Agenda Includes Settlement, Town Warrant, and Potentially Extending Moratorium.

Carrie Jones

Apr 15, 2026

The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Havana.

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SOUTHWEST HARBOR—The town is expected to approve a settlement agreement about a property at 90 Clark Point Road, during its Select Board meeting, tonight, April 15.

The case focused on a property owned by Chris and Anne Hopkins.

The Hopkinses’ plan for a single-story 131-square foot mudroom addition to the existing main house and the renovation of existing bedroom wing in its current location was approved by the town and appealed by abutters George Swetz and Gigi Girgis. The town’s Appeals Board denied the appeal in July 2025, affirming the Planning Board’s approval.

According to Town Manager Karen Reddersen’s manager’s memo to the Select Board, “Legal counsel has reached out to the town and provided a settlement agreement and release by parties involved in legal action regarding an administrative appeal of the Town of Southwest Harbor Planning Board’s April 17, 2025 decision approving the property owners’ site plan for 90 Clark Point Rd, which has been included in the packet.”

The six-page settlement agreement and release was signed by all parties other than the town in March. It has stipulations regarding the building envelope, other aspects of the construction, and cameras being removed so that they no longer face the residences involved.

At the April 15 meeting, the Select Board will also discuss audits of the town’s Land Use and Subdivision Ordinances, a five-year contract for police safety equipment, an extension of a moratorium on tobacco specialty stores, presenting and adopting the final draft of the Fiscal Year 2027 Town Warrant and the town’s parking management project.

On Tuesday night, April 14, the Select Board quickly renewed The Next Level Sports Lounge’s liquor license and special amusement permit. The lounge is located at 386 Main Street.

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PLANNING BOARD MEETING

Last week, the Southwest Harbor Planning Board found a permit for 344 Main Street’s conversion to two-bedroom housing. A public hearing will be scheduled for May 5.

The board also discussed how a temporary RV for staff housing is permitted under the “private campsite” ordinance. Key conditions would be that it remains a registered vehicle and is used for less than 180 days/year.

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TEA AND COOKIES WITH SOUTHWEST HARBOR CANDIDATES

Residents of Southwest Harbor will have the chance to informally meet candidates for Select Board. A “tea and cookies” reception for candidates will be held at the Southwest Harbor Public Library from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 29. Candidates include Melanie Lisy, Chapin McFarland, Kalie Hess, and Tom Benson.

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LINKS TO LEARN MORE

Special Select Board Meeting
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Town Office & Via Zoom
6:00 pm
Agenda / Zoom / Packet

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