Having met with opposition on its previous two proposed utility line crossings, the first through Newagen Harbor and the second through a Southport Island salt pond, the Cuckolds Council is now investigating another route to connect the restored Cuckolds Island Light and Inn with mainland utilities.

Danielle Betts, Knickerbocker Group, said the Cuckolds Council has a purchase and sale agreement on Meredith Mitchell’s property at 40 Town Landing Road in Southport and is investigating its use as an option for utility connection, wastewater disposal, and potentially a new pier.

“We have not completed our due diligence, but if this turns out to be a viable option, it will require an update to the permitting currently underway with the Maine DEP, US Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Parks and Lands,” Betts said.

As of June 6, 67 Southport residents had signed a petition opposing the proposed utility route through Cape Pond, north of Newagen Harbor, and concerns had been raised about the legality of crossing through the salt pond’s entrance dam. A previously proposed route through Newagen Harbor was rejected by the Cuckolds Council earlier this year after it met similar opposition from residents.

“Throughout this process, we have remained sensitive to the concerns of the public and we are doing our best to find a solution that will not only work for the Cuckolds and our neighbors, but will also minimize the visual and environmental impacts,” Betts said.

Helen Meserve, a Newagen resident who opposed the Newagen Harbor route, said she was pleased with the Town Landing option.

“It is the perfect solution. It isolates the water, sewer and electric in one place, without invading Newagen Harbor or nearby Cape Pond,” Meserve said. “I hope they understand this is a residential neighborhood, and keep traffic and noise to a minimum, but otherwise, we are very pleased with the solution.”

Betts said the Cuckolds Council is hopeful the Mitchell property will solve the ongoing utility crossing dilemma.

“At this point we hope that the Mitchell property can be the solution we seek and we would appreciate receiving any and all feedback from the public — positive or negative — that will contribute to our due diligence efforts,” Betts said.

Betts said comments may be sent via email to dbetts@knickerbockergroup.com by June 25.