Environmental groups file lawsuit over Maine’s conceptual OK of housing, resort development
By APWednesday, October 21, 2009
Environmental groups sue over Maine development
AUGUSTA, Maine — Environmental groups opposing a major development plan near Moosehead Lake have filed a lawsuit challenging the state’s conceptual approval of the project.
The Forest Ecology Network and RESTORE: The North Woods filed an appeal Wednesday in Kennebec County Superior Court. Their case challenges the Land Use Regulation Commission’s approval of Plum Creek’s Moosehead Lake region concept plan.
The suit claims the commission failed to follow its own procedures, held closed-door discussions of the project and failed to show a need for it.
The commission’s director, Catherine Carroll, says she’s confident the court will uphold the commission’s decision.
The Plum Creek project, which faces further regulatory hurdles, calls for 821 house lots, and two resorts with more than 1,200 housing units at Big Moose Mountain and Lily Bay.
