Goodspeed Island is a public way, not a public road as Selectmen made clear on Tuesday night, but a discussion with residents may be the catalyst for changing that.

During the meeting, Goodspeed Island residents Daniel DaRosa and Tony Campbell asked Selectmen why the road isn’t being plowed and why they’re not getting trash pickup, both of which they received in the past.

DaRosa and Campbell said it’s an issue of public safety as first responders could have trouble getting to the houses in the event of an emergency.

“I just feel like seconds and minutes could mean the difference of someone’s life being saved,” said DaRosa.

Currently, the road is plowed as far as the sewer station, but not to the houses. The fact that there is a road at all is due to an easement provided through a 1980 Town Meeting that allowed access to land that was otherwise inaccessible. The road also allows residents to go to the beach, though vehicles are prohibited.

Selectmen said to add the road to the official list of plowed roads would mean opening it up to public access, including parking near the beach and an area where cars could turn around, which could be a benefit to residents. It would, however, require engineering and a trip to the Conservation Commission.

“It’s not something that can be done overnight,” said Highway Surveyor Barry Denham.

All in all, Selectmen said the plow request brought up a conversation that could benefit the common good.

Additionally, Selectmen Chair Jordan Collyer said, “It’s good to work through these kinks before the bike path goes through.”

Selectmen will work on a plan for the road to present at Town Meeting in the spring.

As for trash pickup, ABC Disposal apparently ceased collecting on Goodspeed Island due to concerns over crossing a culvert on the road. Board of Health Agent Dale Barrows will discuss the issue with ABC.

As Denham, an elected official, operates separately from Selectmen, he was told that he could plow the road at his own discretion.