POLAND — A disabled veteran and his wife are frustrated and fearful after the town of Poland decided to stop plowing the town-owned road to their home, in a dispute that has grabbed the attention of the governor.

“This is what 40 years of hard work has come to bear,” said Larry Hilt, sitting in his kitchen on Tuesday.

He and his wife, Ricki, met in the military more than 44 years ago. Both veterans, they retired to Maine and built their dream home in Poland.

It’s a stress-free life, they said, except for an ongoing dispute with the town.

“I haven’t got a clue why the town has basically walked away from us,” Larry said.

“They just make me angry,” Ricki said.

Their home sits at the end of Hilt Hollow Road, which is owned by the town.

The Hilts say it was plowed during the winters of 2013 and 2014, and then selectmen voted to stop.

“It’s tragic that we’re not worth the time that it takes them to do what they did for two years,” Larry said. “And it’s not our fault.”

When plans for a six-home subdivision fell through in 2008, the issue landed in court and the town was awarded the remaining four plots of land, plus the path to access them.

“And now they’re trying to call it a paper road because it wasn’t finished,” Larry said.

The couple said the town proposed an agreement last year. The Hilts could turn the road into their driveway, taking over all maintenance and plowing, but the town would still own it.

“In what world does any landowner want to pay and plow a road that belongs to the town?” Ricki said.

Larry is a disabled veteran and Ricki also has medical issues. They struggle to keep the road clear on their own, and fear the worst should help not be able to arrive in time.

“Why are you exercising your right to just ignore two old people?” Larry said.

In a letter dated Dec, 6, Gov. Paul LePage sent a letter to Town Manager Bradley Plante on behalf of the Hilts.

“Fortunately last winter was mild and the Hilts were able to get by,” the letter states. “But I am concerned if this winter drops much more snow, they could be in a dangerous situation.”

LePage urged the Board of Selectmen to vote to continue plowing the road this winter until an agreement can be reached.

Plante wouldn’t speak on camera, but told WGME the town has no obligation to plow, because Hilt Hollow Road is a private “paper street.”

He said they’ve bent over backwards to offer fair solutions, and will always plow in an emergency.

“We’re not leaving him up in the wind here,” Plante said. “If we need to get an ambulance up there, we’ll get an ambulance up there.” 

“It’s gonna take them at least 15 to 20 minutes more to plow to get up this road,” Ricki said.

It’s minutes the Hilts said could make a difference between life and death.

They said they’d be willing to take over responsibility for the road, if and only if the town gives them the deed to it.

A meeting with both parties is scheduled for Jan. 17.