PROCLAMATION OF THE GEORGETOWN SELECT BOARD

Declaring Georgetown a Working Waterfront Community

Adopted September 8, 2026

WHEREAS, Georgetown’s identity, history, economy, and culture are deeply connected to the waters, shores, coves, islands, harbors, mudflats, wharves, boatyards, marinas, and marine businesses that have sustained generations of residents, families, and enterprises; and

WHEREAS, Georgetown has long been home to a vibrant and diverse working waterfront that includes, among other activities and enterprises, lobstering, clamming, aquaculture, worming, commercial harvesting, boatyards, marinas, marine services, and supporting businesses; and

WHEREAS, the Select Board recognizes that working waterfront activities are essential to Georgetown’s local economy, maritime heritage, food systems, public access, and sense of place; and

WHEREAS, Georgetown seeks to protect, support, promote, and advocate for a commercial marine base that remains successful, resilient, diverse, and in harmony with the broader community; and

WHEREAS, the Select Board recognizes that residents, businesses, visitors, real estate professionals, and prospective property owners benefit from clear public notice that Georgetown is, and intends to remain, a working waterfront community; and

WHEREAS, the Select Board further recognizes the importance of maintaining natural resources, waterways, infrastructure, and access that allow current and future commercial marine enterprises, residents, and visitors to engage with and benefit from Georgetown’s working waterfront; and

WHEREAS, this proclamation is intended as a public affirmation of community values and priorities and does not create fines, penalties, enforcement provisions, or restrictions beyond those otherwise provided by applicable law.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Georgetown Select Board PROCLAIMS  that the Town of Georgetown is hereby declared a Working Waterfront Community.

BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED that Georgetown proudly and publicly affirms its intention to remain a welcoming Working Waterfront Community that supports the people, families, businesses, and marine enterprises that depend upon and contribute to the Town’s waterfront.

BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED that the Select Board encourages public understanding of the vital role of the working waterfront and the conditions needed for it to thrive, including continued commitment to access, infrastructure, natural resources, and balanced community development.

BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED that the Town will endeavor to communicate this designation through appropriate public means, including the Town website, outreach to Georgetown residents and businesses, the Maine Association of Realtors and signage or other notices as determined by the Select Board.

BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED that the Select Board supports efforts to preserve Georgetown’s working waterfront integrity while respecting applicable Town, County, State, and Federal laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Georgetown Select Board adopts this Proclamation on the date written above.

Georgetown Select Board:

Aria Eee, Katie Goodwin, Katharine Gravino

Select Board Members with Pat Burns & John Jones. 

Pat and John were two of the members of the Town’s Working Waterfront Work Group.