Dexter rules prohibit Frye Cove land deal

DEXTER – A local businessman’s request to purchase a portion of a town-owned parcel of land on Lake Wassookeag would not be permissible under local ordinances.

Therefore, Town Manager Robert Simpson will recommend Thursday that the Town Council terminate any further consideration of the sale of the so-called Frye Cove property at the intersection of Shore Road and Route 23.

Stan Russell initially had asked to purchase the 0.12-acre parcel, valued by the town at $1,200, so he could place a small portable dock on the lake to support demonstrations and sailing lessons associated with his boat business.

Some residents, however, were quick to let town officials know that they opposed the move because it was a popular fishing spot. It became a politically sensitive and highly charged issue.

Aware of the concerns, Russell approached the council with a modified request for the purchase of a portion of the lot.

But that proposal would violate the town’s shoreland zoning ordinance as well as the local land use ordinance because a nonconforming lot would be created, according to Bill Murphy, code enforcement officer. As such, the council can act only on Russell’s original request to purchase the entire lot.

Simpson called it a delicate balancing act for the town to be responsive to the needs of businesses in the community, yet comply with the wishes of residents.