Selectmen add easement under Indian Point Road to allow property owner’s OBD connection

The Town of Stonington Selectmen voted to add a road easement to permit property owner Penn Rhodeen to run an overboard discharge (OBD) sleeve under Indian Point Road, subject to construction standards and required easements from abutting property owners.

At the meeting TM Billings reported that Rhodeen sought assurance the easement would appear on the 2021 Annual Town Meeting warrant. Selectmen discussed liability and maintenance concerns tied to running private discharge infrastructure through a town culvert; members noted the town preferred property owners to install and maintain private sleeves rather than rely on town culverts.

The motion, made by Selectman Evelyn Duncan and seconded by Selectman Travis Fifield, passed with three yes votes, one opposed (Donna Brewer) and one abstention (John Steed). The minutes record the vote as 3–1–1 and specify conditions tied to road standards for the road cut.

Selectmen tasked staff to confirm technical specifications for the proposed sleeve and to record all required abutter easements before taking final administrative steps. The board did not assume responsibility for future maintenance or liability for the private discharge connection.

Next steps: staff will confirm design/road‑cut specifications and ensure the easement language is prepared for inclusion on the next town meeting warrant if procedural prerequisites are met.