissue Plant (Augusta) are examples of the decline of this sector. The demands of a global economy will continue to place pressure upon existing manufacturing operations. The Big Box Retail Trend The construction of WalMarts, Home Depots, and other large retail stores in the region and the state has signaled a major shift in our retail economy. The big box stores, so named for their size and exterior design, are often called category killers because they put similar retail operations out of business, so much so that even businesses in Monmouth are affected by Augusta and Lewiston-Auburn area stores. Typically only small convenience stores or specialty shops seem able to maintain a presence in the face of this level of competition. The Lure of the Service Center

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 53 Over the past thirty years, the majority of new regional commercial opportunities have located in Augusta or Lewiston-Auburn. This is not limited to the big box sector or traditional manufacturing. Local services, such as medical and financial services are centralizing. This has occurred at the same time as the customer base – in the form of the general population – has moved from the urban places out into suburban and rural towns. Full Employment Overall, the state and the central Maine region are experiencing a low unemployment rate. Even lower unemployment rates occur along the coast and the southern portions of the state. Despite manufacturing plant closings and slow job growth, unemployment rates have varied from a low of 3 percent to a high of 7 percent in past years. Companies may not move to the area because there are a lot of people waiting for work; they are more likely to move here because they know they can outcompete existing employers on wages and lure new workers with relatively cheap housing. Industrial Sector Analysis: As outlined in the History section of this Plan, Monmouth, like most colonial towns, grew up around the Lake and lived with water-powered industrial activities where available surrounded by farm and forestland. Over the years, the industrial base has continued to decline, Monmouth has turned increasingly to some retail trade and to service businesses as the town became one of the "bedroom" communities of the region. The largest industrial operation in the immediate area is ______

Other industrial enterprises include ______.

Service Sector Analysis: A number of Monmouth businesses provide critical services to people in the region. Education, accounting, engineering, legal services, computer support and repair, construction, banking, insurance, surveying, hair and beauty salons, and health and fitness services??? Others??? The town’s service sector has been gradually increasing??? during the past decades and many of these services are provided by home-based businesses. Banks?

Retail Sector Analysis:

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 54 The retail sector in the village areas has been (Stable / in decline / growing). Listings:

Monmouth Economic Development Committee

The Monmouth Economic Development Committee is well established and has been working hard at promoting and sustaining economic development within town. The EDC meets on the fourth Monday of every month and is open to the public and its mission is to benefit the citizens of Monmouth, potential developers and entrepreneurs by promoting economic development.

It’s vision is to help Monmouth become a thriving community with an active downtown with abundant natural areas. We will foster strategic growth by encouraging arts & cultural activities, historic preservation and positive community spirit that will retain and attract families and businesses.

The Monmouth Economic and Development Committee currently offers:

A Downtown Strategic Plan

Committee members worked with Kennebec Valley Council of Governments (KVCOG) to update the Downtown Plan, which was completed in 2017 and has inventories and strategies for the development of the downtown area of town.

Façade Grants

50/50 grants are available to businesses within the Tax Increment Finance District.

Revolving Micro Loans

Up to $5,000 in Revolving Micro Loans are available. New business ideas requiring start-up funding are particularly welcome.

Project Canopy

Monmouth received a Project Canopy Grant to inventory the trees on Monmouth and North Monmouth Main Streets and several side streets. This project includes the EDC and the Town’s Conservation Committee and students from Monmouth Academy’s Envirothon Group and serves to underscore our commitment to the environment.

Lake Access and Municipal Parking

Worked to re-develop the public beach in downtown Monmouth proper and work to organize regularly scheduled events.

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 55 Broadband

EDC is working with KVCOG to develop stronger broadband for the town and is a member of the Maine Broadband Coalition.

Inventory of Available Properties

The MEDC gives easy straightforward assistance for anyone looking to locate or start a business in town.

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 56 Prospects for New Businesses and Services

Important questions that must be addressed are what commercial and/or services are needed or desired to serve the community and what needs are not currently being served by local and regional commercial enterprises? These questions need to be examined with awareness of existing market realities. Monmouth will almost certainly remain a residential community whose character is defined by Lakes in town. The community can, however, develop economically with a mix of local and regional services in a way that respects and enhances its character, especially in terms of the environment and water quality. Economic strengths of the town • The Town is part of the Lewiston-Auburn Labor Market Area that benefits from the employment stability afforded by State Government in Augusta and the region. • The Town has easy access to both the Augusta and LA Labor Market Areas • Regional services are available in Augusta, Lewiston and Auburn. • We have a well-educated and trained workforce. • The town has a reasonable tax rate. • Monmouth’s Lakes and the rural countryside offer an attractive economic potential. • Cultural opportunities are available in the region. Portland and the Coast are both less than an hour away. • Our major commercial arterial (Route 202) has a high traffic count. • The school system is highly regarded and attracts many families into the community. • Agricultural and Forestry activities play an important part in the overall economic picture.

Possible economic weaknesses of the community: • The town lacks municipal sewer and water in some areas, limiting development options. • The town does not designate certain areas for new commercial growth. Most of the town allows both residential and commercial uses. This raises the possibility of public opposition to specific business development proposals. • Monmouth Lakes and Pond watersheds present some additional development restraints with respect to phosphorus and stormwater management.

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 57 • The Route 202 corridor has been designated as a mobility arterial and is subject to strict traffic access requirements. • The town lacks a clearly defined commercial center. • Trucks avoiding lower weight limits on I-95 use Routes 132 and 202 as a bypass.

Route 202 Corridor The Route 3 Corridor is the existing focus of Monmouth’s commercial activity. It is mainly comprised of small businesses that provide a wide range of local goods and services. The corridor holds the potential for further growth due to the following: • High traffic counts along the corridor • Land is available for development • Some small commercial clusters already exist on the corridor. • The road is State maintained. • The route is a major tourist corridor. • Continued new residential construction in Monmouth and the region. • The roadway provides excellent commercial visibility. Important features of the Route 202 Corridor include the following: • The corridor is dominated by residential and undeveloped land. Some land is unsuitable for development due to wetland, ledge, and poor road access. • The existing land parcel uses along the corridor include: ?? undeveloped parcels, ?? residential uses, ?? existing commercial parcels. • Traffic along the corridor is increasing at the rate of roughly 3 percent per year. • The northern portion of the corridor has the most defined commercial cluster. Most commercial uses are spread out along the road. The dominant character of the westtern portion of the corridor is rural. • The corridor could easily evolve into a commercial strip. The wide right-of-way and alignment accents the most negative elements of strip development. • The corridor is considered a mobility corridor and plays an important role in moving traffic between Augusta and Lewiston Auburn. The arterial provides access to tourist, commercial, and commuter traffic traveling to work and services in Augusta or Lewiston-Auburn.

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 58 The designation of Route 202 as a mobility corridor presents what may be the greatest constraint on future commercial development. Access management rules associated with a mobility corridor can pose serious drawbacks for growth. Local access is discouraged for an arterial designed to move traffic quickly and safely over long distances. Existing uses are not affected by the rules, but new construction will need to be planned and designed to meet the standards. The most limiting factor for development along the corridor is the requirement that any new entrance be a minimum distance from an existing driveway. The corridor has many existing access points, impeding new development unless creative solutions are explored. Some techniques that could be used to site new development consistent with the rules include: • Share access points for multiple users • Purchase existing properties to eliminate conflicting access points. • Planning and developing a service road which would access multiple properties. Or, property owners could cooperatively design their frontage for the future placement of an access road. • Redesign multiple access ways for abutting properties into a single entrance point. • Create access onto the site from an adjoining local road. Projections and Land Use Implications It is difficult to do commercial and industrial projections with any degree of accuracy, but it is critical for the community to be clear about the type of growth it desires and have appropriate locations available to accommodate such growth. Are the Town’s current commercial and industrial districts are believed to be suitable and adequately spacious for anticipated commercial and industrial development? NONE? The areas that have been identified for commercial and/or industrial development include…

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 59 LOCAL HOUSING PROFILE Housing Demographics:

How people live in a town is often as indicative of its character as the population. Homes are part of the landscape and the community. While people come and go, the houses stay. Without them, there is no population. In fact, population estimates are quite often based on housing counts, because the rate of home-building drives population growth or decline.

Housing Numbers and Variety

From a development perspective, the most telling fact is that housing development must continue, even if there is no population growth. The reason for this is the declining household size. In Monmouth, housing numbers are growing faster than the population. In 1970, we had 978 housing units. In 2010, the count had risen to 2,021, more than doubling in 40 years.

Figure 5 below gives us a year-by-year perspective on housing growth in Monmouth since 1990. The figures are taken from the Municipal Valuation Reports sent into the State by the Town Assessor, and

Figure 5: "Net" New Housing Units per Year, 1990-2005

80 60 0 40 53 59 57 20 38 47 39 37 30 25 29 25 26 21 29 24 32 22 26 21 20 0 7 9 12 6 12 9 4

indicate the number of homes added to the tax rolls. New construction in the 90’s was fairly constant in the mid-20’s per year. We had a sudden spike in 2000, then another in 2006, before the recession in 2008 really hit. Since 2010, new construction has averaged a much-lower 11-12 per year.

Housing by Type:

Table 5 indicates the type of housing stock available in Monmouth. Clearly, the overwhelming majority of housing is of the traditional site-built type, 77 percent of the total. However, traditional housing is gradually losing “market share.” In 1980, site-built (also known as “stick-built”) homes made up 80 percent of the total housing stock; their percentage dropped to 77 percent in 2000.

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Table 5 Year-Round Housing by Structural Type, 1980-2000

Housing Type 1980 1990 2000 2010 Site-built single-family (stick-built) 813 901 1,077 1,343 Multi-Family 86 123 136 113 Mobile Home 125 248 278 290 Source: US Census

Mobile homes had been gaining in popularity in Monmouth, but their growth seems to have slowed. In the decade of the 2000’s, stick-built housing made a comeback. This may have been the result of a good economy (until the 2008 recession). On the other hand, the number of multi-family units declined somewhat.

2016 estimates show continued growth in the proportions of stick-built housing, with a total of 1,746 units. (This shows the flaw in making estimates: The town seems to have gained over 400 new stick- built homes, even though only 82 new homes – of all types – were built since 2010). The numbers of both multi-family units and mobile homes appear to have gone down significantly, to 93 and 242, respectively.

Multi-family buildings are not a large part of Monmouth’s housing stock, as they are in more urbanized towns. According to the 2016 estimate, Monmouth had 28 duplexes (or add-on apartments) and only 19 units in buildings of three or more. The only buildings built specifically as multi-family are the Orchard View Apartments and the (Blue Road) complex. Accessory apartments (including garage apartments and “granny flats”) are not common in Monmouth, but with the number of large homes on public sewer and the need for affordable housing, there is potential for many more.

As Monmouth’s population changes, we are likely to see more demand for multi-family units. They serve two purposes: they accommodate young people just starting out, which form the backbone of Monmouth’s future workforce. And, they serve seniors who are looking for economical, low- Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 61 maintenance housing (perhaps so their children can take over the family home.) Multi-family units will experience greater demand as we see more seniors, and Monmouth would appear ready for some senior-only type of housing development. Without the kind of housing these people want and can afford, they will go elsewhere, and Monmouth will lose its diversity.

Seasonal homes have long been part of the housing stock in Monmouth. In 2010, the census found 340 camps in Monmouth, up from 311 in 2000. They are located mostly on the shores of Cochnewagon, Cobbosseecontee, and Anabessocook Lakes. Relatively few new camps are being built, at least identified as such. Most new shorefront homes are now built for year-round occupancy, and there have been conversions of existing camps. (The census looks at occupancy, not whether homes are winterized or not.) Camp conversions, besides increasing impacts on the lakes, can increase public service demands without new tax base to support it. Housing Occupancy and Vacancy:

In 2010, 85.4 percent of all homes in Monmouth were owner- occupied. This is up just a little from 2000, when 84 percent Regional Perspective: of units were owner-occupied. Monmouth’s percentage of Occupancy owner-occupied homes is about the same as neighboring Town 2010 Owner- towns. The more urban an area is, the more rental units are occupied Percentage available. This can be seen even in Winthrop, which has a much larger built-up area and more multi-family units. Greene 87.6 % Kennebec County in 2010 was 71.3 percent owner-occupied. Leeds 84.7 %

Litchfield 85.4 % One hundred four year-round housing units were vacant in 2010 – about 6.2 percent. Of that number, 40 were vacant/for saleMonmouth and 27 were vacant/for 85.4 % rent. That combines a vacancy rate of only 2.4 percent for owner homes and 10.1 percent for rentals. This is just Wales 86.7 % a snapshot in time, however. The ACS estimate for 2016 estimates a lower owner vacancy rate, of 1.7 percent, but higher rental vacancy rate of 13.3. Winthrop 76.5 %

Housing Age and Condition:

The 2016 ACS includes estimates of housing age in Monmouth. As may be deduced from the dramatic growth rate, the majority of houses have been built since 1970. According to ages reported by their owners, 42 percent of homes were built from 1970 to 2000, with another 17 percent built since. However, older homes make up a generous proportion as well: 470 homes were built before the Second World War, more than one in five. This makes them potentially historic structures, on the one hand, and potential maintenance problems on the other.

According to the census, 99 percent year-round homes now have standard plumbing and kitchen facilities. Fifteen percent of year-round homes use wood as their primary heating source, though

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 62 some may be more of choice than by necessity. Twenty-one homes contain only one or two rooms; whereas 199 have more than nine rooms. The census did not find any households where there were more than one occupant per room, which is a standard definition of an overcrowded housing situation.

Property Values and Affordability

Monmouth homeowners, like many in Maine, have seen steady increases in property values over the years. Between 1980 and 1990, the value of a “specified” (stick-built, on less than ten acres) owner-occupied home rose from $36,800 to 80,800, more than double. Between 1990 and 2000, home values rose only 12 percent, to $90,800. Inflation over that period was 32 percent, so homeowners actually lost ground. But between 2000 and 2016, prices have risen to $168,800. That is a staggering 86 percent, especially since that period encompasses the 2008 recession. Inflation over 16 years amounted to 39 percent, still leaving considerable appreciation in home values.

More accurate figures, based on actual home sales, has been reported by Maine State Housing Authority. MSHA reports that in 2017, the median sales price of homes in Monmouth was actually $193,000. Regional Perspective: Home Values Property values, though they seem high, are right in Town 2000 2016 line and maybe a little below neighboring towns. As Greene $100,200 $172,500 the box on the right shows, Leeds is the only town in this region with lower home values. The average Leeds $ 89,300 $147,600 home value for Kennebec County in 2016 was Litchfield $ 97,000 $170,000 $151,000, and for Maine, $176,000. Monmouth $ 90,800 $168,800

Wales $ 99,400 $171,300 Affordability – the relationship between housing cost and income – is a major issue in many areas, and one required to be addressed by local comprehensiveWinthrop plans in Maine.$ 97,300 The law requires$199,600 that each community plan for at least ten percent of new housing to be affordable to households making less than 80 percent of the norm.

For example, MSHA reports that an affordable home for the median income household in Monmouth (using 2017 figures) would be approximately $222,000. Since the median home in 2017 sold for $193,000, this would seem to indicate that affordability is not a major issue at this time. A household income of $56,000 can afford the 2017 median price.

This data is based on averages and misses two other questions: 1) is there housing available for low and very-low income groups? And, 2) Will the new housing being built continue to be affordable? With regard to the second question, we need only look at the asking prices of some of the new homes in town to see that this is not the case.

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 63

The ACS provides information on housing costs as a percentage of incomes for Monmouth. This enables us to answer the first question – is the housing affordable to a range of incomes? The accepted “threshold” for affordability is that no more than 30 percent of income should go towards housing costs. Table 6, below, shows those figures for 2000 and 2016. The table shows that Monmouth homeowners and renters are in a much more precarious position than they had been in 2000. Fully 30 percent of homeowners and 63 percent of renters are paying more for housing costs than they can afford. There are a number of possible reasons for this, among them, that incomes simply haven’t been keeping up with housing costs, or that the newer housing stock is much more expensive versus homebuyers incomes. Either way, the data show that about 400 local households are straining to afford their housing costs.

Table 10-2 Housing Costs as a Percentage of Income, 2000 and 2016

Percentage of Monthly Income 2000 # 2000 % 2016 # 2016 % Owner – ownership costs Less than 20 percent 406 51 % 387 42 % 20 to 30 percent 233 29 % 263 28 % More than 30 percent 146 20 % 276 30 % Renter – gross rent Less than 20 percent 91 42 % 82 37 % 20 to 30 percent 42 19 % 27 12 % More than 30 percent 69 32 % 140 63 %

Renters generally have more trouble with housing costs than owners, reflected in this table by the higher percentage paying more than 30 percent. According to MSHA, the median renter income in Monmouth is $32,567, whereas the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $700 a month. An affordable rental would be $814 a month, but of course there are still the cases of renters making far less than the median. While a number of renters rely on wage income, many of the renters are elderly or disabled on fixed incomes. In fact, it is likely that a large number of the homeowners who cannot Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 64 afford their housing costs are fixed-income residents as well. Providing affordable senior housing could be a solution to both affordability issues for seniors and opening up the existing housing stock to new blood.

Monmouth is part of a regional housing market. Regional Perspective: Affordability That matters, because potential new residents tend to be mobile when it comes to finding more Town 2016: Paying more than 30% affordable housing. The box at right indicates that Monmouth and Leeds stand out as having higher Of Income on Housing ratios of unaffordable housing. That is a bit Greene 27.5 % surprising, because those are the two communities with the lowest overall housing prices. Leeds 38.1 %

Litchfield 26.6 %

That still leaves us with the conclusion that certain segmentsMonmouth of our population, 32.9particularly % the elderly and young, will continue to have problems finding a place to live in Monmouth, particularly with the relatively few rental units and mobile homes. These groupsWales are typically lower incomes.26.0 % For example, in 2010, there were 111 elderly people living alone in their homes. We do not have data on how many Winthrop 20.8 % of those were in rental versus owned homes.

MSHA has developed several programs at the state level to address specific needs. The most well- known is the first-time homebuyer program. State and federal direct-subsidy programs are broken down into “project-based” – housing units that are subsidized – and “non-project-based” – vouchers for families that may be applied to rent in any units. In Monmouth, USDA Rural Development Agency currently has 36 project-based subsidized units, and MSHA has 18 non-project-based subsidies.

Issues in Housing

The growth in the number of homes in Monmouth has slowed down over the previous two decades. From 2000 to 2010, new housing averaged 14 per year, down from about 28 per year in the 90’s, but still higher than the 12 per year since 2010. The size and price of new homes continues to escalate.

There is a large potential demand for a variety of multi-family housing. We have very few places for young people to live, and efficient homes for the elderly will soon be a booming market. Multi-family housing could range from apartments and senior housing complexes to utilization of existing large homes, and would reduce some of the demand for mobile homes.

An affordability problem is not apparent from Monmouth’s statistics, but that may be because many of our newer families have higher incomes. Our concern should be for lower income groups, such as our children and our parents. In both cases, the 3- and 4-bedroom houses being built now do not serve their needs. If we do not do something to encourage more affordable housing, we will either lose this

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 65 part of the community altogether, or they will turn to older mobile homes and other, more problematic housing choices.

It may help to visualize some of the housing choices that individuals have to make based on incomes. For instance, the minimum wage in Maine is $10 an hour. Not many people can run a household on $10 an hour, but if they could, it would have to include less than $500 per month in rent. (According to ACS estimates, there are about 220 households that fall under that income level.) Another example: the average teacher in RSU 2 earns about $50,000 a year. He or she could afford a home priced at $178,000. If we want our town to include its teachers – as well as its retirees and low-wage workers – we need to continue to provide the kind of housing they can afford.

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 66 THE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

As a rural town, Monmouth depends heavily on its transportation system, both for local travel and to access jobs and services throughout the region. This chapter of the plan describes Monmouth’s transportation assets and deficiencies, and provides general recommendations for meeting the existing and future needs of our community.

The Highway System

Classification and Condition:

The public highway system is the primary – almost exclusive – carrier of transportation in Monmouth. At over $1 million per mile for a paved road, the highway system represents a major asset. It is essential that we plan to preserve this asset. The asset can be wasted not just from lack of maintenance, but by management that permits too much traffic and safety hazards. Good planning will prolong the life of our existing system.

There are approximately 82 miles of public roadway in Monmouth. This excludes private roads, which, though open for public use, are owned and maintained by non-government entities. The Maine Department of Transportation classifies roads by the role they play in the overall transportation network. The 3 principal classifications are:

Arterials: These are the most important travel routes in the State. Arterial Roads are designated for their capacity to carry large volumes of traffic efficiently between commercial or service centers. The DOT has restrictive access rules for arterial roads, to preserve this mobility function. In Monmouth, US 202 and State Route 9 are Arterials.

Collectors: These are the roads that collect and distribute traffic from areas of lower population density onto arterials and service centers. Collectors are further divided into “major” and “minor,” depending on the proportions of federal and state money available for maintenance and improvements. Many collectors are sometimes known as “state aid” roads, because the state helps pay for maintenance on these roads. In Monmouth, Route 132 is a Major Collector; Route 135, Maple Street, and Cobbossecontee Road are Minor Collectors.

Local Roads: These are the roads that serve primarily for access to adjacent land areas and usually carry low volumes of traffic. In Maine, these roads are the municipalities’ responsibility, and are generally referred to as “townways.” Table 6-1 has a breakdown of local roads and conditions.

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 67 Table 6-1: Town Ways (to be completed by Town)

Name Length Surface Condition Sanborn Road 1.78 Waugan Road 1.89 Macomber Road 1.07 South Monmouth Road 2.39 Ridge Road 2.12 Warren Road 1.70 Anderson Road 0.67 Perkins Road 0.46 Town Farm #1 0.80 Town Farm #2 1.24 Gray Mill Road 0.09 Maine Sand&Gravel 0.29 Willman Road 0.57 Hammond Road 0.20 Town Beach Road 0.16 Academy Street 0.60 Fish Hatchery Road 1.80 Hooker Road 0.19 Fire Road EM-5 0.39 Country Acres 0.19 Country Lane 0.41 Wood Road 0.58 Scotts Lane 0.08 Harris Road 1.69 Blue Street 2.38 Pine Hill Road 2.56 Berry Road

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 68 Ward Road 0.61 Packard Road 0.30 Annabessacook Road 1.69 New Street 2.25 Blaisdell Road 0.83 Ridge Cemetery 0.53 Prescott Hill Road 1.28 Tillson Road 1.36 Gilman Road 1.77 Murdock Road 1.71 Norris Hill Road 0.14 Back & Hooker Road 3.19 Old Lewiston Road 2.91 Welch Road 1.05 Bonin Road 0.43 1.60

Route 9 has two miles within Monmouth and Route 202 has 5.2 miles. The Maine DOT both plows and maintains these two Arterials. These are also classified as “Retrograde Arterials,” which means that they have higher-than-average, driveway-related crash rates.

The Major Collector Route 132 is 5.1 miles long in Monmouth. The Town is responsible for plowing, but the DOT must maintain and improve the road, subject to funding. Only minor pavement improvements have been made over the past several years.

Route 135 is 5.7 miles, Cobbossecontee Road is 4.7 miles, with Maple Street 0.3 miles. As Minor Collectors, they are plowed by the Town. Improvements may be made with state funds, but Towns must contribute matching funds.

The DOT rates state roads with regard to condition, service quality and safety on a scale of A-F. All state roads in Monmouth are rated A or B for pavement condition, although the condition of some bridges and culverts is an issue (see section below). As far as service, three road segments are rated C, because they are posted: Route 132 south of the village, Route 135 and Cobboseecontee Road. Cobboseecontee Road east of South Monmouth Road and Route 132 south of the village both receive “F” scores for safety, due to the pavement width and a history of crashes attributable to the road.

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 69

DOT road improvements are scheduled as part of the biennial budget adopted by the legislature, and are listed in a document known as the Work Plan. The work plan lists projects coming up in the budget cycle, including about three years out. Listings for Monmouth in the most recent work plan: ▪ Academy Road – new sidewalk from Route 132 to high school, ▪ Route 135 – Light capital paving for the entire length (including Winthrop).

Of the remaining 59 miles of public road, 10.7 miles are classified seasonal town ways, meaning that they are not maintained during the winter. 48.4 miles are town ways maintained year-round. Local roads are maintained by the Monmouth Public Works Department. The town has a policy to repave roads on a 7-year rotation, but over the past few years has only been able to average about 5 miles a year. The Town has a capital improvement fund for road improvements, but in 2018 voted to borrow an additional $990,000 to reconstruct parts of Gilman Road and Packard Road.

Bridges:

An essential part of the highway system is its bridges. In order to take the burden of costly bridge repairs off of towns, several years ago the legislature changed bridge maintenance responsibility to the DOT. In general now, all bridges over 10 feet long are inspected and maintained by DOT. If major work is necessary, towns would contribute matching funds.

There are 11 bridges in Monmouth that fall into this category, including 5 in North Monmouth. This does not include the bridge on Carver Road, which has been closed for several years. Bridge locations are shown on the Transportation Map. The DOT inspects bridges on average every three years and rates them on a number of criteria, such as the condition of the decking, superstructure, approaches, and channels. A federal scale of 1-100 is called the “sufficiency rating” and is a general measure of the state of the bridge.

Most bridges in Monmouth have a rating of 60 or better. These include:

• Annabessacook Bridge on Highland Terrace (69), • Jock Stream Bridge on Cobbosseecontee Road (88), • Tacoma Lake Bridge on Route 9 (84, but with “fair” deck and superstructure), • Wilson Stream Bridge (culvert) on Old Lewiston Road (96), • South Monmouth Bridge over Jock Stream (64, with concerns on the approach), • Bailey Flat Bridge (culvert) on Cobbosseecontee Road (83), • North Monmouth Bridge (culvert) on Route 202 (75, with some material deterioration), • East Monmouth Bridge on Route 135 (87), • Wilson Pond Bridge on Wilson Pond Road (89), • Mud Mill Bridge (culvert) on Route 135 (94).

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 70 The most problematic bridge on the DOT list is the Waugan Bridge, which crosses Wilson Stream on Waugan Road, which is a town way. It has a sufficiency rating of 46, with advanced deterioration of the substructure and the deck and superstructure in fair condition. This bridge is 51 feet long, steel girder-type bridge originally built in 1980. So far, there has been no need to post a weight limit, but since this bridge is less than 40 years old, it is unusually deteriorated for its age, and should be monitored closely. An average of 1,200 vehicles per day cross over the bridge.

Traffic Counts and Considerations:

Historic traffic count data is recorded and provided by MDOT for a number of locations throughout Monmouth. Traffic counts are expressed in Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT), which is the average number of vehicles to pass over a counting point in a day. It does not differentiate between cars and trucks. AADT can tell us not only volumes, but which locations people are travelling to, and how that is changing over time.

The most heavily used public road is Route 202, which bisects the northwest portion of Town. The highest traffic volume on Route 202 in 2014 (most recent count) was 8,370 vehicles per day at the Winthrop town line. East of the intersection with Route 132, the 2014 traffic volume drops to 7,530. In 2003, the relative traffic volumes were reversed, with the higher count (8,760) just east of 132, and only 7,960 at the town line. Just west of the Route 132 intersection, traffic levels dropped to 5,900 in 2014, and to 6,560 in 2003. These figures show an 11-year drop in volume along most of the road, but a gain of about five percent at the Winthrop line. Not only does this suggest traffic growth from new development along Route 202 and northeastern Monmouth, but also that a far larger volume of Monmouth traffic goes in the direction of Winthrop and Augusta than Lewiston.

Route 9, the other arterial road, carries about half the traffic of 202, and appears to be slightly heavier going west. At the Wales town line, the average daily traffic in 2014 was 3,770. This is a decline from 2003, when it was 4,430. Further east, at the South Monmouth Road, the traffic count was only 3,140.

Another road worth tracking is Route 132. This road serves Monmouth Center village and connects the Sabattus interchange to Route 202. There was concern when the interchange was constructed that traffic volumes would spike, which prompted a DOT-funded 2003 study of impacts and alternatives. In 2003, the daily traffic counts averaged 1,400 at the Wales town line, 2,240 in the village, and 3,280 at the Route 202 intersection.

Recent traffic counts on Route 132 include 1,560 at the Wales town line (2017), 2,490 in the village (2014), and 2,850 at Route 202 (2017). These figures indicate a decline in traffic north of the village, consistent with the rest of town, but an increase of more than ten percent from the village south. Traffic has indeed increased, probably due in part to the interchange, but it has been local traffic, not

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 71 through to 202. Note also that the segment of 132 south of the village, is one of those rated “F” by the DOT for safety concerns.

Anecdotal evidence does, though, indicate an increase of tractor-trailer trucks moving along Route 132, probably from Progressive Distributors in Winthrop to the interchange. While this is not a significant volume, the large trucks are putting additional stress and safety challenges into the village and a road not built for heavy freight.

Safety:

The Maine DOT tracks accident data on the highway system. It uses the data to identify high crash locations (HCL). DOT defines an HCL as a roadway intersection or segment which experiences 8 or more accidents in a 3-year period and a Critical Rate Factor (CRF) in excess of 1.00. (The CRF is a comparison of the actual number of accidents compared to the average accident experience for the volume of traffic.)

One intersection in town has long been identified as an HCL – the intersection of Route 202 with 132. This same intersection was identified in the town’s 1991 and 2003 plans as both a DOT and local problem area, so conditions have not changed. The intersection now has a yellow flashing warning light, but was still listed as a high crash location as recently as 2016, when it was the subject of a DOT analysis. Recommendations of the analysis were to look at putting in a left-only lane for traffic turning onto 132, clear additional vegetation to improve sight distance, and to widen the throat pavement of 132 where tractor-trailers swing wide to avoid cars stopped at the intersection. There were an additional three crashes in 2018.

There is one other high crash location identified in town: the intersection of Route 202 and Blue Road. There have been 19 crashes at this intersection between 2013 and 2018. The problem here appears to be visibility, and the recommendations were to change the intersection controls (paint and signs) to allow cars to come further out towards 202 for better sight lines.

A majority of serious crashes can be attributed to vehicles entering and exiting the road at intersections and driveways. Maine has an active program for controlling the number, location, and design of driveways onto state roads, and Monmouth has a version of those standards in our Comprehensive Development Ordinance. All new development is required to abide by these standards, which should provide safer entering and exiting the roads.

Other Public Ways:

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 72 There are other public ways in Monmouth, which are not maintained by the Town. The most common of these are camp roads. Camp roads provide access to shorefront property on the town’s lakes. The Town is prohibited by law from expending public funds on private roads.

Monmouth may have several roads whose status is unclear. Formerly town roads, they have either been abandoned through non-use or formally discontinued by the Town. The status of these roads has implications for local access and town maintenance responsibilities in the future.

From time to time, roads are proposed to be accepted as town ways. This happens most often in the context of subdivisions, but sometimes owners of existing camp roads request that the Town accepts them for maintenance. Monmouth has a Street and Road Ordinance, which provides procedures and design standards for roads proposed to be accepted by the Town.

Transportation Options

Railroad:

The Pan Am Railroad’s “Springfield Terminal” (formerly Maine Central) main line passes north/south through the central portion of Monmouth. Railroad crossing warning signals are located where the tracks cross the highway in Monmouth Center. The tracks also cross several camp roads in Town with no signal lights.

Rail service is limited to freight through Monmouth. Though there is a short spur in Monmouth Center, there are no local rail users shipping or receiving freight in Town. Trains run through Monmouth on average six times daily on weekdays (three eastbound, three westbound). Fewer trains run on the weekends.

The Maine Central Railroad ended passenger service in Monmouth in 1949. There is a possibility that passenger service will be restored on this line in the next 20 years, though a stop in Monmouth would be unlikely. Monmouth’s train depot lives on only in the memories of the Town's older citizens.

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 73 Public Transportation:

There are no local public transportation services. The Kennebec Valley Community Action Program has a demand-response service and volunteer drivers to pick up and deliver people with special needs. There are no regularly scheduled routes or pick-ups.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Network:

Currently, sidewalks are available on a limited basis in Monmouth Center only. In much of the village, the sidewalks need to be widened and made more accessible, but the coming priority is to extend it from the village to the high school. Improved sidewalk access should spur development in the village.

There are no separate bike paths in town. The DOT does publish Explore Maine by Bike, a set of bike paths and touring loops in the state. In Monmouth, one loop comes in to town via Route 135, goes through Monmouth Center, then turns east on Cobbosseecontee Road to Fish Hatchery Road, then onto Route 9 east into Litchfield. The East Coast Greenway is a designated set of road and off-road bicycle routes that connect Key West, Florida with Eastport, Maine. The greenway route goes from Lewiston to Augusta via Route 9 through South Monmouth.

Monmouth has in the past considered a plan to expand the pedestrian and bicycle network in Monmouth, in particular connecting schools, recreation areas, public facilities and places of employment. The 2016 Downtown Revitalization Plan devotes a chapter to pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure and makes several recommendations for improvements to the network.

Public Parking:

From an engineering perspective, all transportation is comprised of “trips,” which contain an origin and destination. While the travel part of the trip has traditionally been the responsibility of the public sector, an essential part of the system is storage for vehicles when they are not being used, i.e. parking. In general, parking capacity is supplied by the private sector. The exceptions to this rule are where there is a public facility or where development came into being before the demand for large areas of ground devoted to parking. Such is the case in downtown Monmouth Center.

Monmouth Center is the site of two public facilities, both subject to intense but intermittent use. One is the town beach, the other Cumston Hall. In addition, the village is the commercial center of town, but has suffered with occupancy for several years. It has been speculated that a shortage of parking may have been a factor in revitalization. The Downtown Revitalization Plan did not identify parking as

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 74 an existing problem, but that it could become a problem as the downtown re-develops. It also called for development of a downtown Parking Plan. As a result, Monmouth requested and received assistance from KVCOG with a DOT-funded parking study.

The 2018 Downtown Parking Plan identified the existing parking supply in the village. On-street parking is available, though stalls are not individually delineated. There are roughly 118 spaces available, based on 22 feet per space. On individual properties, there are 228 parking spaces, including 35 at the new town beach lot and a number of businesses with just enough parking for employees.

Based on the standards in Monmouth’s development ordinance, at full capacity, the downtown commercial and institutional uses would require 260 parking spaces (this does not include the church, for which there were no capacity figures). That means that, mathematically, there are sufficient spaces in the village area for maximum occupancy, although the spaces may not be located within easy access to the destination desired.

The chief parking generator in the village is Cumston Hall, and only on performance days, which are limited. Because of this, the plan recommended that the Cumston Hall parking lot could be expanded, at a (rough) cost of $1/4 million, or that a shuttle service be set up to allow theater parking at the town office or beach parking lots. There is only one property in the downtown office vacant and suitable for public parking, but the plan did not do anything but identify it as a possibility.

Other than that, it is noted that improvements to the town’s sidewalk infrastructure could have a beneficial effect on the parking situation, as better sidewalks and crosswalks encourage people to walk longer distances from their parking to their destination.

As mentioned above, Monmouth’s Comprehensive Development Ordinance provides standards for quantity and design of off-street parking based on the size and use of development. Ordinance standards apply to all new and expanded development and changes of use; however, in Monmouth Center and North Monmouth, the planning board is authorized to waive the standards for existing structures.

Environmental Impacts of the Transportation System:

It must be recognized that the infrastructure that supports the road system has effects on other components of the community described in this plan. In certain situations, the roads could impact water quality or wildlife, or generate noise or air pollution harmful to the townspeople.

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 75 The town has not identified any significant wildlife impacts on its road system. There are several stream crossings, which have to potential to bring wildlife up onto the road, but none have been noted as problem areas.

Because of the extent of lake watershed coverage in town and the susceptibility of the entire Cobbossee lake system, surface runoff from roads can be a significant issue. Regarding construction of new roads, Monmouth’s ordinance requires development according to Maine’s erosion control best management practices, and encourages use of low-impact development techniques for stormwater management.

Existing camp roads have long been a runoff issue. Cobbossee Watershed District and Friends of Cobbossee Watershed have established educational programs and restoration efforts to alleviate runoff from these and other sources.

In urban areas, noise and air pollution from traffic has become an issue. Fortunately, in Monmouth there is no concentration of traffic large or sustained enough to generate such problems. Issues for the Transportation System

A continuing issue for the Town is its maintenance of local roads. Though the Town has an

admirable capital improvement policy, it is currently underfunded and will lead to increased

costs in the future. The town needs to return to its program of re-paving local roads every seven

years. The Town should also determine which of its roads are discontinued or abandoned.

The preservation of the safety and traffic carrying capacity of Routes 9 and 202 is an important issue regionally, one which touches on land use planning as well as transportation. With public sewer available to almost all the land on Route 202 from the Route 132 intersection east, it is very tempting to make this part of our growth area. We will have to weigh this against preserving the mobility of the highway. There are but few alternatives and options for transportation to and around Monmouth. Continued reliance on automobiles, together with sprawl, will eventually make travel on Monmouth’s rural roads very uncomfortable. While public transit and passenger rail service are clearly not in the short-term picture, Monmouth can advocate for greater investments in bicycle and pedestrian facilities, carpooling, and other creative solutions.

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 76 PUBLIC SERVICES The growth of a community is based on the provision of public services, programs, and facilities. The healthy community can rely on a broad range of public services, efficiently provided. Public services range from public works and utilities to recreation programs to dog licenses. Primarily, these services are provided by the municipality and paid for by taxes, but there are many variations and options for service providers. In recent years, more services are being provided by regional groups, as a means to provide more “bang for the buck.” Monmouth can be proud of the many services that it provides to its citizens for the cost. The Town provides excellent educational, public safety, public works, and other services, conducts long-range financial planning, and cooperates with neighbors when possible for the most efficient use of tax dollars.

General Government Monmouth’s is a Town Manager Form of government, where the town manager is the chief executive official, with five selectmen and a legislative town meeting. Under recent changes, the budgetary part of town meeting and all voting is done by ballot vote rather than in open meeting. The Town Manager is assisted by town office staff who engages in the everyday administration of the town and its services. The Town’s staff is currently comprised of a shared role town clerk/tax collector, a treasurer, a code enforcement officer, an assessor, and an administrative assistant. The offices of the town are located in the Monmouth Town Office, a modern building just north of Monmouth Center. Though the town office has a meeting room, town meetings are still held in Cumston Hall, and larger public meetings often take place at Monmouth Academy. The range of public services offered by the Town is such that no small group of officials could manage them all. In addition to the Board of Selectmen, Budget Committee, School Committee, Planning Board, and Board of Appeals, Monmouth citizens can participate on the Parks and Recreation Commission, Economic Development Committee, Public Safety Facilities Committee, Monmouth Sanitary District, Cumston Hall Trustees, Cobbossee Watershed District, Comprehensive Plan Review Committee, Conservation Commision, and the School Reuse Taskforce.

Public Safety Services Monmouth provides comprehensive public safety and health services, including local police, fire protection, and emergency services. The Town also engages in regional planning for emergency dispatch (Kennebec County), hazard mitigation and disaster response. Police Protection:

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 77 The Monmouth Police Department consists of a chief, a sergeant, a full-time officer, and four reserve officers. The department also has an animal control officer and an administrative assistant. The department provides 24-hour coverage seven days a week. Since 1999, calls for service have doubled. The department responds to an average of fourteen calls for service per day. Almost half of these (and the largest increase) are traffic-related. The Department also carries on several community service programs, including school programs. The annual budget for police service is roughly $300,000. This does not include Kennebec County Sheriff services. Like all town departments, cruisers and other capital improvements for the police force are included in the Town’s Capital Improvements Program. The police station is located in Monmouth Center, and is considered adequate for the time being. Fire Protection: The Monmouth Fire Department operates on a budget of approximately $130,000 per year. The department consists of roughly 50 members, most of whom are certified in the whole range of department activities. The Fire Chief, Assistant Chiefs, training officer, clerk, and company officers all receive yearly stipends for their service. Department members receive an hourly wage for their service. The Department operates out of a three-bay station in Monmouth Center, built in 1962, and a single-bay station in North Monmouth. Both facilities are somewhat undersized for modern vehicles and technology that is the standard today. The Department’s vehicle and equipment needs are met through the Town’s Capital Improvements Program, though we have been the beneficiaries of federal grants recently to upgrade equipment and gear. The department currently operates two 2016 Ferrara Cinder Fire Engines (Engine 81 and Engine 83), a 2011 Ferrara (Engine 86), and a 2005 Sterling Arcterra (Tank 85). The department responds to an average of 100 calls per year, a large percentage of which are car accidents. The number of calls has been increasing gradually over the years. The availability of water in the areas served by the public water system is generally not an issue. Tankers are available for rural areas, where there are also scattered water sources. The largest single hazard in town is the Tex-tech plant. Tex-tech uses its own reservoir for water needs, but needs to make improvements for fire protection.

Emergency Response: Since its inception 1979 Monmouth was served by The Monmouth Rescue Association, a private nonprofit, partially funded by the Town, that provided emergency medical service and transport to the area. Citing sporadic and dwindling service calls, the association made the difficult decision to cease its operations in late 2013.

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 78 The Town now contract’s emergency response service through Winthrop Ambulance Service. Along with Monmouth, Winthrop Ambulance serves the towns of Winthrop, Readfield, Wayne, Mt. Vernon, Fayette, and Manchester. Winthrop Ambulance responds to calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and has a full-time staff of six. The service also has a part-time staff of approximately 40. It currently operates out of the old Winthrop Health Center on Old Western Avenue in Winthrop, approximately 5 miles from Monmouth Center. The service station is state of the art and has enough room for 3 crews to live and work in the station simultaneously. Monmouth pays roughly $40,000 per year for Winthrop Ambulance’s service. The Town is required to develop a hazard mitigation plan, consistent with federal, state, and county guidelines.

Public Works The Public Works Department is responsible for maintenance of local roads and other town facilities, operation of the solid waste system, and issuance of driveway permits onto local roads. The Department is centered in the highway garage, located on Academy Road just north of Monmouth Center. This garage was built in 1963, at approximately 3,000 square feet with room for four trucks. An 1,800 square foot addition for a fifth bay and staff work space was approved by town meeting in 2005, and is now complete. The Public Works Director is assisted by full- and part-time crew on the equipment and at the transfer station.

Road Maintenance: The Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining the 58 miles of town ways, including plowing, summer maintenance and road improvement projects. Each year, the Department takes on several miles of hot top overlay, reconstruction, and culvert replacements. The total annual budget for both summer and winter operations of the public works department is approximately $700,000. Yearly expenditures on road resurfacing are about $200,000, plus special projects which come out of the Capital Improvements Fund. About 2/3 of summer maintenance and almost all of winter maintenance is funded by the local excise tax, with additional funding coming from the DOT. (Capital improvements are funded by separate appropriation.) Additional information on the local road system may be found in the Transportation chapter. The Town owns a variety of highway maintenance equipment and does much of its own maintenance. Equipment is scheduled for replacement on a 10-15 year rotation, funded by the Capital Improvements Reserve. Though there is some concern over both the rate of

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 79 replacement and the size of new equipment, the system is working well for the present. The Town still has no facility for winter storage of salt.

Solid Waste: Monmouth operates its own transfer station, located on Route 135 east of the Center. The transfer station also serves the Town of Wales. Wales pays approximately $80,000 of the total operating costs of $250,000 per year. The major expenses in the solid waste budget are the tipping fee and the costs to transport collected materials. The Town is fortunate in being a member of Maine Water to Energy and its waste-to-energy facility in Auburn. As members, the Town enjoys a reduced tipping fee. The town also encourages recycling by offering single-sort recycling at the transfer station. The recycling program is operated in conjunction with ecomaine, a large-scale recycling service operated out of Portland. The transfer station and recycling center are well-staffed, with regular hours and no issues with DEP.

Utilities: Portions of Monmouth Center, North Monmouth, and a Route 202 are served by public water and sewer systems. The systems overlap to some degree, and where available, serve as an incentive and locus for new development.

Public Water System: The Monmouth Water Association is a private entity serving approximately 200 customers in the town. It was initially formed in the 1960’s in response to groundwater pollution problems in Monmouth Center. It has now expanded and serves a broader area. Water supply and quality are not an issue in the service area. The water system does not, however, extend into North Monmouth. The town’s largest industrial water user, Tex-tech Industries, uses its own surface water supply for industrial and fire protection purposes. The initial supply for the MWA system was a series of bedrock wells north of the village. In the late 1990’s, the association began to experience supply problems and decreasing yields. Tests showed high levels of Arsenic. After an unsuccessful search for alternate sources of water near the village, the association agreed to purchase and pipe water from the Winthrop Utility District. The District has agreed to supply up to 150,000 gallons per day of water (more than twice Monmouth’s current daily usage) through a supply line running down Route 202. The WUD supply is treated surface water.

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 80 As a private association, the MWA has limited planning and expansion capability, and limited eligibility for grants. The prospect of merging it with the Monmouth Sanitary District to form a public entity has been discussed, as has the possibility of forming a regional district including Augusta. While any consolidation would probably yield long-term benefits, there would be many hurdles to overcome. The most likely areas for extension of the water system include North Monmouth and along Blue Road and Academy Road north of the Center. Both of these areas could enjoy greater development opportunities if served by public water. Public Sewer: The Monmouth Sanitary District (MSD) was organized in 1971, and began operations in 1976. It is part of a regional system, including Winthrop and Manchester, which pumps its waste via a trunkline into the Augusta Treatment Plant. Monmouth is allocated 21% of the trunkline capacity, which is roughly 540,000 gallons per day. In 2018, Monmouth contributed 118,000 gallons of wastewater per day, just 22% of its allocated capacity. Monmouth’s pipes, especially in the Center area, would actually benefit from increased flow rates. The sewer system serves approximately 1/3 of the households and more than half the businesses in Monmouth. The service area is larger than the water system, and includes much of North Monmouth, including Tex-tech. Tex-tech once accounted for roughly 50% of the total yearly wastewater flow in Monmouth. However, in 2018, Tex-tech accounted for just 9% of Monmouth’s wastewater contribution. As a result. Tex-tech’s (who pays on percent of usage) decling use of the sewer system is pushing the costs of the sewer district onto the residents of Monmouth. This issue is expected to worsen. MSD is responsible for the system of collector sewers in town as well as three pump stations. MSD is also liable for a percentage of any capital costs on the trunkline. Current issues for the MSD include the age of the facilities and low flows from Monmouth Center. Much of the system is over 30 years old; several of the pumps will need replacement soon. Low flows from Monmouth Center have created anaerobic conditions in the pipes and must be addressed by expensive chemical treatment. The Town requires new development within 500 feet of an existing sewer line to connect to the system but has no systematic plan for expansion of the collectors. Education In July, 2009, Monmouth joined the Kennebec Intra-District Schools (KIDS) Regional School Unit (RSU) 2, which joined Monmouth with the communities of Hallowell, Richmond, Dresden, and Farmingdale. In Monmouth, RSU2 currently consists of the Cottrell Elementary School, Monmouth Middle School, and Monmouth Academy. Monmouth is currently building a facility that will

Monmouth Comprehensive Draft 12.9.20 81 house both elementary and middle school students and exploring a reuse development plan for the Cottrell Elementary School and Monmouth Middle School. Overall, the quality of the facilities (when considering the new school) and the instruction is very high. Monmouth has been recognized as a top-tier school system through various state measures of educational quality. Many Monmouth residents have indicated in the past the quality of the school system as a factor in their decision to live here. The quality of schools is a function of the quality of staff and facilities, and stability of finance and administration. The total RSU2 budget was $27.04 million for school year 2018/2019. RSU 2 voters approved a 3% increase to the budget for 2019/2020, which will bring the total to $27.9 million. Per-pupil costs for RSU 2 were $11,356 in 2017/2018, up from $6,536 (Monmouth) in 2003/2004, a 76% increase. Regionally, RSU 2’s per pupil cost is greater than Augusta ($10,640), Winthrop ($10,888), and MSAD 11 ($9,972). Its per-pupil cost is similar to RSU 4 ($11,480). Per-pupil costs are used to loosely determine an area’s commitment to education. The rational is that the more money spent on each child’s education, the better the education that child receives, generally speaking. RSU 2, in this regard, is well suited when considering its peers. Current system wide enrollment for RSU 2 is 2,044 students. Monmouth currently has 200 students in Cottrell Elementary School, 234 students in Monmouth Middle School, and 206 students in Monmouth Academy. Total enrollment for the three Monmouth schools is just 640 students, a 20% decrease from early 2000’s enrollment. Monmouth’s school system functions as an integral part of the community. Schools are used regularly for community meetings and functions, and school grounds are used for recreation. The new school will be located adjacent to Monmouth Academy. The school complex is located very close to Monmouth Center, though transportation connections could be improved. Sidewalks or bike paths would greatly enhance the school’s relationship to the main commercial/service center of the town. The schools are in an area that would be suitable for more intensive development; however, proximity to a school without good pedestrian or bicycle access is not a big consideration. Nearly all students are currently bussed to school, primarily for safety and security reasons. The current bus schedule includes 6 routes. Bus 78 operates a route on the western side of Cochnewagon Lake. Bus 88 operates a route around Monmouth Center. Bus 87 operates a route around South Monmouth. Bus 75 operates a route in North Monmouth. Bus 79 operates a route from North Monmouth to an area around the Bog Road. Bus 77 operates a route that starts in South Monmouth and bisects Monmouth on its way to the schools. While students who live across town from the schools may create a few more bus miles, directing development nearer to the schools is not likely to result in a significant reduction of needs for busses or labor.

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