LYNDEBOROUGH – In 1952, the state relocated a section of the Forest Road (Route 31) west of South Lyndeborough, to eliminate two railroad crossings. One of those crossings was a narrow bridge. The overpass was removed and the road renamed Brandy Brook.

The road reverted to the town and the town continued to maintain it as far as the last house. The section between that house and the bridge abutments was not maintained and eventually was considered Class 6.

When a house was built in that section several years ago, the owners entered into an agreement with the town to maintain the road.

When the current owners purchased the property, they were not made aware of the road status and were surprised to discover that the town did not plow the road. Concerned about the ability of emergency vehicles to reach their house in the winter, they have been discussing the situation with the selectmen for the past year. They would like the road reclassified as a town road.

The Highway Department was viewed the area several times, and an engineering study has been done. One problem is the lack of space for a plow to turn around by the old bridge abutments, another is drainage, and the road doesn’t meet town standards.

On Wednesday, owner Marc Schwartz met with the selectmen to discuss the situation again. He has been reaching the state statutes and said he might “have found some tools to help you help me.”

He presented several references relating to the abandoning of state highways. “I feel you have the power to correct this.”

The selectmen agreed the problem needs to be resolved.

“It will probably need another engineering study about the drainage,” Chairman Fred Douglas said. “It will be expensive.”

The board agreed to study the information Schwartz provided.

In other business on Wednesday, the board approved a cover for the town report – a collage of new trucks and the Lee Mayhew Memorial – and continued discussions with Chris Brown about his easement across town property near the town garage.

They voted to accept the road names and street numbers for the Woodward Road subdivision as approved by E911. Douglas said the roads have to have signs “consistent with the others in town.”

Town Administrator Russ Boland said the new assessor had met with Wilton’s assessor to arrive at a resolution for Tom Mitchell on Center Road. The town line runs across his property and neither part is a legal building lot. It has to be considered as a whole and he does not agree with the percentage of taxes paid each town. He has filed for an abatement of a portion of the Lyndeborough tax, which the selectmen approved.

“It needs to be surveyed and settled,” Douglas said.

Boland is to arrange a meeting with Wilton to discuss the matter.

The next meeting of the board was set for Wednesday, Feb. 23, 6 p.m., in the town office.