Important decisions will be made soon that will shape the path of development in areas of northern, western, and downeast Maine – including Maine’s North Woods. Let Maine’s Land Use Planning Commission know you don’t want them to weaken zoning laws by taking a few minutes to complete their survey.
Loud voices are urging Maine’s Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC, formerly LURC) to allow scattered development throughout their jurisdiction, potentially negatively impacting wildlife habitat, clean water, large undeveloped landscapes, and more.
The LUPC is taking stock of the adjacency principle it uses to guide new development in its jurisdiction to appropriate places. New development is limited to locations within one mile of existing compatible development unless the area is already zoned for development. Learn more about the adjacency principle, by visiting this link.
Revising or eliminating the adjacency principle could mean that subdivisions and other incompatible development would be allowed in areas now reserved for wildlife habitat, recreation, agriculture, and forestry.
The LUPC has created a survey to develop an understanding of the land use needs and desires of Mainers. They want to hear from you about the areas in their jurisdiction that mean the most to you and the qualities that make them places you want to live, work, own property, or recreate.
Please fill out the LUPC survey and be sure to express concern with scattered development and sprawl throughout the entire jurisdiction.
Let the LUPC know what you hope for the future of the areas they serve so they can evaluate the importance of the adjacency principle in managing development to preserve the qualities Mainers most value.
Thank you for speaking up for Maine’s special places!
Jenn Burns Gray
Maine Audubon Staff Attorney and Advocate
jgray@maineaudubon.org
(207) 781-2330 x224
To sign up for Maine Audubon’s Action Alert e-mails, please click here.
