A local oyster farm is expanding its operation along the Damariscotta River. Glidden Point Oyster Farm, which owns one operation on 707 River Road in Edgecomb, has purchased a second.

On Dec. 1, Ryan McPherson, who represented Glidden Point during the Edgecomb Planning Board meeting, reported the business’s plans for operating the second farm and a retail outlet on Merry Island Road. The newly purchased property includes a house and two barns. McPherson will live in the house and use one of the barns as a retail shop. The town’s ordinance allows him to sell products derived from the aquaculture business in the retail outlet. McPherson can also hire two additional employees and use an unlimited number of relatives in the operation.

After conferring with the board, McPherson indicated he would apply for a commercial permit in two weeks. The permit would allow him to sell other products not produced on the premises. The board scheduled a public hearing to review McPherson’s request.

In other action, the board unanimously approved a Texas man’s request to reduce his number of subdivision lots. Tim Herrington requested reducing his five River Road subdivision lots to three. Herrington told the board he’s owned the property for nearly 20 years. He believes reducing the number provides him with more distinctive boundaries and privacy.

Herrington currently lives in Texas and explained he has had problems with his Lone Star State neighbors. He plans on spending more time in Maine and wants his Edgecomb property free of potential problems.

“Now that I’m retired, I want to make sure if I don’t do anything else that I have my privacy,” Herrington said.

He explained his short term plans are to build a garage adjacent to the house and plant some blueberry bushes. His long term plans may include constructing a bird sanctuary, a guest house or maybe a track to run cars round and round, he said.

“Believe me I’m not doing anything too radical,” he said.

According to French, Herrington’s request to reduce the number of lots is unusual. “This is my first experience seeing somebody who wants to reduce the number,” he said.

The board unanimously approved the request subject to all the provisions of the subdivision’s original approval.

The board also heard a request for a back lot driveway for the Salt Point subdivision on River Road. After consultant Karl Olson of Wiscasset made the proposal, the board tabled the matter and adjourned the meeting.

The board will meet next at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 15 in the municipal building.