Freedom Rejects Proposal to Resolve $45K Road Lawsuit

The case will go to trial if a compromise is not reached.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Freedom Select Board unanimously voted to reject a consent decree that could have resolved an ongoing lawsuit against the town over the public status of Beaver Ridge Road. The town has spent over $45,000 in legal fees fighting the lawsuit brought by a group of landowners who claim private ownership of a 1.5-mile section of the road. The consent decree was an attempt at compromise, but the board voted it down, citing concerns over the legality and fairness of the agreement.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between private property rights and public access in rural communities. The dispute over Beaver Ridge Road has divided the town of Freedom, with residents voicing strong opinions on both sides of the issue. The town's rejection of the consent decree means the case will now go to trial, potentially further escalating the conflict.

The details

The landowners sued the town in 2024, claiming private ownership of a 1.5-mile section of Beaver Ridge Road, a part-gravel, part-dirt path that runs through Freedom's backwoods. The town has argued that the entire road is a public easement. The consent decree proposed maintaining public access to the road but with some restrictions, such as banning snowmobiling, ATV use, and loud electronic sounds. However, the Select Board voted unanimously to reject the decree, with the chairperson citing concerns over the legality and fairness of the agreement.

  • The landowners sued the town in 2024.
  • The town has spent over $45,000 in legal fees since the lawsuit began.
  • The Select Board voted to reject the consent decree on Saturday, March 2, 2026.
  • The parties are expected to designate expert witnesses by March 17, 2026 and conclude discovery by June 17, 2026.

The players

Laura Greeley

Chairperson of the Freedom Select Board.

Tyler Hadyniak

An attorney representing himself and four members of his family, who are the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the town.

Bill Kelly

The town attorney who worked with a mediator to draft the consent decree.

Durward Parkinson

The mediator who said the consent decree could allow both parties to avoid expensive litigation.

Lissa Widoff

A Select Board official who cautioned residents that the rejection of the consent decree is just a step in the process and that the goal is still public access and improved relations in the town.

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What they’re saying

“From the very beginning, I have said: Whatever is legal and whatever is right. And the legal part of it, if we sign this, we are just signing this and it will never see a courtroom or a judge.”

— Laura Greeley, Chairperson, Freedom Select Board (pressherald.com)

“I feel like much of the comments made by people were meant to only be personal jabs at me and my family, not necessarily focused on the consent decree.”

— Tyler Hadyniak (pressherald.com)

“The proposal was a 'win-win,' according to a letter from the mediator, Durward Parkinson, who said it could allow both parties to avoid expensive litigation with 'no guarantee of success for either party.'”

— Durward Parkinson, Mediator (pressherald.com)

“Don't thank us yet. Please. This is just a step in the process, it is not over for any of us. The goal is still public access and improved relations in this town.”

— Lissa Widoff, Select Board Official (pressherald.com)

What’s next

With no compromise met, the parties are expected to designate expert witnesses by March 17, 2026 and conclude discovery by June 17, 2026, according to a scheduling order from Waldo County Superior Court.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between private property rights and public access in rural communities. The dispute over Beaver Ridge Road has divided the town of Freedom, and the rejection of the consent decree means the case will now go to trial, potentially further escalating the conflict and raising questions about the town's ability to find a resolution that satisfies all parties.