Chebeague Islanders present secession proposals to state legislators.
03.03.2006
Chebeague Islanders traveled to Augusta for a public hearing before state legislators on the island's secession from the town of Cumberland. Proponents of separating from the parent town outlined plans for the formation of the new town of Chebeague Island. Chebeague's year-round population is roughly 350 people, one of 15 year-round island communities left on the coast of Maine.
© COPYRIGHT 2006 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
In a November 8th referendum, 86 percent of the island voted for secession, while 53 percent of Cumberland residents opposed it. These votes were non-binding and advisory only.
The proposed town of Chebeague Island would include 16 smaller islands or parts of islands lying mostly to the east of Chebeague. In a signed separation agreement negotiated with Cumberland town councilors, Chebeague would pay Cumberland half the taxes generated by those islands for the next 50 years. In addition, Chebeague would pay Cumberland $3.5 million for the Cumberland town land on Chebeague and for certain town equipment. These payments are estimated to keep the Cumberland real estate taxes stable in the event that secession is approved
.
© COPYRIGHT 2006 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
That decision is now left in the hands of the Maine state legislators in the form of LD 1735. It is a bill with many implications. Chebeague Island is Casco Bay's largest. Peaks Island, the Bay's most populous, has begun a sucession effort of its own.
Additional links.
Copyright © 2006 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING, INC.