Cushing — A 13-lot subdivision has been proposed for a portion of land off the Cushing Road by two men that purchased a swath of property formerly known as the Dean farm.

The caveat — they may need to ask permission from a lot owner to build it.

The planning board met with surveyors John Black and Donald Richards Feb. 6 during a pre-application meeting to discuss what steps need to be completed to gain board approval.

The entire piece totals about 35 acres. Nine acres, including the original home, have already been sold.

Black and Richards did not intend for the first parcel sold to be part of the subdivision, they said.

The proposed lots would surround both sides of the 9 acre piece.

According to Code Enforcement Officer Scott Bickford, the Maine Municipal Association contends the first lot sold is part of the subdivision, and therefore falls under the covenant of such a unit, including being within 2,000 feet of a fire pond.

With this decision, Black and Richards must gain permission from the owners of the 9 acre parcel before moving forward, said Cushing Planning Board Chairman Dan Remian.

At the meeting, Black said he would like to hire an attorney to provide another legal opinion.

Remian added that with deciphering the question of whether the first lot constitutes as the first parcel of the development, two lawyers can give differing interpretations.

Black and Richards said they would schedule another meeting with the planning board to formalize a preliminary plan.

Remian said other property owners near the possible subdivision are upset by the type of unit proposed, as the lots are thin and narrow, catered toward mobile homes.

Courier Publications reporter Juliette Laaka can be reached at 594-4401 ext. 118 or via email at jlaaka@courierpublicationsllc.com.

A preliminary plan sketch of a proposed subdivision on the Cushing Road, also known as Route 97.