Selectmen accept appointment request for seaplane dock proposal amid public concern over noise and safety

The Alton Board of Selectmen agreed June 9 to schedule an in-person presentation by Thomas Wood of Epic Sea Plane Adventures on a proposed seaplane dock between Harmony Park and the town beach.

The board included a submitted email outline of the proposal in the meeting packet and voted to accept an appointment for Mr. Wood at the next meeting so members could hear details in person. Board members said they wanted to see the applicant’s presentation and have public input.

During public comment, resident Jill Hower urged that the seaplane proposal go before voters, citing safety and noise concerns for children and beach users: "I hope before you commit to this sea plane base, it goes before the voters because I don't know if people are going to want to be having their little kids playing down by the beach and all of a sudden have this 8 foot prop riding up on top of the beach." Another resident raised similar concerns about limited beach space and suggested broad public involvement in discussions.

The board did not make a substantive decision on the proposal at this meeting; members scheduled the applicant’s presentation for a future meeting so the public can hear details and ask questions.