Selectmen table Wolfeboro Dock Company barge permit pending legal review of Libby trust

During consideration of a 2026 barge permit for the Wolfeboro Dock Company, a selectman read language from Doctor Libby’s will stating that "no building or superstructure or obstruction of any nature shall ever be erected, maintained, or permitted on the aforesaid land... so as to mar or interfere with a beautiful view from the museum or from its shorefront." The selectman argued the will’s wording appears to limit commercial uses and could conflict with barge or vessel permits at the Libby Dock.

Board members noted the charitable trust unit (CTU) and town counsel have previously reviewed documents about historical use and accounting for dock-fee revenues; some said prior permits had been issued without objection. Because interpretation of the will could affect current and future commercial operations at the Libby landing, the board voted to table the Wolfeboro Dock Company barge permit until the town attorney and the CTU provide a formal ruling. The board clarified that existing, fully authorized permit holders would not necessarily be halted immediately but that new approvals are on hold while legal guidance is obtained.

Selectmen scheduled Libby trustee public hearings for August 5 and August 19 to address museum and dock concerns, and asked staff to provide the CTU opinion and any related documents for the town attorney’s review.

The board asked the town attorney to clarify whether the will’s restrictions apply only to structures or to commercial activity more broadly, and to advise on immediate operational impacts for permittees.