Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts got the Edgecomb planning board’s approval Oct. 4 for a change of use at 103 Cochran Road. The property has been a two-family residential structure known as the Cochran Sherman house and will change from residential to commercial use.

The not-for-profit organization, devoted to artists who work in clay, bought the property from Hugh Sherman in July. Watershed will create a first floor gallery and workspace and a second floor office, at an estimated renovation cost of about $100,000.

Part of the cost is to address accessibility for artists and visitors. At the Oct. 4 public hearing at the town hall, Watershed’s executive director Francine Rudolph and Watershed board member Jeff Musich explained the proposed changes and use of the building. During the hearing, Edgecomb resident Jean Cucci called the plans  “a nice use of the property.” Abutter Marsha Potter supports the plan.

Also Oct. 4, Edgecomb resident Russell Sirois asked about constructing a 48-foot by 50-foot Morton building on his property off Town Hall Road. Sirois will use the building to work on his boat. He was seeking information about the setback and the possible need for a variance.

After a brief discussion, board members suggested he get a survey to see if the building will meet the required setback. They said if it doesn’t, he will need to apply to the zoning board of appeals.