Committee to inspect town land at Belgrade Stream before advising select board on public access

The Belgrade Lakes Association Shoreland Committee agreed to schedule a field trip to inspect a newly acquired town parcel on Belgrade Stream at Route 135 and Nolles Road to better understand on‑the‑ground conditions before making a recommendation to the select board.

Committee members said the parcel includes a small sandy/gravel area used informally for fishing and a bridge with convenient angling spots; the wooded eastern portion may require walking and light bushwhacking to assess properly. "If we're going to do anything, we would want to put a parking lot in there or something," one member said, noting the town previously accepted the gift of the parcel at a town meeting.

Why it matters: The select board was revising language for a related warrant article and is considering whether town ownership would create town‑wide access rights to a common lot used by a neighborhood association. Committee members said they want to confirm the practical implications—parking capacity, roadside safety, and physical conditions—before advising the select board on recommended wording or potential improvements.

Key questions and next steps: The group agreed to (1) seek direction from the select board or take a field trip to scope the parcel, (2) consider small parking solutions such as shoulder spaces, and (3) consult public works or town staff (Jason was named as a contact) about what could be done safely and legally. Members planned to organize a short, car‑pooled site visit on a dry day and report findings back to the select board.

Procedural note: The committee will coordinate timing and meet at the committee room beforehand to limit parking pressure at the site; members said they will aim for fair, dry weather for the visit.