Attorney Kristin Collins has Joe and Jill Doyle as clients in the couple’s legal appeal of the Eastside Waterfront Park project and 29 Mckown which is appealing Newcastle Realty’s building on 14 Todd Ave. On Feb. 13, she implored selectmen to take a greater role in working with the planning and appeals boards in resolving these matters. She previously asked Town Manager Julia Latter for the total legal bills the town has paid for the two appeals. 

“The town has paid John Cunningham $150,000. If I was on the select board, I’d want to see that stopped,” Collins said. “I’m asking you to guide the park project to where it doesn’t have to appealed and litigated at every turn. I think the town is in a unique position to do that.”

In other action, selectmen authorized Boothbay Region Historical Society’s request to expand. The society has a 10-year lease which expires in 2029. Under the lease’s provisions, the Society cannot change the property without town approval. President Kay Wilder told selectmen the Society needs more room. “We would like to begin the process, but before we make Plan A or Plan B, we need your approval first,” Wilder said. “We need more space for researchers, more space for volunteers and more space for programs.”

Selectmen approved two liquor license renewals. One was a malt and wine license renewal for Mama D’s Cafe on Union Street. The second was also a malt and wine license renewal for Ports Pizzeria on Union Street. 

Selectmen asked Jonne Trees of Boothbay Region Community Television to discuss his video project documenting the footbridge’s demolition and reconstruction. “We’re using video time lapses showing removing the center portion on the swing span. We’re also using video from overhead drones,” he said. 

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27 in the conference room.