Twisted Iron Customs is looking to move from Wiscasset to Edgecomb by summer’s end. The Edgecomb Planning Board unanimously approved a building permit Feb. 2 for the business to renovate and expand a barn on Dodge Road. The property was the former location of Partridge Antiques.

Co-owners Michael Benner and Shelby Bertrand have operated the business in Wiscasset for four years. The business specializes in custom building classic cars, hot rods and motorcycles. It also does collision and automotive repair work.  In December, Benner and Bertrand purchased the 72-acre property at 17 Dodge Road. The partners want to move the entire automotive operation to Edgecomb.

The Dodge Road property includes three structures: a 75-foot by 100-foot barn, 65-foot by 24-foot house, and 16-foot by 24-foot guest house. The partners submitted plans for a 16-foot by 24-foot addition to the barn for the business’s entrance and a 30-foot by 50-foot addition on the barn’s end. 

Benner told the board the business is moving to provide more services to clients.

“We’re here to service our customers,” he said. “I wish I could build hot rods and motorcycles all day long, but that’s just not reality. We will continue doing what we do now whether it’s repairing a Ford Taurus, Ford 150 or any other vehicle. But now in a bigger location.”

The owners will also use their vast property to sell used cars and motorcycles. Benner wasn’t sure if the Twisted Iron Grille would also move to the new location.

In other action, the board tabled a request by John and Judith Faniola to expand their Modocowando Trail cottage. The couple want to rebuild a wall facing the river and install new windows and a new roof. Building contractor Martin Creamer of Maple Lane Builders in Jefferson represented the couple. He explained the Faniolas wanted to improve the cottage’s view.

“The way it is now they can only see the river. This will allow them to view the horizon, as well,” Creamer said.

The cottage is a non-conforming structure within the shoreland zone. The board reviewed Creamer’s expansion plans, but couldn’t proceed any further.  The Faniolas failed to submit an application for review. French said if the applicant submits an application then it would be considered at the next meeting.

Several board members also serve on the ordinance review committee which met earlier. The ORC is considering seeking a 180-day moratorium against house boats. Damariscotta attorney Jenny Villeneuve is advising members.  The committee wants her to seek clarification about house boat statutes from the state Attorney’s General office. 

“This is all pretty new to everyone. Nobody really knows whose jurisdiction house boats fall under. So she will call the AG’s office and obtain whatever information she can and report back to us, said ORC Chairman Barry Hathorne.