Phippsburg board presses enforcement after complaints of commercial use at Painted Point landings

Phippsburg select board members and residents raised enforcement concerns on June 17 about commercial use of town landings at Painted Point.

Residents reported repeated commercial activity by a contractor (identified in discussion as Kennebec Marine) that they said used the town’s ramp and parking area without proper day permits, sometimes leaving floats or gear on the ramp and occupying public parking with multiple commercial vehicles. One resident said the activity had been ongoing for years and that it interfered with taxpayer use of town facilities.

Enforcement staff said they had issued tickets — including a $75 citation for a first offense and escalating fines for repeat violations — and had warned operators previously. The town’s ordinance allows fines from $50 to $500; enforcement staff discussed progressive penalties and the possibility of towing or trespass notices for habitual offenders. Staff recommended outreach to the company before escalating enforcement; the board asked staff to attempt contact, continue ticketing noncompliant vehicles, and provide the landings committee with documentation so it can recommend ordinance clarifications to restrict commercial use more explicitly.

Board members asked whether day‑pass rules and the permit process adequately prevent commercial exploitation of town landings. Staff responded that residents may hire contractors but that the town relies on the taxpayer to request a contractor’s permit; where contractors do not produce documentation the town can issue citations and, if needed, trespass orders.

What’s next: enforcement staff will attempt immediate outreach to the named contractor, continue issuing tickets for violations, and report back to the board. The landings committee will be asked to consider clearer ordinance language for next season.