At a public meeting, Ossipee town officials and residents questioned the environmental impact of the proposed expansion of Westward Shores campground. The town has hired an outside engineering firm as "a second pair of professional eyes" to determine the plan's compliance with local regulations. The campground's owner calls concerns about the impact of flooding "way overblown" as residents ask if high water could overwhelm the septic system and prevent campers from safely vacating the property.
The towns of Freedom and Effingham and the Lakes Region Planning Commission have been granted abutter status and will be permitted to comment on the expansion proposal. The Planning Board also mandated a third-party independent review of the expansion application, to be paid for by the campground, to make sure the application meets the town's zoning ordinance.
In two long letters to the Carroll County Independent, the attorney for Westward Shores Campground says alleged misrepresentations to Ossipee officials by his client were actually the result of incomplete meeting minutes and inaccurate reporting. In an editorial response, the newspaper says it stands by its reporting and reiterates its recommendation that extra care be taken to assess the expansion proposal "openly and with care."
Citing the need to protect surface water and the area's aquifer, the Commission says the scope of the campground proposal makes it a regional issue, not just a matter for Ossipee planners. Meanwhile, questions continue about claims made to town officials by the campground's engineering consultants.
In an editorial, the Carroll County Independent notes the inconsistency of Ossipee's Select Board in its approach to business development.
Green Mountain Conservation Group asks the ZBA to revoke its approval due to alleged misrepresentations by the engineering firm representing the campground's owners. ZBA agrees to consider the alleged misrepresentations at the next meeting.
Citing apparent misstatements by the engineering firm advising the owners of Westward Shores in their expansion proposal, a Carroll County Independent editorial cautions local boards against accepting facts without verifying them.
Questionable claims by SFC Engineering Partnership in regard to the campground's ZBA special exemption application are being investigated after several organizations that SFC said they had contacted, and had support from, have denied such contact occurred. Some will be demanding a retraction from SFC, a correction to the meeting minutes, and possibly a revocation of the special exception that the ZBA granted.
The results of a May meeting will signal whether DRED can keep its coalition of state and local stakeholders working together as state funds dwindle and trespassing and vandalism increase at Ossipee Lake Natural Area.
Select Board says it found out about the work schedule second-hand and is concerned boaters will be inconvenienced at a busy tine of year.
Signs of spring: black flies. Signs of summer: the lake level has stabilized.
In contrast, last year the dam was closed on May 8th.
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