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Presque Isle Planning Board approves letter supporting $75,000 pedestrian safety study
Summary
On Aug. 21, 2025, the Planning Board voted unanimously to authorize Chair Bruce Roope to sign a letter supporting a $75,000 State of Maine grant application for a Pedestrian Safety and Accessibility Study focused on walkability off Main Street, with a grant deadline of Aug. 29, 2025.
On Aug. 21, 2025, the Presque Isle Planning Board voted unanimously to authorize Chairman Bruce Roope to sign a letter of support for a $75,000 Pedestrian Safety and Accessibility Study grant application to the State of Maine. The board recorded the action after staff said the deadline for the application is Aug. 29, 2025.
Tim St. Peter, deputy director for the city’s planning staff, told board members the study is intended to improve walkability in areas adjacent to Main Street and would dovetail with the Village Initiative Program (VIP) that covers Main Street from the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) to the bridge over the Aroostook River. He said the study’s primary focus would be on Academy and State Streets and on routes around the city’s schools; he also noted the grant is funded through the State of Maine.
Ward Gerow asked whether the VIP was included in the proposal; St. Peter responded that the pedestrian study would complement the VIP but was aimed more at streets off Main. Chairman Bruce Roope asked specifically whether sidewalks on Main Street were included; St. Peter confirmed the study would address sidewalks but emphasized the study’s priority areas were off Main. Ward Gerow also asked about vegetation; St. Peter said vegetation was not described in the grant materials but could be examined as part of the study.
Board member Jayne Farrin raised a wording concern about the letter, saying it should reflect action by the Planning Board rather than an individual. Ward Gerow moved to approve having Chairman Roope sign the letter of support; Dave Perry seconded. Chairman Roope amended the motion to state he would sign the letter on behalf of the Planning Board. The board voted unanimously to approve the motion.
Next steps: staff will submit the application before the Aug. 29 deadline. The minutes record the motion and unanimous vote but do not specify a required local match, timeline for study completion, or any implementation steps beyond the grant application.
