Edgecomb selectmen send letter to Lallis property abutters

Board asking neighbors if they are interested in new lot
Fri, 08/17/2018 - 10:00am

Two Edgecomb residents should expect a letter in the next couple days from the select board. Selectman Ted Hugger reported he was “almost ready” to  send letters to abutting landowners regarding a newly created, 3.3-acre house lot on McKay Road. In July, selectmen set a $27,500 minimum price. The property is part of an 80-acre parcel the town acquired in 2004.

Since the town assumed ownership, it has been known as the “Lallis property.” Town officials didn’​t develop it or seek a buyer for the tax-acquired property for 14 years due to its proximity to a local land preserve. But last year, selectmen decided to subdivide it and sell a portion as an undeveloped house lot. Town officials received a $1,500 Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission grant last year for a land survey. And this year, residents at a special town meeting approved funds for a water test.

Earlier this summer, selectmen received two professional opinions on the property’s worth. The estimates ranged between $29,000 and $33,000.

With a minimum bid now set, selectmen will follow a new municipal policy created last year for disposing of tax-acquired property. With step one complete, setting a minimum bid, selectmen are continuing to step two, giving abutters first refusal. If abutters aren’t interested, selectmen will move to step three which puts the property out to bid.

In other action, the town’s agreement with its new ambulance provider is off to a smooth start. In July, selectmen entered into a five-year agreement with Central Lincoln County Ambulance Service. The town is paying a fixed, $17,000 annual fee. On July 1, CLC Ambulance began servicing Edgecomb. Director Warren Waltz reported the service made 16 trips to Edgecomb last month.  He told selectmen CLC emergency medical technicians responded to a variety of reports ranging from hip injuries to dehydration. “It was pretty smooth sailing for the first month,” Waltz said. “Right now, the biggest challenge is getting to know the town better. We’ve been to Edgecomb Green a couple times. And we were surprised how long Mill Road is.”

Waltz expects the service will make 110 service calls in the first year based on past reports.

Selectmen are also preparing to seek bids to repair the town hall’s roof. Selectmen are advertising for a contractor for shingle removal and building a new roof. Selectmen will meet next at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27 in the municipal building.