Three ACR stories today

Alright, so I have three stories all related to the ACR in today's paper, but all on different topics. So I figured I should recap.

1.) The breaking-est news is the judge's decision in the right-of-way case. It was dormant for about 10 months and no one really knew when Main was going to make a decision.

I tend to expect both sides to appeal this case to a higher court, to be honest. The Nature Conservancy holds that the taking of the right of way has serious implications for all its land holdings. And while I said it didn't seem like a big deal yesterday, I think the fact that the utility line was denied poses a serious problem to the luxurious great camp developers want to build on the large lot the right of way gives them access to.

2.) I also have a bit of a speculation piece on the potential for a challenge to the APA board's decision. I think it's interesting that both Foxman and Houseal are casting doubt on the possibility of winning an appeal, and it's significant that Foxman says Preserve Associates won't challenge even if the project is outright denied. But he's betting that won't happen.

3.) Finally, I've got a story about something to keep on the radar. County IDAs with big PILOTS are having problems with the state-imposed property tax cap, which could be a big deal in Franklin County next year if a PILOT for the ACR happens.

Legislators already had trouble staying under the 2 percent tax levy increase and said they don't have a clue where else they could cut in the future. Would they be able to get by if the tax levy actually has to drop? They've done it in good years, but it's been a few years since it's been a good year.

Also, no one has yet taken me up on my offer for a postcard from San Diego. Would a postcard from Mexico be more enticing? Because we're planning on going there, too!

Previous Post | Next Post