Editor:
    In just a few days, voters in Kennebunkport will be asked whether they support a contract zone proposal for a property that has been part of our lives for more than three decades, the Tides Inn.    
    Admittedly, we began this process a bit naïvely, but we were soon shocked to learn how some very vocal people in our community are able to distort what seems to be such a straightforward concept, one that would ensure that this historic building will still be an integral part of Kennebunkport’s culture and greater community while also providing numerous public benefits.
    In response to the numerous misstatements that have been about this project, I would like to take this opportunity to clarify some of what has been said and to offer my neighbors and fellow community members some basic facts about both the Tides Inn and Kennebunkport’s contract zone process.
    First, contract zones are part of our town’s ordinances just as they are in many other communities throughout Maine. Contract zoning is an invaluable tool that gives communities the flexibility necessary to deal with unique situations versus a one-size-fits-all approach. Contract zones cannot be bought. They are, in fact, a legal “contract” between a landowner and the community.
    Appropriately, our town requires a rigorous application process for anyone who opts to use this method to deal with a unique parcel or building. Before a contract zone goes to the voters it must first meet the stringent requirements of both the planning board and board of selectmen. It must then be approved by the voters.
    Secondly, the Tides Inn is a historic structure; a beautiful part of our coastal landscape and a beloved, longtime destination for those who adore spending part of their summer in our community. The contract zone we have proposed would allow this building to remain functional for many more years, allowing others – like I did – to relocate here and become active members of Kennebunkport’s community.
    Frankly, under current land-use standards, the Tides Inn could not be built where it is today. As an older building, it is “grandfathered” to allow its current use but that fact also poses significant restrictions on me, preventing modernization and upgrades of the building to accommodate a changing marketplace.
    Despite what some people are claiming, converting the inn to condominiums would be a less intrusive use of the property and it would benefit the neighborhood and greater community in many other ways, a very specific requirement when applying for a contract zone.
     Under the proposed contract zone, my plan is to “downsize” the inn from 22 individual guest rooms, two apartments, a restaurant and lounge to up to 12 condominium units. This would result in less traffic in the area and a more neighborhood friendly use of the property.
    Conversion of the Tides Inn would also allow me to upgrade the interior of the building while retaining its historic and aesthetic exterior. The installation of new plumbing, electrical systems and a fire sprinkler system, not to mention an elevator and compliance with the American Disabilities Act will make the Tides Inn a safer building and conform to current safety requirements.
     But perhaps the largest public benefit of this proposal will be the ability for this contract zone to ensure the long-standing issues of public access and appropriate public facilities at Goose Rocks Beach.
    Voter approval of this contract zone will allow us to finally solve these ongoing issues by providing the town with a permanent easement to allow public access to the beach as well as our plan to construct aesthetically pleasing public facilities that will be controlled by the town. Both the access rights and public facilities will be deeded to the town of Kennebunkport.
    The Chamber of Commerce endorsed this project. The Tides proposal fits perfectly with our town’s goal of minimizing non-conforming uses of buildings and also provides many other public benefits, including making the Tides Inn a safer, more visually appealing, neighbor-friendly facility.
    I sincerely believe that voter approval of a contract zone for the Tides Inn will provide a win-win situation for both my business and the town.
     In closing, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the many neighbors, businesses and community members who have supported and encouraged me over the last few weeks. I knew when I moved to Kennebunkport in the early 1970s that my daughter and I had discovered an amazing and very special community. It is my sincere hope that the Tides Inn structure can continue as an integral part of such a wonderful and beautiful place for many years to come.
    Thank you for your time and support!
Marie Henriksen
The Tides Inn