Wednesday, September 24, 2008 - Page updated at 02:11 PM
E-mail article
Print view Share:
Digg
Newsvine
Maine regulators deliberating Plum Creek project
Maine's Land Use Regulation Commission gave its approval to one of the most contentious elements of Plum Creek Timber Co.'s proposed development plan for the Moosehead Lake region as it neared the end of final deliberations.
Maine's Land Use Regulation Commission gave its approval to one of the most contentious elements of Plum Creek Timber Co.'s proposed development plan for the Moosehead Lake region as it neared the end of final deliberations.
Despite misgivings, commissioners signed off on a resort on Lily Bay, an unspoiled area that conservationists wanted left alone, LURC Director Catherine Carroll said Wednesday.
Critics and supporters of Plum Creek's proposal for the largest development in the state's history had their final say Tuesday before the start of deliberations, which continued Wednesday with commissioners going through staff recommendations line by line.
Once deliberations end, LURC's plan will be presented early next month to Seattle-based Plum Creek, which will have two weeks to either accept or reject the package.
"It's an all-or-nothing deal," Carroll said.
If Plum Creek rejects the changes, then it's the end of the road for the development proposed three years ago and twice revised since then. If Plum Creek approves the changes, then LURC's staff would draw up a final plan for approval early next year.
All told, Plum Creek is proposing 975 house lots, two large resorts and protection of 430,000 acres in the Moosehead Lake region.
At a press conference Tuesday, representatives from the Natural Resources Council of Maine and Maine Audubon noted that more than 1,500 people submitted letters this summer in opposition to the Lily Bay development, while seven people supported it.
Carroll conceded Wednesday that it was "with heartburn" that commissioners agreed to accept a staff recommendation to allow a resort on Lily Bay. If there's going to be development, she said, then LURC's proposal for up to 404 housing units is the best way to do it.
Critics accused commission staff of ignoring the will of Maine people by endorsing a plan that still allows a resort and subdivisions at Lily Bay.
Supporters said Plum Creek's proposal represented a balance of interests and that a planned development over 30 years was better than haphazard development.
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
DNA, ballistics tie man to cop killing, police say
Greenwood merchants nervous after 3 more arsons
UW to honor war heroes with Medal of Honor shrine
Nicole Brodeur: Praise pours on the water man
Soldier from Whatcom County is killed in Afghanistan

Testing the Hook and Go Urban Shopper
Seattle Times reporters Nicole Tsong and Karen Gaudette test drive the Hook and Go Urban Shopper.
This feature requires Flash 7.
Top video | World | Science / Tech | Entertainment
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Police: DNA from officer's slaying matches suspect
- Prosecutors consider charges against suspect in police shooting
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- Steve Kelley | Hasselbeck gives Seahawks' sagging season a stay of execution
- Plans call for Triangle to become West Seattle gateway
- Bill Clinton meets with Senate Dems on health care
- Trucker dies as big-rig plummets off SF bridge
- McGinn next Seattle mayor; Mallahan concedes as vote gap widens
- Washington coordinator Nick Holt says his Huskies defense is improving
- For 80-year-old Maple Valley man, hoops aren't just a dream
- Plans call for Triangle to become West Seattle gateway
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Silver Lake restaurant destroyed by fire
- Pakistani-American cafe, bar owner on verge of being Granite Falls mayor
- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tours Seattle's Swedish after health-care vote
- Taste | Ruth Reichl still reigns as queen of America's culinary scene
- All You Can Eat | Fruit flies: thrill to the kill
- Police: DNA from officer's slaying matches suspect




