PARIS – Oxford County commissioners voted 2-1 Tuesday not to force the town of Hanover to plow South Shore Road in Hanover.
Although they sided with the town, commissioners said they did so with the understanding that the town will upgrade the road in the near future from dirt to tar. That, along with ditching and other improvements, will make it plausible for the town to have it plowed in winter, commissioners said.
The town currently plows the other road around Howard Pond, called North Shore Road. The two roads do not meet.
People who own property on South Shore Road petitioned commissioners last month to overturn the town’s no-plow stance.
But other residents, who turned out in force at last month’s commissioners’ meeting, said they didn’t want to bear the costs of winter plowing when it would only benefit a few residents.
At Tuesday’s meeting, Commissioner Fred Kennard said there were only two year-round residents living on the road, with other property owners that come and go on a regular basis.
He said he toured the road twice since the controversy began, and agreed with the town’s position that the road is too narrow to plow and lacks an adequate turnaround.
A resident of the road used his pickup truck to keep the road plowed last winter. But using larger town equipment wouldn’t be feasible, he said.
Commissioner Albert “Jim” Carey disagreed. “If the road is in bad condition, it’s nobody’s fault but the town of Hanover,” Carey said. “They’re doing it for the other half,” referring to North Shore Road.
Carey said taxpayers with property on South Shore Road “shouldn’t be discriminated against” and that the tax revenue paid by those property owners should cover the cost. He added that the town is responsible for the road’s upkeep, especially in providing access for emergency vehicles.
Commissioner Chairman Steve Merrill said Hanover Selectman Bruce Powell assured him the town plans to upgrade the road in the near future.
“At this point in time I agree with Fred,” Merrill said, breaking the tie.
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