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Select board says no to Giant Stairs bench after residents cite nuisance, deed and safety concerns
Summary
After extended public comment and a Parks & Rec presentation, Harpswell's select board declined to place a bench on the Giant Stairs trail, voting 2–1 to defer and revisit bench siting when Ocean Street improvements are complete.
Parks and Recreation Director Katie Veil (speaker 4) returned to a multi‑meeting discussion about placing benches on town properties, focusing the board’s attention on the Giant Stairs trail.
Veil said benches would improve access for people with mobility challenges and asked the board to consider small, natural benches in unobtrusive locations. "I'm talking about a non permanent natural bench placed in the least intrusive spot possible," she said.
Multiple neighbors and public commenters opposed adding a bench on or immediately adjacent to the trail. Eric Winter (speaker 16) and Bill Bly (speaker 11), abutters to the trail, said benches could change the character of the path, increase trash and loitering, and create nuisance behavior in private backyards. "Anytime you add amenities, it starts feeling like a public park," Winter said. Bly, a frequent trail user, said the deed that transferred the land expressed a wish to keep the strip natural and warned of unintended consequences.
Supporters argued benches could benefit older or mobility‑limited residents who need a place to rest; one board member suggested placing a bench at the start of the trail or at the end of Ocean Street as a compromise. Concerns about ADA access, potential for congregating or increased policing needs, and respect for abutters’ privacy were key themes.
After discussion the board recorded a decision: no bench on the Giant Stairs trail at this time; revisit bench placement after the Ocean Street work is complete. The chair summarized the vote as "No to the bench. 2 to 1." The board directed staff to monitor the Ocean Street project and return to the issue later.
Next step: the board agreed to reconsider bench placement once related site work on Ocean Street is finished and to seek legal advice from MMA if deed language remains in question.
