Summary Analysis

An attractive New England farmhouse commands the central high point of the site, offering sweeping views to the south and west across open fields and down to the river. The farmhouse, barn, and loop road create the feeling of a central core, which is strengthened by the dense concentration of large mature trees around the buildings in contrast with the surrounding mown fields. While undulating slopes, drainage features, and hedgerows offer topographic and visual interest in the fields, the arrival area between the road and the farmhouse feels bare and uninviting due to its relatively flatter terrain, wide swathes of gravel and lawn, and absence of non-canopy vegetation. Confronted with this space and unable to see their immediate destination, visitors arriving by car rely on signs to guide them to designated parking areas. Irregular shapes and lack of definition in these spaces contribute to erratic parking patterns and inefficient circulation during busy times.

A band of steep slopes buffers the scenic western portion of the site from undesirable views of commercial properties across the road and creates a line of vantage points along the accessible gravel trail, but can be difficult for some visitors to navigate. The areas with the best views are also quite exposed to the sun and may be uncomfortably hot during summer months. The flatter parts of the site are popular for public use but tend to hold water due to the terrain and underlying soils. Stormwater and associated contaminants entering the site from road runoff pose water quality and aesthetic concerns in these highly visible areas. There is an opportunity to improve water quality on site and in the estuary by improving stormwater management, which can be used to demonstrate CRCT's commitment to land stewardship and environmental education.

Thin Vegetative Buffers offer poor protection of water quality Large Areas of Mown or Hayed Land Contribute to Erosion & Provide Limited Wildlife Habitat or shade Some Highly Visible and well trafficked areas occasionally unusable due to water pooling

Damariscotta River

Hayfields with mown paths

Solar array S T EEP SLOPES Barn

l i a r t O n l y accessible

Farmhouse ?

ASSETS

•Pastoral sloping site offers expansive views out to the scenic river •Close to downtown residences/ amenities and major regional transportation routes •Established community resource/ gathering space •Historical structures •Many mature trees •Located in region of high ecological diversity and productivity; high potential for diverse ecosystems •Topography and (to some extent) vegetation help define outdoor “zones” •Provides important connection in chain of open space/public access parcels •Southwest aspect suitable for solar •Elevation reduces vulnerability to sea level rise from climate change

Drainage

Primary Circulation route dominated by vehicles

Mown lawn

only available shade on site is either not accessible to all or subject to noise & unpleasant views of Main Street

Pad

Untreated road runoff entering site CHALLENGES/CONSTRAINTS

•Loop vehicle movement can conflict with pedestrian movement •Non-intuitive wayfinding and ambiguous arrival contribute to inefficient parking patterns during busy times •Upper zone subject to noise, unpleasant views from road and commercial structures; feels exposed •Slopes and mown grass path surfaces limit access to lower zone •Slowly draining soils and existing stormwater infrastructure contribute to water pooling/wet areas in high-use locations

Uninviting/ •Little shade or screening across much of confusing entry the site sequence •Vegetative buffers along water bodies thinned by mowing practices; increased risk of erosion and water quality impacts