Southport resident Tom Myette spoke to the selectmen on Aug. 23, concerned that his neighbor, Diane Blasco, had exceeded the limitations of her permit in renovating her boathouse.

In April 2016, Blasco secured a permit to replace the windows in her boathouse, but was issued a citation from Code Enforcement Officer Henry Berne for performing renovations greater than the scope of her permit, and for allowing the boathouse to be used “as a bunk house” as there were mattresses inside the boathouse.

This citation resulted in a legal discussion between the town’s attorney, Sally Daggett, and Blasco’s attorney, James Belleau, which included a joint meeting with Southport’s Board of Appeal. No decisions were made.

According to Selectman Gerry Gamage, since that hearing, the matter was settled out of court, and Blasco has since, with permits, renovated her garage behind the home into living space and obtained a certificate of occupancy for it. The town also has a signed agreement with Blasco stating that no further renovations will be done on the property without a permit. As a result, the town assessed no fines to Blasco and the matter was considered closed by both parties.

For Myette, the matter was not closed, as he felt the town’s response to the matter of an expanded permit was not properly addressed. He also stated that a bright light was shining into his property, disturbing him.

“There have been significant modifications to that boathouse,” Myette said. “And I live it at ground zero.”

Myette stated that Blasco “goes around the neighborhood to find out who is ratting on her” and stated it is a “very uncomfortable position to be in.”

“I think we’re being played,” Myette said.

“It took a great deal of time and effort and expense on our part to resolve this matter,” Selectman Smith Climo said. “We are not unsympathetic to your concerns, but we would encourage a dialogue with your neighbor first.”

Myette asked that perhaps the town could at least inspect the boathouse, to assess what changes were made. The selectmen agreed to take it into consideration and follow up with a determination at a later meeting.

The selectmen meet every Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the Southport Town Hall.