In an impassioned and occasionally heated meeting Monday night, the Edgecomb Board of Selectmen outlined a plan of attack for the growing dispute over the Mount Hunger gravel pit site, addressed the progress of the new fire station, called for a public hearing on the Gateway 1 District development and honored the 250th anniversary of Lincoln County.
The long dormant Mt. Hunger gravel pit provided the evening’s most contentious debate. At issue is the town’s ability to regulate and control the hauling of gravel by contractor Mark Hanley of Bristol. Drawing the ire of both town officials and residents alike, Hanley’s refusal to stop gravel-excavating efforts has set up a potential legal showdown. Some, like Edgecomb resident Sheryl Cunningham, have taken a more confrontational approach.
“I literally blocked the road with my car after hearing trucks coming in and out there all day,” Cunningham said. “I eventually had no choice but to call the police.”
Other potential issues with the Mt. Hunger pit include the ability for emergency services to respond to a high angle, high rescue scenario. Firmly asserting Hanley does not have permission from the town to use the disputed site, the selectmen made a motion to pursue the matter through a variety of legal channels.
Selectman Jack Sarmanian called for a public hearing on Oct. 25 to allow for the community to weigh in on the continued negotiations between the Priority Group and the town. Priority, acting on behalf of Savings Bank of Maine, principal owner of the much-maligned Sheepscot Harbour Village & Resort, has been the subject of a series of executive sessions to gauge their potential viability in the development process of Gateway 1.
Selectmen also discussed the need for a revision to the land use ordinance for the new fire station. Sarmanian noted that he was “extremely pleased” at the recent work done at the Town Hall to improve drainage.
The three officials also unanimously voted to approve Jesse Smith-Pinkham’s selection to the shellfish committee. Despite the record heat and continued grip of summer, selectmen highlighted the Lincoln County Heating Assistance program, expressing hope that people would come forward immediately to begin the eligibility process before the winter settles in.
District 51 Representative Jon McKane (R-Newcastle) began the meeting with a brief presentation honoring the 250th anniversary of Lincoln County. Selectmen will next meet on Sept. 8 to discuss a municipal bond to finance the new fire station.
