Committee flags connectivity challenges in West Kennebunk after 'Connecting Kennebunk' workshop

Members of the Kennebunk Climate Action Committee on Feb. 2 summarized takeaways from a Jan. 24 "Connecting Kennebunk" workshop and identified gaps in active‑transportation infrastructure, particularly in West Kennebunk.

Alison Malmqvist, Mary Naples and Lisa Pagano reported that workshop maps and break‑out groups indicated it will be easier to connect open spaces downtown, where revitalization plans could support wayfinding and path signage linking the downtown to beach access. By contrast, they said West Kennebunk lacks sidewalks, bike paths and other infrastructure that would make walking and biking feasible without new construction.

Committee members raised several implementation concerns: ADA accessibility for route designs, how to manage shared biking and walking paths safely, whether proposed floating bridges are effective in local contexts, trail safety and maintenance, and the advisability of non‑permeable walkways along the river. The group recommended inviting Stephen Houdlette, Kennebunk’s Director of Economic Vitality, to help assess how committees can collaborate on next steps.

The minutes also note Leigh Hallett of the Maine Trails Coalition as a suggested external resource. Committee members agreed coordination with the Conservation Commission and other town departments would be useful before moving forward with specific infrastructure designs or ordinance changes.

Members recorded no formal votes on these recommendations during the meeting; they proposed outreach and intercommittee planning as the next steps.