Officials need to be prepared for development pressures

To the editor:

Kudos to the people of the Blue Hill Peninsula for coming together to save the Salt Pond blueberry barrens from private residential development.

I hope the area’s select boards and planning boards are prepared for more proposals like this for private development of the peninsula’s open space. With its moderate climate and relatively inexpensive land, Maine is a very attractive place for people fleeing America’s sweltering cities.

Maine does need more housing. It is up to our elected officials to ensure the new housing suits the needs of our growing population without spoiling places like the Salt Pond blueberry barrens that make Maine the special place it is.

Steve Hindy, Brooklin

Editor’s note: Hindy serves on the board of The Rising Tide.