Rockland, Maine
Upcoming
Planning Board
The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a zoning map amendment for 270 Park Street, changing it from Commercial 1 to Residential B to enable housing development. They will also discuss a pre-application for a mixed-use commercial/residential project at 1 Park Drive (no decision will be made) and initiate reviews of the board's bylaws and land use documents.
- Public hearing on Ordinance Amendment #18: Zoning Map Amendment for 270 Park Street (C1 to Res B)
- Pre-application discussion for mixed-use development at 1 Park Drive (informal, no decision)
- Initial review of Planning Board by-laws
- Discussion to select land use documents and training materials for board review
- Approval of meeting minutes from April 7, April 21, and June 2, 2026
Recent meetings
City Council
At this agenda-setting meeting, the Rockland City Council will discuss and potentially vote on Order #55, authorizing a $200,000 grant application for the Wayfinding Project with a $35,000 match from TIF funds. The council will also set the agenda for the July 13 regular meeting, which includes several zoning amendments, a police facility lease agreement, and tax due dates. Most items are for discussion and agenda-setting, with only the grant order listed for action.
- Order #55: Authorizes applying for up to $200,000 Maine Destination Planning and Development Grant for Wayfinding Project, with $35,000 match from Downtown/Tillson Avenue TIF funds
- Final reading and public hearing on eliminating the Philbrick Avenue Contract Zone (postponed from 06/08/2026)
- Final reading and public hearing on zoning map amendment for 435 & 441 Old County Road from Residential B to Rural Residential
- First reading of ordinance to allow studios as permitted use in all compatible zones
- Order #58: Sets FY2027 tax due dates (Sept 24, 2026 and March 4, 2027) and interest rate at 4.25%
Breakwater Lighthouse Working Group
The Breakwater Lighthouse Working Group will review operations, including 10 visitor openings so far, and a financial report showing $522.70 in donations. Members will discuss donation management, fundraising website planning, and volunteer recruitment and training. No formal votes or decisions are scheduled; the meeting is primarily updates and planning.
- $522.70 in donations deposited into nonprofit bank account
- Fundraising website planning with examples from other lighthouse organizations
- New Keeper training update and volunteer recruitment efforts
- Facebook page update and communications review
Energy and Sustainability Advisory Committee
The Rockland Energy and Sustainability Advisory Committee will vote on its SMART goals for fiscal years 2026-27 as the primary discussion item. The meeting also includes updates on several ongoing projects, including Transfer Station Wayfinding, MacDougal Community Garden, ResilientSMP, Safe Routes to South School, and a Garden Tour. The committee will then set action items and note the summer recess for August.
- Vote on RESAC goals for FY26-27
- Update on Transfer Station Wayfinding
- Update on MacDougal Community Garden
- Update on ResilientSMP Project
- Update on Safe Routes to South School
Economic Development Plan Advisory Group
The Economic Development Plan Advisory Group held its first meeting to review the project timeline, discuss Rockland's economic conditions, and plan summer outreach. The group agreed to meet from noon to 2:00 PM in future sessions, with the next meeting scheduled for September. Key themes included housing affordability, workforce challenges, transportation, and building on Rockland's brand identity.
- Advisory group kickoff for the city's economic development plan, with a target completion by January 2026
- Discussion of economic conditions: housing affordability, workforce, transportation costs, energy costs, and building age
- Group agreed on meeting time (12:00–2:00 PM) and schedule; next meeting in September
- Consulting team planning a community and business survey for early summer release
- Discussion of targeted outreach, including workforce housing and developers' perspectives
City Council
The City Council will meet to consider the adoption of the FY 2027 Municipal Budget. Additional items include authorizing various reserve fund expenditures, a debt write-off for EMS receivables, and salary adjustments.
- Adoption of the FY 2027 Municipal Budget at $25,265,027
- Expenditure of up to $60,000 for Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse lightning rod system repair
- Write-off of $46,646.65 in uncollectable 2020-2021 EMS debt
- Expenditure of $158.51 from the Harbor Trail Reserve for harbor cleanup expenses
- Declaration of Official Intent for the FY 2027 Capital Improvement Plan up to $605,000
Planning Board
The Rockland Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a proposed 10-unit multi-family development at 59 Main Street, continued from a previous meeting. The board also will hold public hearings on three zoning ordinance amendments: eliminating the obsolete Philbrick Avenue contract zone, reclassifying two parcels on Old County Road from Residential B to Rural Residential RR1, and allowing studios as a permitted use in compatible zones.
- Public hearing on PB26-12: 10-unit multi-family development at 59 Main St (Tax Map 10-K-1)
- Public hearing on ordinance amendment eliminating Philbrick Avenue contract zone (Chapter 19, Sec. 19-208)
- Public hearing on zoning map amendment for 435 & 441 Old County Road from Residential B to RR1
- Public hearing on ordinance amendment allowing studios as permitted use (Chapter 19, Sec. 19-206)
- Site visit at 59 Main St at 4:00 PM prior to meeting
Harbor Trail Committee
The Rockland Harbor Trail Committee meets to approve previous minutes, discuss new member ideas, and review old business including updates on Seabird Interpretative Panels and a new bench being installed at Sandy Beach. The committee also debriefs the recent Herb Walk and plans the upcoming History Walk on June 28th.
- New bench being installed at Sandy Beach
- Seabird Interpretative Panels along Boardwalk update (Barbara)
- History Walk 'Discover the Trail' scheduled June 28th
- Debrief of Herb Walk 'Discover the Trail' (June 7th)
- Possible purchase of microphone and speaker for events
City Council
The Rockland City Council will hold a first reading of an ordinance authorizing a design-build lease purchase agreement for a new police department location at 12 Water Street. The council will also conduct final readings on zoning amendments, including eliminating the Philbrick Avenue Contract Zone and changing zoning on Old County Road. Several orders involve spending from reserve accounts for harbor repairs and a fee waiver for the Blues Festival.
- First reading of ordinance for design-build lease purchase agreement for new police facility at Suite 215, 12 Water Street
- Final reading to eliminate Philbrick Avenue Contract Zone
- Final reading to rezone 435 & 441 Old County Road from Residential B to Rural Residential RR1
- Order authorizing up to $20,000 from Fish Pier Reserve for electrical repairs
- Order authorizing waiver of $3,200 park rental fee for North Atlantic Blues Festival
Coast Guard City Advisory Committee
The Coast Guard City Advisory Committee discussed a planned pier removal and addition project expected to take 3–4 years, which will temporarily shift the home base of the Abbie Burgess and Thunder Bay and cause additional traffic on Tillson and Commercial. The committee also considered a request from the Sons of the American Legion for a golf tournament fundraiser, noting that discounted tickets are allowed but free tickets are not. Other items included updates on a retirement party, a change of command, and follow-up on the city website listing committee members.
- Pier replacement project: 3–4 year construction, temporary relocation of Abbie Burgess and Thunder Bay
- Civil Engineering unit to alert city and businesses of additional traffic on Tillson and Commercial
- Golf tournament fundraiser with Sons of American Legion: discounted tickets OK, free not allowed, cannot be fundraiser
- Tom Crane retirement party at Maine Lighthouse Museum on June 6 at 11am
- Change of Command for Tackle on June 18 at 10am in Buoy Park
Planning Board
The Planning Board will continue reviewing a site plan for a 10-unit multi-family development at 59 Main Street. They will also discuss three zoning ordinance amendments: eliminating the obsolete Philbrick Avenue Contract Zone, rezoning two parcels on Old County Road, and allowing studios as a permitted use in compatible zones.
- Continued review of application PB26-12 for a 10-unit multi-family development at 59 Main Street
- Elimination of Philbrick Avenue Contract Zone (Sec. 19-208) as obsolete
- Zoning map amendment for 435 & 441 Old County Road from Residential B to Rural Residential RR1 Zone
- Amendment to allow Studios as a permitted use in compatible zones (Sec. 19-206)
City Council
The Rockland City Council will consider two grant applications: up to $75,000 for the Buoy Park and Middle Pier redevelopment and up to $625,000 for a Stream Smart crossing at Meadow Brook on Sherer Lane. The council will also receive an update on the Economic Development Plan and an update on the Emergency Warming Center season. The meeting will set the agenda for the regular council meeting on June 8, 2026.
- Order #39: authorize application for up to $75,000 Community Action Grant for Buoy Park & Middle Pier redevelopment (25% city match).
- Order #40: authorize application for up to $625,000 Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund for Stream Smart crossing at Meadow Brook on Sherer Lane (5% grant match, $100,000 city match).
- Presentation – Economic Development Plan Update.
- Presentation – Emergency Warming Center Season Update.
- Set agenda for the June 8, 2026 regular City Council meeting.
Harbor Management Commission
The Harbor Management Commission discussed the unstable fish pier stone wall and approved a water-level sensor project with Brown University. They also approved permits for an art installation, a food truck, a cycling event, and temporary dockage for tour boats during construction. The commission declined to recommend a fee waiver for the Blues Festival.
- Fish pier stone wall found unstable and built on mud; area to be cordoned off
- Approval of water-level sensors at Snow Marine Park, Sandy Beach, and Municipal Pier (Brown University collaboration)
- Approval of food truck at Snow Marine Park (Lucas Brower, employs students, late June through August)
- Approval of exclusive 60' town dock floats for Morning in Maine and Maluhia tour boats (August 12 to end of season)
- Art installation (GPS monitoring display) approved pending location; Blues Festival fee waiver not recommended
City Council
This workshop is part of Rockland's ongoing initiative to understand cruise tourism's role in the community. City staff and consultants will present data on trends, operations, and alignment with the 2022 Comprehensive Plan and harbor redevelopment. Attendees can ask questions and provide feedback to inform future policy discussions.
- Presentation by Sarah Flink (Spring Line Group) and Tom Luttrell on cruise tourism data and regional trends
- Overview of PortShare Midcoast 2026 Visitor Welcome Program
- Connections to Public Landing & Harbor Park Redevelopment Project and Harbor Plan
- Interactive community input session on cruise tourism and PortShare Promise Program
City Council
The City Council will hear presentations on a housing plan and from the Affordable Workforce Housing Task Force. They will take up the first reading of an ordinance amendment defining affordable workforce housing and requiring council approval and a public hearing before spending borrowed housing funds. Orders include up to $60,000 for lighthouse lightning rod repair and a grant application for a pump out boat. The council will also review the FY2027 budgets for Harbor, Fish Pier, Wastewater, and Storm Water.
- Ordinance Amendment #17: first reading to define 'Affordable Workforce Housing' and require public hearing and council approval for spending borrowed funds
- Order #35: authorize up to $60,000 for lightning rod system repair at Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse (postponed from 5/13)
- Order #36: authorize grant application from Maine DEP for up to $70,500 for a pump out boat for Rockland Harbor
- FY2027 Budget Review for Harbor, Fish Pier, Wastewater, and Storm Water
- Presentations by Jeff Levine (Housing Plan) and Affordable Workforce Housing Task Force
Harbor Trail Committee
The committee will approve April minutes and discuss several old business items including harbor cleanup wrap-up, a library case display, and the final meeting before the Herb Walk event. New members and coordination of panel installation with the Blues Festival are also on the agenda. The meeting is largely procedural with no major decisions or financial items.
- Approval of April meeting minutes
- Discussion of Harbor Clean Up wrap-up and comments
- Final meeting before Herb Walk event
- Coordination of panel installation with Paul Benjamin and Blues Festival
Affordable Workforce Housing Tak Force
The Housing Taskforce will discuss a memo clarifying the definition of Affordable Workforce Housing (AWH) and prepare a presentation to update the Rockland City Council on its work. No action items or voting are scheduled for this meeting.
- Discussion of memo on Affordable Workforce Housing (AWH) definition
- Presentation of update to Rockland City Council
City Council
The Rockland City Council will vote on several ordinance amendments in final reading, including zoning changes and a new code of ethics, and first readings on parking permits for non-resident property owners and spending rules for affordable workforce housing funds. Orders include authorizing $500,000 in CDBG grant funds for rental housing development at the former McLain School property, up to $20,000 for demolition of 2 Pine Street, and $60,000 for lighthouse lightning rod repair, as well as amendments to harbor and waterfront fees.
- Final reading: Rezone 435 & 441 Old County Road from Residential B to Rural Residential RR1
- Final reading: Eliminate the Philbrick Avenue Contract Zone
- First reading: Allow non-resident property owners 2 hours free parking in metered spaces
- Order: Authorize $500,000 CDBG grant application for housing at McLain School (28 Lincoln St & 82 Summer St)
- Order: Authorize up to $60,000 from Reserve Account for Breakwater Lighthouse lightning rod repair
Energy and Sustainability Advisory Committee
The Rockland Energy and Sustainability Advisory Committee is holding its May 6, 2026 meeting with a primary discussion on the Data Center Ordinance. The agenda also includes updates on the Sustainability Commendation, compost, Harbor Cleanup recap, Bike to Work Day (May 15), Pollinator Garden Tour, and a LOS request for Sandy Beach. No votes or decisions are listed; the meeting focuses on discussion and updates.
- Primary topic: Data Center Ordinance
- Bike to Work Day on May 15
- Harbor Cleanup recap
- Pollinator Garden Tour
- LOS request for Sandy Beach
City Council
The Rockland City Council meets to set the agenda for its regular meeting on May 11. They will receive a presentation on the FY 2027 city budget and discuss the Police Department facility. The council will also vote on several items including ordinance amendments and reserve fund expenditures, and hold an executive session on property acquisition.
- Ordinance #12 eliminating the Philbrick Ave. Contract Zone
- Ordinance #13 rezoning 435 & 441 Old County Road to Rural Residential RR1
- Order #34 authorizing up to $20,000 for demolition of 2 Pine Street
- Order #35 authorizing up to $60,000 for lightning rod repair at Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse
- Order #36 authorizing application for $500,000 CDBG grant for housing development at former McLain School
Planning Board
The Rockland Planning Board will hold public hearings on two site plan applications: a change of use to transitional housing at 407 Pleasant St and modifications for Project Greenhouse at 18 Elm St. The board will also review a pre‑application for a new 10‑unit apartment building at 59 Main St. Several zoning ordinance amendments will be considered, including eliminating the Philbrick Ave Contract Zone and reclassifying parcels at 435 & 441 Old County Road.
- Public hearing on PB26-9: MaineHealth transitional housing addition (2,634 sq ft) at 407 Pleasant St, Tax Map #65‑B‑1
- Public hearing on PB26-11: Project Greenhouse modifications at 18 Elm St, Tax Map #1‑G‑4‑1
- Review of pre‑application PB26-12 for a 10‑unit apartment building at 59 Main St, Tax Map #10‑K‑1
- Ordinance Amendment #12: Eliminate Philbrick Ave Contract Zone from the Zoning Ordinance
- Ordinance Amendment #13: Change zone classification of 435 & 441 Old County Road from Residential B to Rural Residential RR1
Harbor Management Commission
The Harbor Management Commission will consider several event applications and discuss updates to the Harbor Management Plan. Items include a farmers market, a food truck at Johnson Memorial Park, a music festival, and a fundraiser. The commission will also review pages 10-20 of the Harbor Management Plan and discuss mooring trends.
- Application: Rockland Farmer's Market
- Application: Jonathan Hersey – Food truck at Johnson Memorial Park
- Application: Homeworthy music festival
- Application: Mercantile fundraiser
- New business: Pages 10-20 of the Harbor Management Plan and mooring update/trends discussion
Breakwater Lighthouse Working Group
The Breakwater Lighthouse Working Group is discussing several operational and governance items for the lighthouse, including the possibility of becoming a nonprofit organization. They are also addressing safety protocols, volunteer procedures, and repairs to the float, which cannot be purchased this year due to funds being diverted to the middle pier project. The group reviewed a draft opening and closing checklist and identified needed supplies like a logbook, VHF radio, and first aid kit.
- Discussion of converting the lighthouse to a nonprofit organization with board members deciding on donation allocation
- Float repair and improvement needed after funds for new float were used for the middle pier project
- Development of safety protocols, emergency procedures, and CPR/first aid training for volunteers
- Installation of VOIP phone via RED ZONE wireless discussed for internet connectivity
- Resignation of Tyler Waterson from the working group
Revenue Working Group
The Rockland Revenue Working Group held its final meeting, approving a motion to recommend the City Council revise the city's investment policy to align with state-authorized parameters. Commissioners also reviewed and amended draft recommendations to the Council for final transmission. No members of the public spoke during the comment period.
- Approved motion recommending Council revise investment policy to conform with state parameters
- Reviewed and amended draft Recommendations to the Council; final document to be sent after Chair's concurrence
- Final meeting of the Commission adjourned at 5:15pm
City Council
The Rockland City Council will hold its regular monthly meeting on April 13, 2026, with a full agenda of ordinances, orders, and resolves. Final votes are scheduled on several parking ordinance changes, including expanding permit and metered parking areas, and a deed amendment for an affordable housing unit. The council will also consider orders authorizing a $5 million grant application for Public Landing redevelopment, $64,000 for new parking pay stations, and a resolve supporting No Mow May.
- Final reading: ordinance expanding permit parking to Orient, Elm, Museum, School, Custom House, Lindsey, and Summer streets
- Final reading: quit claim deed amendment changing income restriction to occupant at 150% AMI for 10 Halls Lane
- Order authorizing $5M grant application for Public Landing redevelopment and Harbormaster Building design
- Order authorizing $64,000 from Parking Reserve Account for up to 10 new parking pay stations
- Resolve supporting No Mow May to encourage unmown lawns for pollinators
Harbor Trail Committee
The Rockland Harbor Trail Committee will discuss installing seabird interpretive panels along the boardwalk, review grant progress for South End improvements, and finalize details for upcoming trail events including a cleanup on April 25-26 and several guided walks. The committee will also approve prior meeting minutes and plan a future library bookcase display.
- New business: Seabird Interpretative Panels along Boardwalk presented by Barbara Mogel (Friends of Maine Seabirds)
- Harbor Trail Clean Up April 25-26 (rain date April 26) – registration and event links provided
- Grant update for South End Improvements
- Bird Walk 'Discover the Trail' reminder for April 9th
- Herb Walk (June 7) and History Walk (June 28) updates