New Group to Block Bar Harbor Cruise Terminal

   September 16, 2017 ,   Cruise Industry

A new residents association formed in Bar Harbor trying to block the proposed transition of the former ferry terminal into cruise ship berthing pier.

Bar Harbor port

Charles Sidman, head of the group, appeared before the recent meeting of the town council and threatened to sue the town over the plan.

In June 2017, voters approved a plan to create zoning that allows the maritime facility at ferry terminal property.

The new Ferry Terminal Property Advisory committee considers 4 options for uses at the spot: pier with berthing for cruise vessels, pier with tendering for cruise vessels, other marine uses and possible uses including outcomes in case the town does not buy the property.

Bar Harbor is the busiest cruise port in Maine, with 163 cruise ship visits expected in 2017 up from 105 last year.

In August, Maine Department of Transportation offered to sell the port town the former ferry terminal for US$3.5 million, 2 months after voters approved zoning change clearing the way for buying it and developing it for cruise traffic.