Board seeks legal review after residents request White Road winter plowing

The town manager reported that White Road is labeled on DOT maps as a townway with "summer maintenance only," and staff reviewed historical warrant articles and state statute language to determine the town's obligation to plow.

Staff said they located a 2001/2011 warrant article that terminated winter maintenance on the road and that MMA advised confirming whether the road is a townway or a public easement. The manager noted the 10-year statutory re-determination requirement under 23 M.R.S.A. §2953 and said the town has not found later documentation renewing or rescinding the prior action.

Residents recently occupying year-round homes on White Road have prompted a request to resume winter maintenance for safety and access. Board members discussed options including rescinding the no-winter-maintenance decision for a portion of the road (which would require town action), pursuing partial winter maintenance up to certain homes, or leaving the road as-is and identifying private or contracted plowing alternatives.

The board directed staff to seek legal counsel before the next town meeting to confirm the town's obligations and the proper process for rescinding or modifying winter-maintenance status. Staff also noted that full abandonment of a road can carry appraisal and compensation requirements for affected property owners.