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Selectmen deny metal‑detector permit after lessee objections citing active crops
Summary
The board denied a metal‑detection permit for a resident applicant after lessees of the requested parcel reported active crop leases and asked that the site not be opened to metal detection while crops are in place; motion carried 5–0.
The Board of Selectmen denied a request for a metal‑detection permit July 27 after staff confirmed the land is under active lease and the lessees objected because crops are currently planted on the parcel.
Jordan Fletcher, the applicant, described prior successful finds during a 2023 senior project and said he had taken permissions for earlier work and donated recovered artifacts to the local historical society. Fletcher asked to return in the fall when field harvest and turnover create a window for safe detection. Town staff said the leaseholders manage the land under contract and recommended denial for the requested parcel; the board noted the lessees’ livelihood and urged the applicant to consider another parcel or coordinate with the lessee.
A motion to deny the permit request based on the lessees’ evidence was seconded and carried 5–0.
