The Edgecomb Planning Board approved two applications Jan. 21 including one for a blasting permit. The board voted 3-0 with two abstentions to approve Maine Drilling and Blasting Co.’s request for a five-day blasting permit, starting Jan. 25. Barry Hathorne, Jack French and alternate Cory Mullins voted for approval. Rebbeca Graham and Gretchen Burleigh-Johnson abstained because they did not receive the emailed application prior to the meeting. The blasting is for Maine Drilling and Blasting’s client Reggie Bergeron’s property at 5 Emerson Lake Road.

In a letter, Maine Drilling and Blasting described the blasts as necessary for establishing a house foundation and utility poles. “It will not exceed established levels of ground vibrations and limits that could cause damage,” read the letter from pre-blast specialist Jim Thomas.

The second application was for a change of use. Mary Blanchard of Roslindale, Massachusetts received approval for changing On Board Fabrics, at 660 Boothbay Road, to an ice cream parlor. Blanchard will open Blanchard Creamery this spring. French asked her when her ice cream shop would open. “Hopefully by the end of May. I think we’re getting at a better place with COVID, so, certainly by summer,” she said. 

The board meets next at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4 by Zoom conference.