BRUNSWICK
The controversy over a project to develop shoreline on private property on Miller Point is continuing.
Residents Richard Knox, Scott Bodwell and Henry Heyburn on April 14 requested an appeal of the town’s decision to issue a Flood Hazard Development Permit for the project.
The appeal, filed with the planning department, alleges erroneous decision making or inaction by the codes enforcement officer.
In addition, the appeal states that property owners Robert and Nancy King should have obtained a Special Use Permit from the planning board prior to being issued the Flood Hazard Development Permit.
No word of the appeal was mentioned during an update on the project given by Town Manager John Eldridge during Tuesday night’s town council meeting, which focused on a revegitation agreement between the town and the Kings.
The Kings are developing 228 acres they purchased in 1999, which includes building four homes on 41 acres while leaving 187 acres of conservation easement.
At issue is about 625 feet of shoreline scheduled to be lined with riprap — a process where tons of earth will be removed and replaced by piles of boulders. The once-wooded area to be developed has already been clear-cut in preparation for the work.
At a previous council meeting, Eldridge and most of the council hailed an agreement between the town and the Kings to work together with engineers regarding shoreline remediation on their property.
Unfortunately, no sooner had both sides celebrated the success when riprap began being laid on the shoreline on April 5.
The Kings have since hired a new coordinator and engineer, according to Eldridge.
Eldridge said concern had been raised over the window permitted for tree removal. He said the Kings had only until mid-April to remove any trees due to concerns over northern long eared bat habitat.
Eldridge said the window for the Kings to cut will be extended with a moratorium on cutting between June 1 and July 31 in consideration of bat populations.
After presenting the revegitation agreement to the council, Eldridge said if the council has no objections, he will move on approving the agreement with the Kings.
dmcintire@timesrecord.com
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