GILEAD – About 30 residents at a public hearing on Saturday encouraged selectmen to look into purchasing two land parcels.

Administrative Assistant Beverley Corriveau said officials will begin the research necessary to possibly purchase about 30 acres off Bridge Street. That is the location of a boat landing on the Androscoggin River.

The property was once owned by MeadWestvaco Corp. and is currently owned by Bayroot LLC and managed by Wagner Management of New Hampshire.

She said the town and the Mahoosuc Land Trust are considering a joint purchase of the property.

“This would give the town more control over it,” she said.

Residents also authorized selectmen to investigate the possible purchase of a land parcel and building adjacent to the Town Hall on Depot Street, which is owned by Gerald Loring. Corriveau said the building could be converted into a town office and meeting place. Right now, the town office is in the Corriveau home. Fernand Corriveau is one of the town’s three selectmen.

Residents would have to approve either land purchase at a town meeting.

On Saturday, selectmen approved a three-lot subdivision on the Bog Road proposed by landowner Steve Caswell. Corriveau said Caswell plans to sell an 11-acre lot on which his home is located, then build a home on one of the two remaining lots. The third lot would also be sold.