Beginning across from Lisbon High School, Route 9 climbs to a height of land halfway between Route 196 and the Sabattus town line. At a recent meeting, the Lisbon Planning Board tabled a site plan proposal by the Lisbon Water Department for a parcel of land, yards from the intersection of Route 9 and Upland Road.

If a $1.5 million bond is approved in November, that site will become the home of a 55-foot concrete standpipe/water tower with communication antennas for police and fire departments.

Located a stone’s throw from a small yellow schoolhouse and 55 feet from a landmark homestead, that is one big drink of water.

Neighbors have suggested an alternative location, off Route 9, at the highest point of land in the area. Previously owned by the water department and once designated for the project, this land is available and is a more suitable choice for the neighborhood.

A well-designed water tower on the higher of the two sites, possibly partially underground and well-landscaped, would create a much smaller footprint while meeting the needs of Lisbon’s water customers and police and fire communication requirements.

As the new paving on that section of roadway cannot be disturbed, boring would be necessary to connect from the higher site to the intersection of Route 9/Upland Road, a short distance and one that the local, award-winning boring company would consider child’s play.

Sharron Flynn Campbell, Lisbon Falls