Commission president David Spiegel received the selectmens approval to move forward with the plans. The commission is taking the lead on the project, and will involve the residents and potential users as much as possible.

According to Spiegel, the first step is to develop a concept plan. The commission has taken the first stab at this, and is seeking input from the planning board and from the community.

Based on the input we get, the plan will be revised, Spiegel said.

When the concept plan is finalized, the next step is to submit it to the state agencies that can provide grant money for design and construction. The principal agency in this step is the Boating Facilities division of the Department of Conservation, Bureau of Parks and Lands. The commission has been working closely with this group since the beginning, having sponsored the application to the Land for Maines Future Program for money to help buy the property.

The commission has organized the development of the property into three phases. The first would include construction of the parking lot, turnarounds, launch preparation area, ramp improvements and possibly a seasonal float or series of floats. Grants are available for this work.

The second phase, which is speculative at present, would be to rebuild the former jetty as a permanent breakwater with a pier, ramp and float. The commission is exploring what grants might be available for this.

The third phase is a possible development of other portions of the property for recreational uses. Suggestions include picnic tables, benches, a pavilion, a restaurant or snack bar, a monument to the working waterfront, historical exhibits, and a tour boat landing.

This phase is the most speculative of all, Spiegel said, and would require extensive input from the community. The commission plans to begin exploring this phase next year.

Comments relating to the plan can be e-mailed to Spiegel at dspiegel@ downeast.net or mailed to the commission at the Westport Island town office, 6 Fowles Point Road, Westport Island, ME 04578. Town Pays Legal Fees

The selectmen voted to pay $200 to attorney Chris Neagle for legal advice regarding the town vote and public hearings on the Wright property Commercial Fisheries Maritime Activities district.

They also approved $500 for attorney Clayton Howards bill for legal services regarding the Board of Assessors stop work order against Marden Builders at Rum Cove.