Residents in Kingfield are concerned that the wording on a proposed six-month moratorium on “transient overnight recreational developments” may negatively impact some local businesses.

At a public hearing July 6, the Select Board heard comments from the public about the proposal, which was intended to stop Bowdoin College in Brunswick from developing a 20.7-acre campsite on Iron Bridge Road.

The moratorium was originally presented in May by residents of Lower Iron Bridge Road, who are concerned that increased traffic from visiting students and faculty could increase the likelihood of accidents on the one-lane bridge used to access the property from Route 27. Bowdoin officials have told residents that the site would not see the level of traffic they were concerned about.

Bowdoin withdrew its application to develop the site in May, saying they would wait six months before reapplying to allow the town to assess its outdated ordinances.

At the public hearing, residents and selectmen said that while they agreed with the idea of the moratorium, the language was too vague. They said if taken as written it would restrict anything from yurts to Airbnbs. The pause would be retroactive, meaning any existing development that falls under the definition would be required to freeze operations for the full 180 days of the moratorium.

Signs are posted beside a private one-lane wooden bridge over the Carrabassett River that connects Route 27 in Kingfield to Claybrook Road and Iron Bridge Road. (Quentin Blais/Staff Writer)

“Our concern as a board was if you went online and you read the definition,” using Google, Town Manager Leanna Targett said. “It refers to any short-term stays less than 30 days, and that’s where everybody was starting to question the Airbnbs, bed and breakfasts, all of that.”

Because the moratorium came as a petition signed by 85 people, the town is unable to make any wording changes to the ordinance. It must go to voters exactly as it was presented.

All residents in attendance said that they agree with the motive behind the freeze, but said they are worried about the wording, fearing local businesses would take a hit from the move. Two Select Board members agreed the wording was concerning.

Voters will decide whether to accept or reject the moratorium during a special town meeting Monday, July 13, at 6 p.m. in Webster Hall behind the town office at 38 School St.