BANGOR, Maine — The state approved a development permit for a proposed $126.3 million redevelopment project at a partially defunct ski resort in Piscataquis County on Wednesday.
Maine Land Use Planning Commission staff recommended that the development permit, focused on the project’s first phase, be approved during a meeting in Bangor. Commissioners unanimously voted in favor, and one commissioner was absent.
The proposed year-round ski resort in Big Moose Township has been a long time coming, and the commissioners’ decision marks a pivotal moment. Developer Perry Williams of Big Lake Development LLC applied for a permit in March 2021 and has extended a purchase and sale agreement with property owner James Confalone of Florida a number of times.
Approval of the permit could signify the start of a process that shapes the Moosehead Lake region and the future of those who live there. But Williams is still required to meet a detailed list of conditions, including starting construction in the next two years and completing it within five and providing an agreement with the Moosehead Sanitary District for wastewater disposal. The conditions and timing are what stand between Williams and getting the project underway.
“Staff recommends, if carried out with the conditions in the decision document, the proposal and activities will meet criteria for approval,” said Debra Kaczowski, the commission’s permitting and compliance regional supervisor.
The ski resort would include a detachable chairlift to the top of the mountain, base lodge that could function as a conference center, 63-room hotel, taphouse and restaurant, a zip-line tour ride and more, Williams said during a June public hearing in Greenville.
Williams also proposes infrastructure improvements, including electric utility lines, replacement snowmaking lines, installation of a mid-mountain pump station, vehicle access and parking, potable water system and sanitary district sewer lines, according to the commission’s memorandum.
The developer requested in December 2021 to amend the proposal to exclude an outdoor center.
For the project to move forward, the commission is requiring Williams to provide a final cost estimate, commitment letter from Barclays and other documents necessary to show adequate financing. He also must submit a signed copy of a Maine Department of Transportation traffic movement permit for the project and obtain a letter from C.A. Dean Medical Services before construction can start, among other conditions.
Williams’ application provided a cost estimate for the redevelopment — $126.3 million — which was updated in March 2022 from $113.5 million. That includes erosion control, stormwater treatment structures, utility installation in addition to site work, and construction of buildings, roads and parking lots.
An additional $3 million is needed to upgrade existing pump stations to handle anticipated wastewater from the project, according to the Moosehead Sanitary District.
Commissioner Bill Gilmore, who represents Franklin County, recognized that the project has been a long and tedious process for the commission’s staff, who put together a 67-page document evaluating the application.
“I know there were concerns on both sides as to liability of something of this magnitude,” he said. “I think with all the conditions that you put in place, this should be allowed with the confidence that everything that needs to be done can be done.”
