Board: Sumner selectmen

Met: April 24

Issue: Low-flying jets.

The scoop: Richard Rosenbluth brought his concern to the selectmen’s meeting over the environmental impact of proposed low military jet training flights.

Selectman Mark Silber said several years ago there were a lot of low-flying aircraft. Residents were concerned over the noise scaring farm animals and disturbing the peace and quiet of the villages.

“I remember coming up from Boston and being in the fields at Hedgehog Hill Farm picking peas and suddenly this army of jets came flying over, and I felt I was in a Vietnam paddy,” Silber said.

Silber said there was a lot of protesting in the 1970s and 1980s over low-flying training in the area. A movement in Rumford led by Jane and Burton De Frees was instrumental in getting the low-flying training stopped.

“We are not in the middle of nowhere,” Silber said.

Up next: Silber will be doing research on how the town needs to voice its opinion. There is a possibility the issue could be on the town meeting warrant in August.

Bridge abutters

Issue: Notices to be sent to abutters over bridge removal.

The scoop: A bridge over the Labrador Pond outlet on Russell Road is being removed. Officials say it is far too dangerous, and someone is going to get hurt if it remains. The road is closed beyond this point anyway.

Bid notices

Issue: Tax-acquired property up for bids.

The scoop: The town is accepting bids on a tax-acquired property consisting of .62 acres on Route 219. There is a 12- by 48-foot mobile home with a 14- by 14-foot addition and garage on the property. The property may be inspected by making an appointment through the town office.

Up next: A minimum bid of $30,000 must be received by 7 p.m. June 26.

Contact freelance writer Mary Standard with town government news in Oxford County.

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