Dwelling unit density in Edgecomb was up for discussion at the ordinance review committee meeting Thursday, March 7.

The committee did not have a quorum and decided to continue a discussion from a previous meeting. Chair David Nutt posed the question, “Is it a good idea to have more dwelling units in the town of Edgecomb?”

Member Barry Hathorne said some residents are concerned that allowing more dwelling units would create an area like Davis Island. In response, Nutt noted that David Island will probably produce more tax revenues than expenses for the town.

He added that most lots in Edgecomb are two-acre or five-acre lots. “The lots aren’t getting divided,” he said. “Instead, the existing owner could put a second dwelling on the existing lot.”

Jack French thought it would be more difficult to sell a property with two houses, and wondered if the committee should consider separating the lots. Nutt did not think that was feasible but explained that allowing another dwelling unit on a lot would be a way of increasing population density without decreasing lot sizes.

Committee members referenced the town’s comprehensive plan, wondering if a new one was needed. “Society evolves, and the needs of a town change," Nutt said. He gave the cost of education as an example, saying it has risen and the burden is on the town. “There is no urban area in the town of Edgecomb,” Nutt said.

Mobile homes were mentioned as possible dwelling units, but current town ordinances limit use of a mobile home as a residence to six months. Hathorne felt the role of committee members was to act as stewards, saying “The responsibility of the planning board is to protect the people who are coming along in the future.”

Member Jackie Lowell shared statistics from 2017 showing Edgecomb has 733 housing units, including 121 vacant seasonal units.

Discussion included adding an in-law apartment to a house. It was agreed that was permitted as long as the footprint of the home did not change. Lowell pointed out that significant changes to the town’s comprehensive plan might be needed to permit higher density, saying “It’s supposed to be changed every 10 years but it’s way overdue.”

 The committee agreed Nutt should contact the selectmen about formalizing a committee to update the town’s comprehensive plan.