For 21 years, Mark Warren has lived on Route 27 and witnessed an all too familiar scene. Motorists traveling at high speeds creating a safety hazard. Warren expressed his concerns about motorists speeding well-beyond the posted 40 and 45 mph limits Aug. 8 to the Edgecomb selectmen. Warren lives near the McKay Road intersection and described the situation “It’s an accident waiting to happen.”

Warren didn’t only bring his concerns to selectmen, he also provided a couple possible fixes to slow Route 27 traffic. Warren contacted the Maine Department of Transportation who recommended electronic blinking signs warning drivers to slow down. “One sign is exceptionally expensive at $15,000, while others could be bought for $2,600. Another option is free, but it would require moving the sign every two weeks,” he said. “I’m willing to do my part, but it would take 3-4 men to put it on a trailer.”

He found another possible fix in Bristol. The town regulates traffic with a series of signs.  He reported Bristol has bought five signs and uses one from the county. “I’m a concerned citizen, but the DOT requires a select board request. I’m hoping something can be done,” Warren said.

All three selectmen told Warren they supported the proposal to slow Route 27 traffic and would contact the MDOT about potential signage.

In other action, new Edgecomb Eddy Principal Tom Landberg introduced himself. The school committee hired Landberg on July 7 to succeed Dr. Christina Boursaw who served one year. Lindberg is the third Edgecomb principal in five years. He grew up in Wells and graduated from Wells High School. He received his bachelor’s degree in secondary education and a master’s in education leadership from University of Maine. Landberg has spent 24 years in education. In 2009, he became assistant principal at Philip W. Sugg Middle School in Lisbon for four years. For the last nine years, he has served as Gardiner Middle School’s assistant principal where he also performed athletic program duties. 

Landberg praised the school for strong community support and an outstanding staff.  “It’s truly a wonderful school and this is the place where I want to make my home,” he said. “Parents tell me how much they love this school and you see the community commitment through the ‘Thank You, Teachers!’ banner. You know, a sign like that is put up for a reason.”

On Aug. 1, selectmen met as town assessors and set a 16.15 tax rate which is a 1.3% decrease. Board Chairman Dawn Murray reminded fellow selectmen about the Saturday, Aug. 20 “Meet and Greet” beginning at 8:30 a.m. and a Edgecomb 250th Celebration planning committee session at 10:30 a.m. Selectmen are compiling a residents’ questionnaire. The board plans on sending questions such as “How long have lived here?” later this year.

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 22 in the town hall.