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Lisbon Falls council tables natural-resources study for Pinewoods Road parcel
Summary
Councilors debated paying for a natural-resources analysis of the 100‑acre portion of the Pinewoods Road town parcel — a study TRC quoted at about $35,000 — but voted to table the authorization while staff pursues EPA Brownfields funds and returns with options.
The Lisbon Falls Town Council on Monday debated whether to authorize a natural-resources analysis of roughly 100 acres of town-owned property on Pinewoods Road — part of a larger former landfill parcel — and ultimately voted to table the request while staff pursues external grant funding.
Ross Cunningham, the town's economic-development representative, told the council the survey by TRC (the town's Brownfields contractor) would identify wetlands, deer-wintering areas and other constraints and cost about $35,000. Cunningham said the study would help the town determine which acreage is developable and thus make the parcel more marketable or easier to steer toward preferred uses such as senior housing or recreational space.
"The TRC folks who are our Brownfields engineers have quoted this at roughly $35,000," Cunningham said during the presentation.
Councilors pressed staff on how the work would be funded if an EPA Brownfields assessment was not available. One councilor argued the town should wait until proposed logging revenue arrives rather than spend in advance, while another cautioned that environmental analyses sometimes flag substantial wetland or habitat restrictions that can sharply limit development potential.
"Sometimes they can be a little extreme and restrict a lot of what we may potentially be able to develop," a councilor said, recounting prior experience where flagged wetlands reduced usable acreage on a nearby lot.
Cunningham responded that the TRC team is experienced with Brownfields assessments and that any future developer would likely need the same information, so doing the study now could make the town's position clearer.
After extended discussion about timing and funding, Councilor Craig moved to table the authorization; Councilor Garnett seconded. The motion to table carried, with one councilor recorded as opposed. Town staff agreed to pursue an appeal to the EPA for Brownfields assessment money and to return with funding options and next steps.
The council also heard public comment from Missy Lease, who urged the town not to rush the process and to have a clear vision before spending money on analysis. The council directed staff to report back with options and further information for a follow-up meeting.
What happens next: staff will inquire with EPA Brownfields about potential assessment funding, clarify whether the landfill portion must be separated from the developable acreage for eligibility, and return to the council with cost and funding recommendations.
