Hampden council advances Manning Mill Road access plan amid resident objections

The Hampden Town Council held a special meeting Sept. 14 to consider authorizing staff to obtain easements for an access road to the northwest side of Manning Mill Road, after a state weight restriction closed the Manning Mill Bridge. Residents whose property the proposed road would cross raised concerns about lost privacy and property value, while town staff outlined interim plans for fire, EMS, and plowing coverage on the far side of the bridge.

Key points

• The council voted 7-0 to amend the agenda to add two new business items (authorization to purchase a 2027 Polaris Ranger for emergency response and a reserve request from streets and roads for that purchase) plus an executive session under 1 MRSA 4066E with the town attorney and town manager.
• The council approved the consent agenda 7-0 with no items pulled for discussion.
• Several Manning Mill Road residents spoke against the proposed access road route, saying it would cut through their property, eliminate privacy, and reduce property values; one resident said real estate agents estimated a $300,000 loss.
• A resident offered to allow temporary access across their property for three to five years while a bridge solution is pursued, rather than a permanent road.
• Town Manager Paula Scott (referred to in the transcript as "Paula") described interim measures: a side-by-side vehicle for EMS and plowing, possible purchase of a turnaround parcel near the bridge, and a Postal Service plan to suspend mail delivery until mailboxes can be arranged.
• Fire staff said they measured roughly 1,300 feet from the bridge to the furthest property and are testing whether fire apparatus can push water that distance; a meeting with fire officers and hose testing was scheduled for the next morning.
• Town engineer John (identified in the transcript as "John") said replacing the bridge would require new foundations, likely take about three years including design, permitting, and a bond vote, and that a new access road may be the more cost-effective long-term option.

Next steps

• Staff to proceed with obtaining easements for the proposed access road, pending the council vote.
• Fire department to meet the next morning and conduct hose deployment testing; staff to investigate a possible water source behind the Ross property.
• Town to continue talks with a property owner near the bridge about purchasing land for a turnaround and a structure to house the side-by-side.
• Staff to look into whether Old Paper Mill Road offers any access.
• Council to hold an executive session with the town attorney and town manager under 1 MRSA 4066E.

Read the full transcript