Development appeal is about following the rules, not obstruction
By Sylvia and Becky Tapley
Kudos to Kayleigh Reynolds for her heartfelt speech on her love for Penobscot. It’s so nice to see young people get involved in what’s happening in their town, country, and world.
Like Kayleigh, my roots [Sylvia Tapley's, through Wardwell and Hutchins families] go way back to the 1700’s and I am deeply connected to that generational history here in Penobscot.
We read with care her letter, speaking to values we deeply share—the importance of keeping our community strong, ensuring our school stays vibrant, and making room for families who want to live and grow here. On those points, we fully agree.
As appellants, our position has sometimes been mischaracterized. We want to be clear: We are not opposing growth, new families, or the future of Penobscot. Among us are people who grew up here, people raising children here now, and people who care deeply about this town’s future. What is important for people to understand is that the developer’s original proposals did not meet state or local law, which is why they are being amended.
At several times through this process, the developer has had to scale back or change plans when it has been shown that the project is not in compliance with local and state land use laws. Our appeal is not about obstruction; it is about ensuring development follows the rules in place to protect our shoreline, our water, and the abutting properties that make up this community. These safeguards are not obstacles; they are protections. They ensure that the Penobscot we pass on to future generations is healthy, sustainable, and safe for all residents — new and old.
Wanting careful management of development does not mean we want to shut the door on families. Quite the opposite. We want projects that add housing while respecting the environment and existing neighbors, so that both current residents and newcomers can thrive side by side.
We welcome families who wish to call Penobscot home. We simply believe growth should happen in a way that reflects both our shared values and our shared responsibilities.
—Sylvia and Becky Tapley live in Penobscot and are among 12 appellants who have raised concerns over plans to convert the shuttered Penobscot Nursing Home into year-round rental housing. The matter is currently before Penobscot’s Board of Appeals.
