Ellsworth plans Main Street beautification and extensive road improvements ahead of summer

The Ellsworth City Council convened on April 21, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives focused on community beautification, park improvements, and road maintenance. The meeting highlighted ongoing projects and future plans aimed at enhancing the city's infrastructure and public spaces.

One of the primary topics was the city's beautification efforts, spearheaded by Councilor Charlie Pierce. Planning is underway for planting along Main Street, High Street, The Marina, Knowlton Park, and City Hall, with a target completion date set for Memorial Day. The council expressed gratitude to Caleb from the highway department for his coordination of the beautification program, which includes assembling hanging baskets and planters. Residents interested in volunteering were encouraged to contact Charlie directly.

In addition to beautification, the council discussed significant upgrades to local parks. New playground equipment is set to be installed, and a splash pad is also in the works. A proposed investment of $50,000 for Knowlton Park upgrades is included in the fiscal year 2026 budget. Furthermore, the city plans to transition to a year-round maintenance staff for parks and recreation areas, replacing the current seasonal framework.

The meeting also addressed the commencement of the paving season, with a total budget of approximately $1.6 million allocated for city-funded road work. Key focus areas for this summer include the harbor, marina, and Boggy Brook Road, which is expected to be ready for a little league tournament later in the season. The council acknowledged the efforts of Mike Harris, Amanda Ray, and the public works and highway teams in preparing these sites.

State-led road work was also discussed, with ongoing projects on High Street and Washington Junction Road. The council assured residents that additional paving projects would follow once the budget is finalized, including roads like Happy Town and Redbridge.

Council member Steve raised concerns about road conditions, noting a recent positive response from a resident regarding the paving of their street. He inquired about the salary for a new hire related to the paving projects, but the details were not immediately available. The council confirmed that the current paving announcements are just the beginning, with more projects planned as the season progresses.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to improving public spaces and infrastructure, with ambitious plans for the summer ahead. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the city’s website and social media channels for updates on ongoing projects.