$2.9M hotel project sees opposition in Rockland
A proposed $2.9 million, five-story hotel in downtown Rockland faced heavy opposition from the public at a Planning Board meeting on Tuesday.
The Bangor Daily News reported 23 out of 25 speakers voiced opposition during a lengthy public hearing, criticizing the hotel’s height and how it would impact a nearby neighborhood. Supporters of the project said it would benefit the local economy and reflect the saying in Rockland’s city seal: “God gives reward to industry.”
The Planning Board was expected to vote on the hotel project Tuesday, but decided to delay its decision after the lengthy public hearing and a request from City Councilor Elizabeth Dickerson. The board could take up the project on June 10.
The City Council is expected to consider a proposal to lower the maximum height of buildings in the hotel’s proposed area to 50 feet — which would essentially make it impossible for the 57-foot building with 26 suites to be built. However, Planning Board Chairman Erik Lautsen said the panel must act on projects based on current zoning laws, not ones that could be adopted in the future.
The hotel, estimated to cost $2.9 million, is being proposed by ADZ Properties LLC, owned by Cabot Lyman of Lyman Morse Boatbuilding in Thomaston.
A separate $6.5 million, 65-suite hotel project is being proposed by Rockland Harbor Park LLC, but its developer has yet to submit a formal application with the city.
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