The trustees of the Portland Water District decided Monday to take a road to a Standish-owned boat launch on Sebago Lake by eminent domain.

The action was approved by a vote of 6-2. The trustees also decided by a vote of 7-1 to grant Standish a public easement on Northeast Road, a move that district spokeswoman Michelle Clements said was undertaken to put people’s minds at ease about access to the boat launch.

The water district wants to eliminate any claim that the heirs of the founders of Pearsontown, where Standish now stands, might have on and around the road,
said Donna Katsiaficas, the district’s legal counsel. Otherwise, someone with a claim could potentially have control of some water district property and the property underneath the road, she said.

Clements said the taking does not affect the public’s existing right-of-way or access to the launch. She said the trustees granted the easement because of public concerns.

The water district and the town have been involved in a long-running dispute over land around the launch, which is near intake pipes for drinking water. The water district wants the launch moved and has been trying to limit parking in the area.