A solution to an ongoing Edgecomb road problem may be at hand. April 1, selectmen denied a request by Old County Road residents to assist in repairing the discontinued road. Residents requested $1,500 in gravel to fix the private road's upper portion leading to Schmid Preserve's main entrance.

They described the road's condition as having one side heavily eroded with a steady stream of water flowing down from the parking lot; this extremely wet condition created an impassable and dangerous situation.

As in past years, selectmen denied the request stating the Maine Constitution barred municipalities from spending public money on a private road. At the April 15 meeting, Chairman Michael Maxim added another reason. He harkened back to a 2003 agreement creating the nearby subdivision. The agreement granted Edgecomb a road easement and absolved the town from any road maintenance.

But Old County Road resident and Schmid Preserve Committee Chairman Lisa McSwain wasn't convinced the town didn't have an obligation to fix the road. "I’m in a difficult position as Schmid Preserve chairman. Maybe, you are not legally responsible, but could you throw us a bone?" she asked.  

With the two sides at an impasse, a voice from the back of the room offered a solution both sides liked. Resident Virginia Campbell attended the meeting to support the Old County Road residents' request. Since the town discontinued the road decades ago, she queried why couldn't the town simply reacquire the troublesome portion leading to the preserve. "You don't need to reacquire the entire road, just the portion leading to the entrance," she said.

With an acceptable resolution reached, Maxim advised residents they could submit a petition to selectmen and have the measure placed on the 2026 town meeting warrant. 

In other action, selectmen conditionally approved Cook's Landing Pizzeria Bar and Grille's liquor license. Fire Chief Roy Potter raised concerns about the business' expansion. An outdoor fenced area had no egress which he said created a safety problem. Selectmen want the business to present a written action plan for remedying the safety concern before receiving a license. Selectmen didn't place a deadline to address the safety concern.

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 29 in the conference room.