This is the draft vision statement and goals for the Sebago Comprehensive Plan. The vision statement provides a guiding statement drafted by the community to define shared values, priorities, and aspirations for the future of Sebago. The goals provide high level objectives that express the vision statement in actions. Following community input, the vision and goals will undergo a final round of edits before being included in the Plan.

GOALS:

1. Connect to the outdoors and protect natural resources

2. Support public places and community assets

3. Focus on rural character and rural economy

4. Strengthen Sebago’s villages 

VISION STATEMENT:

The people of Sebago value the Town’s strong rural and outdoors character and are deeply committed to protecting its natural areas like Douglas Mountain, Tiger Hill, and other open spaces and recreation lands, natural resources like clean and abundant forested lands, groundwater, and all lakes and ponds, especially Sebago Lake. 

Sebago is a close-knit, neighborly community, where community members support each other and share deep connections to Sebago’s natural resources and important community assets like the library, school, local stores, churches, gathering places, and restaurants. Sebago invests in public spaces and creates opportunities for recreation and community-building for all ages, including its youngest and oldest residents. This includes access to trails and the town’s abundant lakes, ponds, beaches, and river. 

Change comes slowly and thoughtfully to Sebago. In the rural parts of town, new growth and development come in the form of well-designed and low-density development, arranged to preserve scenic views, the feel of country roads, and to protect Sebago’s large blocks of undeveloped land. The town encourages home occupations and traditional rural businesses like small farms and logging, as well as new kinds of businesses that support residents and seasonal services and events. 

More moderate levels of change and investment are appropriate in Sebago Center and the lakefront villages of East Sebago, Long Beach, and the Nason’s Beach area, in ways that respect environmental limitations and infrastructure capacity. These parts of town are appropriate for expanding the range of more affordable housing options for year-round residents, including smaller homes and small multifamily buildings. Year-round residents, seasonal visitors, and tourists find more options for local shopping and dining. Those businesses are supported not only by new residents in proximity to these village areas, but also by visitors using trails that connect villages to important natural destinations and larger trail systems. A focus on safe walking and biking infrastructure within village areas strengthens these areas as destinations within town and within the region.