Selectmen slate corridor moratorium hearing on Nov. 14

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Two years ago residents approved an ordinance concerning private distribution corridors, including paved highways, pipelines and high tension transmission lines. The moratorium enacted in 2014 – meaning permits for these types of development projects cannot be granted during the timeline – was in effect for 180 days. The moratorium has since been extended four times with the current extension in place through the end of November.

During an Oct. 11 meeting of the board of selectmen, a public hearing on another potential moratorium extension was scheduled for the board’s meeting on Monday, Nov. 14. The session will allow the public to weigh in on whether the need for the moratorium still exists and whether reasonable progress is being made in order for another 180-day extension to be granted from Dec. 1 to May 30, 2017.

Town officials have said reasonable progress has included working to address the needs identified in the moratorium, such as updating the comprehensive plan which was last revised in 2005.

A vote on an updated comprehensive plan will be part of the ballot on Tuesday, Nov. 8, as citizens will vote “yes” or “no” to enact the document or not after the selectmen signed the special town meeting referendum warrant concerning the comprehensive plan.

Citizens will have the opportunity to ask questions prior to Nov. 8 during a public hearing as part of the next select meeting on Monday, Oct. 24 at 6:30 p.m.