1. (30 pts) Economic Significance of the Property
Explanation: This criterion considers the economic importance of the property to the commercial fisheries industry in the immediate vicinity and as part of the State economy. Factors such as the numbers and types of fishermen using the property, the value of landings, the amount of use the property receives over time, and the essential role of the property to providing commercial fishing access in the vicinity and to the industry as a whole. Significance is gained by serving many and diverse fisheries, providing essential access in the area (the last or one of the remaining few working piers in the area), the role the facility plays in the local economy such as purchasing goods and services and providing employment, and its importance to the fisheries being served and contributions to the state economy as a whole.
(21 - 30 pts) The property is highly significant because of the numbers and diversity of fishermen and vessels using (or likely to be using) the facility, the relatively high proportion of landings in the area and for particular fisheries, it is the single or one of a few remaining working piers in the area, is a major part of the local economy, and contributes to the state economy.
(11 – 20 pts) The property is moderately significant because of the numbers and diversity of fishermen and vessels using the facility, the relatively moderate proportion of landings in the area and for particular fisheries, is an important part of the local economy, and contributes to the state economy.
(0 – 10 pts) The property has limited significance because of the relatively low numbers and diversity of fishermen and vessels using the property, the limited amount of landings for the area and fisheries, a small part of the local economy, and makes small contributions to the state economy as a whole.
2. (20 pts) Alternative Properties in the Vicinity
Explanation: This criterion considers how the project fits into the existing commercial fishing situation and if other working waterfront properties exist in the same vicinity that are also supporting commercial fisheries uses. How does this project help meet the need for commercial fishing access in the area? For example, will the proposed project provide critical capacity, complement and augment existing working access and contribute to a pattern or critical mass of waterfront facilities and services? How will the project secure critical capacity needs and not compete with other established facilities and businesses? Why is this project crucial/how does it help support or fill access needs? Is there a better alternative project? Are any alterative properties available or considered? Are any of the similar properties in the vicinity publicly owned or otherwise secured? Vicinity in this case means the area surrounding the proposed project property, which may be described as a harbor or port, a stretch of waterfront in a area, or the existence of any reasonable alternative sites and facilities that could serve the effected fisheries businesses.
(14 - 20 pts) The property is highly needed because it provides secure critical commercial fishing access in the area and for a particular fisheries that can not or will not be met by other properties, that augments and compliments existing working access, that is integral to the working waterfront, is needed to assure adequate fishing access.
(7 – 13 pts) The property is moderately needed because it secures commercial fishing access, contributes to the capacity for working access in the area, is part of a pattern of working waterfront that is meeting access needs.
(0 – 6 pts) Need for the property is limited because it provides a small or limited amount of secure commercial fishing access that can be or is provided by other existing sites and facilities such as a municipal fish pier or commercial business.
3. (10 pts) Degree of Community Support
Explanation: This criterion considers the degree of community support for the proposed project that is demonstrated by letters of support, financial contributions, and supporting business and/or town actions will increase the significance of a project. Community support comes in a range of ways such as the existence of a comprehensive plan that recognizes the importance of the fishing industry to the community, the adoption of land use ordinances designed to protect working waterfront areas, property tax incentives to help fishing business retain ownership and use of lands and facilities, business partnerships, financial contributions, and community support in the form of letters and endorsements of the project.
(7 – 10 pts) The proposed project has high community support as evidenced by numerous measures, which could include (1) letters of support from local fishermen and fishing organizations, surrounding property owners and waterfront users, chambers of commerce and businesses benefiting from operation of the property, municipal officials, and community members addressing the impacts or merits of the project; (2) demonstrated financial and other contributions from project partners and other supporters; and (3) municipal support such as an adopted comprehensive plan that is consistent with the State’s Growth Management Act with one or more measures related to protection of working waterfronts implemented as recommended in the plan, and/or land use ordinances, tax policies and other actions designed to support commercial fishing activities in the project area.
(4 - 6 pts) The proposed project has moderate community support as evidenced by some measures of support, which could include (1) letters of support and endorsements of the project; (2) limited financial and other project support; and (3) municipal support such as an adopted comprehensive plan that is consistent with the State’s Growth Management Act that recognizes the importance of maintaining commercial fishing access, with some supporting actions in the project area.
(0 – 3 pts) The proposed project has minimal community support, with little demonstration of support from fishermen, businesses, municipal officials, or community members; minimal supporting municipal actions, and little outside financial support.
4. (20 pts) Level of Threat of Conversion
Explanation: The threat of conversion to uses incompatible with commercial fisheries businesses can be reflected in the patterns and trends of waterfront development within the area. Population trends, escalating property values, the loss of similar fishing properties to other uses, and an active real estate market are measures of threat. Property that can be converted and/or redeveloped under existing land use regulations is an indication of high threat level. Properties used with informal access arrangements may also be highly threatened by unforeseen changes in ownership.
(14–20pts) The property is highly threatened by current/emerging conversion to other uses as evidenced by development pressures in the community and surrounding areas. There is a demonstrated market for the property to be converted to non-fisheries uses.
(7-13 pts) The property is moderately threatened by current/emerging conversion to other uses as evidenced by development pressures in the community and surrounding areas. The property may have some development potential.
(0-6pts) The property is slightly threatened by current/emerging conversion to other uses as evidenced by development pressures in the community and surrounding areas. The property is restricted in use to commercial fishing or water dependent uses, or the properties best economic return is through use for commercial fishing business.
5. (20 pts) Utility of the Property for Commercial Fisheries Business
Explanation: The utility of the proposed protected property for commercial fisheries business uses in terms of its natural characteristics and developed infrastructure is an important factor in evaluating the significance of a project. Properties in good repair or put into good repair, with convenient access room to operate from land and water, and well maintained will demonstrate high utility.
(14 – 20 pts) The property has high utility for the uses proposed because of its existing and planned improvements, its setting in proximity to boat channels and land transportation system, critical and supporting services in the area, and operational space.
(7 – 13 pts) The property has medium utility for the uses proposed because of its existing and planned improvements, its setting in proximity to boat channels and land transportation system, critical and supporting services in the area, and operational space.
(0 – 6 pts) The property has limited utility for the uses proposed because of its existing and planned improvements, its setting in proximity to boat channels and land transportation system, critical and supporting services in the area, and operational space.