POLAND – The fate of a man’s property lies in the hands of his fellow citizens.

After two previously contentious meetings, selectmen voted unanimously and without much discussion Tuesday to let residents decide an easement issue for David Duff at this year’s town meeting. The meeting is slated for April 24 at the regional high school.

Before approving the proposed warrant article, Selectman Patricia Nash elicited assurances from Duff that he would allow emergency vehicles to use or cross his road when necessary.

“I would never try to stop an ambulance trying to help someone in a bad way,” said Duff. “Or any other emergency vehicle.”

Chairman David Corcoran advised Duff to attend town meeting to present his case to voters.

Duff already had presented his case to town officials after he unsuccessfully tried to sell part of his land to relieve some personal debt.

Because of a disputed interpretation of a “farmer’s crossing,” the town would not issue any building permits for Duff’s land off of Girardin Lane across an abandoned railway bed.

Town ordinances require a 60-foot easement, a 5-acre parcel, and 300 feet of road frontage for residential development.

Duff has more than 30 acres and enough road frontage for five or six houses. However, the land on either side of Duff’s right of way across the railway bed belongs to the town and requires a citizens’ vote to alter ownership.

The Portland and Rumford Falls Railway had granted a farmer’s crossing more than 100 years ago to the original owner of Duff’s land. Since then, the property has changed hands a couple of times and has carried the right of way with its deed, according to the proposed warrant article drafted by town attorney Curtis Webber.

If Poland residents vote to give Duff the wider easement, it will be restricted only to Duff’s property and not to provide access to any property beyond his. Any development of Duff’s property will have to comply with town codes.

Currently, there are two house trailers and a cellular telephone tower on Duff’s land.