Duck Pond Corner, Westbrook
The Issue
Duck Pond Corner, a formerly rural village in Westbrook is bisected by one the state’s busiest transportation corridors, Route 302. The intersection of Duck Pond and Hardy Roads with Route 302 is a high-crash site, with twelve accidents in the last three years. The Maine Department of Transportation is proposing a roundabout to make the intersection safer, but local residents are concerned about the amount of land needed for a roundabout and the impact a roundabout might have on the historic buildings adjacent to the intersection.
Duck Pond Corner is Westbrook’s last remaining rural village. It developed around a bucket mill on Mill Brook and later became a popular destination for summer visitors. The corner is best known for the Walking TV Repairman, a sign built by businessman and musician Al Hawkes to advertise his radio and TV store in the 1950s.
Our Position
Local residents concerned about the neighborhood researched its history and the history of the historic buildings that comprise the village, with help from the Westbrook Historical Society. Greater Portland Landmarks has helped turn that research into a request to the Maine Historic Preservation Commission for their determination on whether the village could become a National Register Historic District. National Register status would mean that any changes to the intersection would need to be reviewed for their impact on historic structures.
Since Landmarks began working with local residents to gain recognition of the area’s historic significance, the Walking TV Repairman sign and Hawkes' former store were rehabilitated by local restaurateur and developer Bill Umbel into a pub. A historic marker at the intersection was recently restored for the City of Westbrook by Richardson Monument of South Portland.
Update
The Maine Historic Preservation Commission found in November 2016 the Walking TV Repairman sign is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places for its significance in the areas of commerce and art!
Press
Public to Consider High-Crash Intersection Options in Westbrook Portland Press Herald
Iconic Hawkes Plaza Repairman Lives again in Westbrook Bangor Daily News
Quick Links
Westbrook Historical Society's History of Duck Pond Corner
What You Can Do
Urge Westbrook's leaders to support a transportation solution that will respect the neighborhood's historic resources and enhance the vitality of local businesses.
Support Landmark's advocacy efforts.