Major new development outside of Baxter State Park

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peakbagger

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This has been planned for a long time but it didnt have financing.

https://bangordailynews.com/2021/09...-revitalize-katahdin-region-with-new-complex/

I was working with a local firm back when it was initially proposed and their comments were it was the type of development that would be seen at the base of a Ski resort like Sugarloaf or Killington. NEOC pretty well developed the whitewater rafting business in the area and one of the key concepts was to build to the expectation of clients from southern New England. They started that at their former facility south of Millinocket with the River Drivers Restaurant and then moved the business and the restaurant to the current site at Twin Pines on Millinocket Lake. The new site is on a ridge with a north facing view of Mt Katahdin, not so good for solar but incredible views. It will be interesting to see where they get the power to run the place as the public power lines stop just north of Millinocket. Its either a microgrid or they work out a deal to buy power from the Brookfield hydroelectric system.

It is interesting to note the comment that they need to build employee housing as its not available in Millinocket. The town was actively selling vacant tax acquired homes for very low prices just a few years ago. There is a very large server farm being built at the old mill site which will give the town some tax base but will not significantly increase local employment. The vast majority of residents are increasingly older retirees from the local mills with most of their children long ago moved out of town. I believe the AT Cafe has had to operate reduced hours due to lack of available staff.
 
First time they went before the LUPR to get approval for entire project, previously they had just applied for a small extension to the current deal.

Then again the developer has a mixed reputation with some locals in the area in the past.
 
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