Edgecomb seeks legal advice regarding Glidden Oyster Farm
Edgecomb's code enforcement officer told selectmen Aug. 19, "It's going to take more than Marian writing another letter" to resolve a longstanding land use matter regarding Glidden Point Oyster Farms. Marian Anderson, Edgecomb's code enforcement officer, requested selectmen seek a legal opinion regarding the farm's operation.
Anderson told selectmen she has sent a letter and email to Glidden officials regarding her concerns about the farm acting as a Class A restaurant without receiving town approval.
On June 10, selectmen conditionally approved a liquor license for Glidden Point with the understanding the business would seek a change of use from the planning board. During the June meeting, Selectman Michael Maxim acknowledged Glidden Point was transitioning from a farm stand to a Class A restaurant. "This is how they operated last year, but I'm proposing they request a change of use as a requirement for next year's license," Maxim said.
So far, Anderson hasn't seen much progress in the business seeking a change of use. "I've sent them the planning board requirements for seeking a change of use without a response. I've done all I can as CEO. I think the town needs to seek legal counsel," she said.
Anderson added she inherited the problem as previous CEOs dealt with similar problems and several other smaller violations were still outstanding.
Selectmen Forrest Carver and George Chase were the only selectmen in attendance and both agreed to seek a legal opinion. Town officials aren't the only ones concerned about the business. David Conroy is an abutter. He has complained to selectmen, planning board members and the code officer for a couple years about the business' alleged violations.
On Aug. 8, his attorney sent the town a three-page letter. "Please consider this a formal demand on behalf of my client, that the select board and code enforcement officer take enforcement action against the multiple violations at Glidden Point Oyster," wrote attorney Kristin Collins. Among the land use violations cited by Collins is the storefront's location in the resource protection district.
The business includes several components: aquaculture facility, a store selling merchandise and food to eat at the premises or takeaway, a food truck, a winter season sauna rented out by the hour, a weekly happy hour with food and alcohol sales, live music, hosting weddings and other events. "There has been no review or approval of the latter five uses," wrote Collins.
The Boothbay Register tried unsuccessfully last week to reach Glidden Point Oyster Farm officials by phone and email.
Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2 in the conference room.