VOTING INFORMATION

IN BRIEF: This new ordinance consolidates the three previous sets of standards into one. It simplifies and streamlines definitions and approval process for home based businesses. There would be three subcategories: small, medium, and large; application and approval would be updated so that only a “Large” home based business would require Planning Board approval and site plan review. Small and Medium sized businesses would be reviewed and approved by the Code Enforcement Officer.

A ‘YES’ VOTE MEANS: Repealing existing outmoded ordinances and replacing with modernized definitions and streamlined, simpilified application and approval process.

A ‘NO’ VOTE MEANS: No change to current ordinances or process. Existing ordinances will stay in force.

IN BRIEF: The Zoning Board of Appeals, with concurrence from Maine DEP,  approved a shoreland boundary change for a specific parcel of land on 299 Harold L. Dow Highway. This ordinance would update the Town’s official map to be consistent with Board of Appeal’s Decision.

A ‘YES’ VOTE MEANS: Town’s Official Zoning Map is in compliance with BOA decision.

A ‘NO’ VOTE MEANS: Town’s Official Zoning Map stays as is but is out of compliance.

IN BRIEF: The 2025 Plan is a strategic document that outlines a vision for Eliot’s future development and growth. It replaces the 2009 plan and serves as a modern blueprint; guiding decisions on land use, housing, transportation, economic development, natural resource management, and public services over the next 10 to 20 years.  It was guided by a Comprehensive Plan Committee (CPC) made up of Eliot residents, Town committee representatives, and Town staff. It is rooted in the values expressed by community members through various public engagement opportunities throughout the process.

A ‘YES’ VOTE MEANS: This plan allows the Select and Planning Boards to develop zoning and manage growth with a vision for the future. Having an approved Comprehensive Plan allows us to enjoy preferred status in qualifying for competitive state grants and the ability to guide state growth-related capital investments in our growth zone.

A ‘NO’ VOTE MEANS: A Comprehensive Plan will need to be developed again from the beginning; this is a multi-year investment and State guidelines have changed significantly since 2023.

IN BRIEF: The annual number of building permits for new dwelling units (excluding ADUs and elderly housing) is required by Town ordinance.  Planning Board makes a recommendation based on input from Town departments  - Police, Fire, Public Works, school departments - to ensure permit number is in line with the comprehensive plan, capital improvement plans, and town’s ability to accommodate growth. 

A ‘YES’ VOTE MEANS: The maximum number of growth permits issued will be 26.

A ‘NO’ VOTE MEANS: The number of growth permits will be capped according to state regulation for a minimum number. That is estimated to be 15.

IN BRIEF: Budget Validation Referendum totaling $38,989,582, representing 16 separate articles allowing for operation of the MSAD #35 School District.  Each individual line item was presented and voted on by Eliot and South Berwick registered voters at the District Budget meeting on May 12, 2025.

A ‘YES’ VOTE MEANS: MSAD budget of $38,989,582 will be in place for 2025/2026 school year.

A ‘NO’ VOTE MEANS: The two step process (line item review followed by budget validation referendum) will be repeated until a full budget is approved. The interim operating budget would be the May 12, 2025 line item budget.