York— The Toll Plaza in York, Me, has been under discussion for a remodel. This has been brought to many town meetings and the Maine Turnpike Authority has suggested moving the tollbooths in a different area in York. While local residents and committee members have thought that adding two tollbooths would be better and save money in the town. In an interview preformed a couple of days ago, I talked with York’s Town Manager, Robert G. Yandow on his thoughts on the construction.
When first bringing up the resent meeting that Yandow had with the rest of the town offices, he sounded stressed and worried. The selectmen have voted formally to oppose the MTA’s requests. Yandow worked with the Think Again for efforts against the MTA. This organization is citizen oriented. They are based in the York and help residents speak their voice on local politics and changes in the town. Yandow said, “These people are making a difference for the whole town. Without their help, many things would be different including the toll plaza and local parks.”
After briefly talking about some of his believes in property taxes, I asked his view on what would happen is the toll plaza was voted to be moved farther down Interstate 95. He told me, “If the town voted to move the tollbooths, many citizens would lose their homes and be forced to find other homes elsewhere.” It was shocking that he had put his opinion so bluntly. Being a busy man, and having this issue still in progress, it is relevant that he would feel so angered by the MTA’s actions.
Yandow gave his views on many citizen based organizations throughout the town. “I encourage you to get involved with your own town.” He stated this after I told him that I was from out of state. This is what he tells everyone in his town, cause he expresses community interests with residents he can currently contact him at his office number or at ryandow@yorkmaine.org for more information.
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