When Is Art and Eyesore??

At one time or another , everyone in Houlton has been to the top of Drakes Hill. For years, most people went to the Dairy Bar or Driving Range. A lot of people used to drive up to visit "The Fort" at the end of Garrison Street. At one time , that was the only way to get to Canada- before the Interstate was completed.

Now when people drive to the top of Drakes Hill, what everyone sees is basically "A MESS". An older gentleman with artistic talent moved in about 15 years ago. He claims to do a lot of Pop Art. He first garnered a lot of local attention when he constructed a spaceship on his roof. He claimed to do UFO and Alien Art. He made some wooden life size dinasaurs and palm trees. He was going to make a park to show his art.

However, NOTHING ever seems to get finished and he continues to carry home truckloads of materials to be used as art. He purchased the old Dales Transmission Shop and expanded his junk in that direction. Now there is at least 100 feet of Road Frontage with totem poles, wooden deer, carvings, a huge replica of the Ten Commandements, plastic toys. Christmas junk, UFO Radio signs and way too much more to mention. There are numerous cats and dogs living there as well.

This is all located within 4 feet of the edge of the road. While I won't question the artist's talent or vision; I will question how the Town can allow him to (1) be so close to the road, (2) allow the continued pile of Garbage to collect by the road, (3) and wonder what if anything can the Town do about this?

It does catch the eye, but is it an Artist Vision or a local Health Hazard?

The View From My Couch...............