BRUNSWICK
Those wanting to create a park on waterfront, tax-acquired land at Mere Point said they haven’t determined their next step in the wake of a recent town council decision.
Councilors voted 7-2 Monday to take no further action on a citizens’ petition to make a public park at 946 Mere Point Road, and plan to sell the property.
Petitioners wanted a referendum on the sale. Sockna Dice, a spokeswoman for the petitioners, was disappointed.
“We’re still deciding what to do next,” she said on Wednesday. “We haven’t really decided any further action.”
Monday’s vote follows earlier discussion by the council over the property. Last fall, councilors voted 5-4 to sell the property and get it back on the town’s tax rolls. That’s when petitioners began gathering signatures to persuade councilors to reconsider their decision.
A petition was signed by 1,164 Brunswick residents.
Town attorney Stephen Langsdorf said Monday the petition didn’t require the council to reconsider its earlier vote. It is within the council’s right to decide the fate of the land, he said.
Councilor Steve Walker wanted the public to decide.
“Let’s do the right thing,” Walker said. “It’s been a divisive issue but I know the importance of it. I think we can have the courage to put this out to a vote.”
Other councilors held steadfast to their earlier decision to sell the property to aid the town financially.
“I think we’re all really pleased that you and the others have petitioned,” Councilor Dan Harris said to Dice. “We have to act, to do what we think is best for the town.”
Council Chairwoman Alison Harris, Vice Chairwoman Kathy Wilson, Councilors Harris, Jane Millett, Dave Watson, John Perreault and Suzan Wilson voted to clear the way for a sale.
Walker and Councilor Sarah Brayman voted in favor of drafting a referendum that, if passed, could have created a public park.
The assessed market value of the property is $221,900 based on Brunswick’s current 70 percent real property valuation, said Town Assessor Cathleen Jamison.
The property comprises 4.1 acres and includes a house with 1,092 square feet of living space, with decks in front and back, Jamison said. The property’s assessed value could change once the ongoing town-wide valuation is complete.
The town acquired the land when its owner ran into tax problems. As 2016 came to a close, the owner relinquished the property through a quit claim deed, Town Manager John Eldridge said earlier. Cumberland County Registry of Deed information confirms the land transfer to the town.
At its next meeting on Feb. 21, councilors are expected to resume talk about the property, which may include two easements. One easement or deed restriction will be to allow access for aquaculture. The other easement protects a grave site.
lconnell@timesrecord.com
Property points
• THE PROPERTY at 946 Mere Point Road comprises 4.1 acres and includes a house with 1,092 square feet of living space, with decks in front and back.
• THE ASSESSED MARKET value of the property is $221,900 based on Brunswick’s current 70 percent real property valuation.
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