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Residents urge coordinated planning as 24-unit housing approved near Cross Street
Summary
A Rockport resident and planning-board members urged a coordinated vision for the Cross Street/Route 90 intersection after a 24-unit workforce housing project was approved; concerns focused on pedestrian safety, traffic and the need for a pathway linking the high school and village.
During public comment, Rockport resident Linda Clancy urged the Select Board to convene a coordinated planning effort for the Cross Street/Route 90 intersection, where recent approvals and nearby developments are increasing traffic and pedestrian needs.
Clancy told the board she had submitted a letter from the local Pathways Committee and urged the town to bring stakeholders together — including the planning board, Midcoast Regional Housing Trust and Maine Coast Heritage Trust — to ensure growth aligns with the 2025 comprehensive plan and promotes safe walking and bicycling infrastructure. "This is Rockport's chance to shape the contours of how it grows," she said.
Later in liaison reports the board noted that the planning board on June 25 approved a 24-unit workforce rental project at 3 Cross Street (two 12-unit buildings). Planning-board members reported residents raised traffic and pedestrian-safety concerns at that meeting; the board said a joint workshop on housing and implementation strategies is scheduled for July 23 to map recommendations and action steps.
Why it matters: The approval adds workforce rental capacity but residents and committee liaisons emphasized the need to match new housing with sidewalks, pathways and traffic-calming measures so pedestrians — including schoolchildren — can safely access Rockport Common and nearby schools.
What's next: The Select Board and planning board will pursue joint workshops (July 23) and consider comp-plan implementation task-force coordination to develop design and funding options for the Cross Street/Route 90 intersection and pathway improvements.
