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Selectboard votes to stop further work on Hermit Woods boardwalk amid grant and compliance concerns
Summary
After reviewing a large contractor estimate and questions about ADA and grant compliance, the selectboard voted to cease further work on the Hermit Woods boardwalk; the chair registered opposition citing potential jeopardy to federal grant funds and code compliance.
The Ossipee selectboard voted to stop further action on the Hermit Woods boardwalk after members reviewed a contractor's estimate they described as abnormally high and flagged gaps relative to code requirements.
One board member moved to "cease any further action" on finishing work, saying the existing boardwalk was safe and further spending would be excessive. A second member supported the motion, arguing the boardwalk was safer than before and that continuing to spend was "stopping the bleeding." The chair opposed the motion on grounds that halting work could jeopardize federal grant funds, ADA compliance and building-code requirements tied to the grant. The motion passed by voice vote with the chair recorded as opposed.
Board members agreed to document the decision and follow up by sending the contractor an email. A member of the public urged the board to consult the town attorney before making changes that could risk grant funds; the board acknowledged the point but the vote to stop further action remained in effect.
The board did not finalize a plan to remediate outstanding code or ADA items on the boardwalk; the vote stops further investment pending any subsequent legal or grant-specific requirements.
