NORWAY — With an eye toward the future, town officials are studying the possibility of establishing a riverwalk along the Pennesseewassee Stream in the downtown area.

The Select Board last week voted unanimously to form a committee to explore the feasibility of the idea, which was brought to Town Manager Jeffrey Wilson recently by two residents who had separate visions for what the riverwalk could be.

A path, trail or boardwalk could follow the stream behind Main Street, and could also include foot bridges that cross the water in multiple locations.

“It was always something I had envisioned when I first moved here, as well,” Wilson said.

One potential roadblock is that virtually all of the land bordering the stream is private property. Right-of-way issues would have to be worked out with the landowners. Wilson added that this would likely be a multi-year project because of other projects planned for Main Street.

Stephens Memorial Hospital owns much of the land along the streambank.

A similar idea was explored many years ago, said Select Board Chairman Russell Newcomb.

“At the time it was considered very helpful to the businesses on the street,” Newcomb said. “If the hospital could participate somehow, and somebody could come up with a grant and find a way to fund it, I think it would definitely be a worthwhile project.”

Wilson is to serve as chairman of the committee.

In other business, the board approved a $300 stipend for Lisa Lombard, who serves as the town’s head election clerk. The board also included an additional $300 retroactive for last year, since Lombard did not receive the stipend in 2023.

The board accepted $1,500 for the sale of a Public Works truck. The money is to be deposited in the department’s small engine fund. Additionally, the board accepted a check for $1,029 from the Norway Grange for the purchase of gravel for its driveway and parking lot.

Andrea Stubbs was promoted to chief financial officer.

The town has applied for grants to replace culverts at Crockett Ridge and Emerson Road. The board also approved the renewal of a liquor license for Boomers, a restaurant located at 107 Lake Road.

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