The Significance:
The face of Maine’s coast and harbors is changing. Access by fishermen and the public to the waterfront is being threatened by:

• sales of waterfront properties to private development;
• the conversion of commercial wharves to non-commercial and recreational marine uses; and
• the closing off of traditional access to the water. 

As in so many of Maine’s coastal communities, the small village way of life is disappearing, as private waterfront development replaces traditional fishing piers. Maine’s coast is more than 5,400 miles long, but today only 25 miles are used to support the over 10,300 fulltime and part-time fishermen who drive an industry that is worth $740 million to Maine’s economy.  The Town of Harpswell’s 2005 Comprehensive Plan and a November 2004 Working Waterfront Study identified the importance of protecting waterfront access.

The purchase of Holbrook’s presents a rare opportunity to protect a way of life that Mainers and summer residents have enjoyed for years. By protecting Holbrook’s from private development today, we will ensure that the wharf remains available in the future for commercial fishing use and public access, preserving for all a connection between Maine’s small community life and the sea. Holbrook will remain a destination, by land or by boat, for family, friends, and visitors.

Goals, Objectives and Evaluation:
The Holbrook Community Foundation seeks to protect Holbrook’s historic, cultural, and economic contributions to the community.  The goals of this foundation are to:

• protect opportunities for fishermen today and tomorrow;
• support the economic diversity which are the heart and soul of the community; 
• maintain public access to the coast for traditional uses and opportunities; and
• preserve the character and community life of Cundy’s Harbor, safeguard its local heritage, and save a site of historical significance to the town.

.   The Holbrook Community Foundation will own and manage the property as a mixed use working waterfront business for the public benefit. The Foundation will measure its success by the acquisition of the property and its long term successful operation of the property on behalf of the community.