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By Diana Bowley of the News Staff - GREENVILLE - The Land Use Regulation Commission members were told more than once Tuesday that the destiny and future of the Moosehead Lake region rest in their hands. That future, however, was envisioned differently by some of those who spoke at the final public hearing held by LURC on a requested zone change for land in Beaver Cove. A request made by Burnt Jacket LLC of Herman would, if approved, change the zone on 246 acres of a 1,720-acre parcel from general management, great pond protection and wetland protection to residential development. That move would help pave the way for the proposed development of 70 residential house lots in this retirement community. Tuesday's hearing, a continuation of a public hearing started last week in Bangor, concluded the oral testimony for the proposed zone change. The public now has 10 days to submit written testimony to be included in the record, and another seven days to rebut the written testimony before the record closes Feb. 24. Catherine Carroll, LURC's director, told the approximately 60 people at the Greenville hearing that she hopes to make a recommendation to the commissioners on Burnt Jacket LLC's request within 90 days of the closing. While some speakers supported the development to breathe new life into the local economy, others feared for the loss of wild, pristine waterfront, critical wildlife habitat, and timber harvesting. Those who spoke against the zone change supported "smart" development, a category Burnt Jacket LLC's proposal does not meet, they said. They felt the applicant failed to demonstrate the need for such development, and they believed the development would create sprawl. They also cited the need for a comprehensive plan for the region to avoid a piecemeal development approach. Sally Farrand of Beaver Cove told the LURC board she opposed the application. "If you approve this application and the ones that will be coming before you in the near future without a new comprehensive approach, we in the area will suffer," she said. "We do have a comprehensive plan, and we're in the process of updating it, so we're not running naked out there, folks," LURC Commissioner Bart Harvey replied. Running counter to those opposed to the project were a handful of speakers who supported the application. "I think the area needs some development," Kyle Pelletier of Greenville, a carpenter, said. More homes would bring families to the area, which would help with the survival of the local schools, he said. He did suggest that some of the lots in the proposed development be set aside as affordable housing. Wayne Noyes of Greenville said the proposal provided some good opportunities for local residents. Unless jobs are created for younger people, those people will leave the area, he said. |