Corridor moratorium ordinance extended through May
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 renewed four times with the current extension in place through the end of the month.
During a Nov. 14 meeting of the selectmen another 180-day timeframe running through May 30, 2017 was approved.
“This is the same moratorium we have had in effect since 2014,” Town Manager Jack Clukey said. He said that as long as reasonable progress is being made to address the needs identified in the moratorium extensions can be granted.
Clukey said one example of progress is the comprehensive plan, with the document approved the week prior at the polls by a vote of 1,210 to 843. “The next phase is updating the land use ordinance, which would more specifically address corridor projects defined in the moratorium,” the town manager said.
During the public hearing on the proposed extension resident Dr. Lesley Fernow said until the land use ordinance is updated, “I think we should continue to support the moratorium.” Speaking on the present possibility of corridor projects she added, “I don’t think the risk is any less and in fact it may be greater.”
In his report, Clukey said he plans to bring forward about a half dozen names to be appointed to the committee to update the land use ordinance. Clukey said some members of the comprehensive planning committee are interested in continuing to work on the next phase of the initiative
An updated land use ordinance could be brought forward to the town at the November 2017 election.
In other business, Select Vice Chair Cindy Freeman Cyr said she wanted to give “just a huge thanks for all the work that went into our election” on Nov. 8. “I was struck by the respectful atmosphere, there was no tension. I think we should be really proud of our process and the way it went down in Dover-Foxcroft.”
Board member Steve Grammont said the voting process was “really a wonderful community affirmation.” He said despite having about 60 percent of residents favoring one candidate and 40 percent favoring another — President-elect Donald Trump won Dover-Foxcroft over Hillary Clinton 1,138-789 — everyone waiting in line was respectful to one another.
“The line started probably at 7 a.m., an hour before the polls opened,” Town Clerk Lisa Niles said, with the procession of those waiting to vote in the Morton Avenue gym at times extending outside into the parking lot. “We have never had a line out the door, not even in 2008 when we had the record.”
Niles said 2,176 votes were cast, less than 100 shy of the 2,272 who turned out for the 2008 presidential election. She said in this year’s total were 610 absentee ballots and 219 citizens who registered on Nov. 8.