The first 2024 meeting of the Lubec Select Board, held January 3, attracted the full board but few members of the public. Most of the discussion centered on the topic of promoting the development of low- and fair-income housing, potentially based on unused land owned by the town.
      Board Chair Carol Dennison pointed to the successful redevelopment of the former McGonigal building, which was at one time considered abandoned; it is now owned by Derek and Nicole Lyons. In this case, observed Dennison, the property, which had been seized for unpaid taxes, was sold well below market value but with development requirements included as part of the deal. The much improved facility now houses three active businesses and contributes to the town's tax base. Town Administrator Suzette Francis passed around a list of possible properties; board members will visit these to determine which might have potential that is attractive to developers.
      Within the town, both the planning board and comprehensive plan committee are separately considering the same challenge. All are looking to meet the legislative mandate of LD 2003, a 2022 law that seeks to alleviate housing affordability by increasing housing opportunities. Selectman Rachel Rubeor observed, "This is the hottest topic all around." The conversation goes far beyond Lubec. Selectman Jason Evasius pointed out that "finding people to work here means finding places for them to live and to raise their families."
      The board also discussed privately owned properties, including the long vacant nursing home, but determined that focusing first on town land would be the best place to start. One of the provisions of LD 2003 includes the possibility of expanding single family homes into multi family facilities.
      In a separate matter, Richard Huntley, speaking for the town's public works crew, described the effort the town had been expending into improving the many miles of dirt roads, an effort made more difficult by unseasonably warm temperatures. Huntley also pointed out that, in some cases, road surface improvements had been disrupted by "people doing donuts," which increases the cost to taxpayers while making travel more difficult for local residents. "People should pay attention to the improvements," he urged, "and also to the damage."
      The meeting concluded with an executive session concerning personnel matters, which did not result in action. Such sessions are not open for public observation, but resulting motions and votes must be made before the public.
      In a special board meeting held January 4, Wade Lyons was appointed to the open position on the town's Public Works Department.