Dayton has no commercial or industrial base to ease the town's tax burden, which now falls heavily on the shoulders of its 660 taxpayers. And what's more, the town's heavily agricultural zoning law prohibits any new industrial or commercial development. Ninety per cent of the town's 18 square miles is in the agricultural zone. Even local farmers, who have been forced out of business by a shaky market for small farm agricultural products in Maine, have learned to their horror that the local restrictions on land use are now preventing them from using former barns for such things as boat storage, or on-premises stores or Agway business facilities. The zoning allows no motels, restaurants, office buildings or industrial plants in the agricultural zone, or any commercial activity imaginable if it requires more than 2,500 square feet.
Taxes appear to be headed steadily upwards in Dayton.
Because of the growing friction between newer residents demanding increased spending on schooling and local services, and older ones being forced to sell their land to make ends meet, some are perhaps wondering if it's really so great to live in a community where everybody knows everybody else. You couldn't have one of those in Dayton, though, even if you were lucky enough to find a Poland Spring there. Bill Williamson, of Kennebunkport, is a former state government worker.