Overview
The City of Ellsworth is partnering with MaineDOT through the Village Partnership Initiative (VPI) to plan for long-term transportation, safety, and community improvements throughout several key areas of our community. This is a planning effort only and will provide recommendations in the form of a final report.
MaineDOT’s Village Partnership Initiative (VPI) program helps communities re-invest in village centers and downtowns – places where residents live, work, shop and gather. While traditional transportation planning focuses on moving vehicles efficiently, the VPI expands that focus to include pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users and the overall sense of place. This is a community-based initiative.
For Ellsworth this initiative provides an opportunity to address long-standing challenges, enhance connections across the city, and improve streets for all modes of transportation. The study focuses on Downtown Ellsworth, the waterfront, State Street, Main Street, and several gateway corridors that connect residents and visitors to businesses, schools, parks, and community destinations. See project area map.
Ellsworth serves as the commercial, cultural, and transportation hub for much of Hancock County. As our community continues to grow, we face opportunities and challenges related to:
- Traffic congestion
- Pedestrian safety
- Bicycle connectivity
- Access to the waterfront
- Safe routes to schools
- Economic development
- Downtown vitality
- Climate resilience
- Parking and circulation
The Village Partnership Initiative provides an opportunity to look at these issues together and develop a long-term strategy for the future.
This is a planning effort. No final decisions have been made, and public feedback continues to help shape the recommendations that will be presented later in the process.
VPI is built on collaboration. To ensure residents, businesses and stakeholders are heard, the study includes:
- Multiple public hearings
- Stakeholder discussion groups
- An online project webpage
- Two community surveys
- Opportunities to comment throughout the process
Community participation is essential to help us shape Ellsworth’s transportation future and ensure our village center remains vibrant, safe and welcoming for all.
For more information on this program or to provide public comment on the discussions, please contact sdevlin@ellsworthmaine.gov
- Take the Survey: Ellsworth Streets
- Project / Study Goals and Timeline
- Resources, Workshop, Meeting
- Focus Areas
- Preliminary Concepts
- FAQ's & Get involved
What should Ellsworth’s streets look like in the years ahead?The City of Ellsworth is continuing work on the Maine DOT Village Partnership Initiative, a project focused on improving how people move through our community, whether walking, biking, driving, or accessing local businesses and services. Based on feedback received during the first round of public engagement, design concepts have been developed.
Did we get it right? Is something missing? We want to hear from you.
Take a few minutes to review the concepts and complete the survey:
Your feedback will help guide future planning and investment decisions as we work to create safe, accessible, and connected streets for everyone.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.
Waterfront