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Atkinson commission addresses multiple encroachments on conservation land, approves marker installation
Summary
Commissioners discussed updates on the McPherson, Boulder Cove Road and Lakeside Drive encroachments, agreed to install boundary posts and markers, agreed to notify owners by letter, and set timelines for a surveyor and DPW work.
At its April 22 meeting, the Atkinson Conservation Commission discussed three separate encroachment matters and agreed a mix of fieldwork and outreach is needed to resolve them.
Chair Bill Steele said he had no new update from the McPherson property owner or the owner's attorney, and Selectman Paul Wainwright reported the owner requested time to hire a surveyor; Wainwright said a deadline is next week. Steele said improved weather might allow movement on the matter, while Member Jeff Nenart noted surveyors are busy this time of year.
On Boulder Cove Road, Steele said posts and markers will be installed and that the Department of Public Works agreed to perform the work on Town time. Selectman Wainwright cautioned that the Town Administrator did not want the DPW director to do the work on personal time at the Commission's expense; the DPW director has said he will do the work on Town time. Commissioners agreed the property owner should be notified in advance by letter, and Member Charlie Pitts offered to accompany the DPW director to identify precise locations. The Commission agreed it could pay for cement to set the posts.
Selectman Wainwright described the Lakeside Drive situation as a "friendly encroachment," saying a contractor pushed dirt onto conservation land and the owner has agreed to fix the issue and to grade and place crushed stone to improve parking.
What the Commission decided: install boundary posts and markers on Boulder Cove Road (DPW to perform the work on Town time), notify property owners by letter before work begins, and follow up on McPherson after the owner's surveyor provides results.
The Commission recorded no enforcement vote at the meeting; actions discussed were procedural (install markers, notify owners, accompany DPW staff to site).
