Ski resort cleared for $118M expansion

PRESQUE ISLE – The owners of Saddleback Mountain were given a green light Wednesday to proceed with a $118 million expansion of the ski resort near Rangeley.

By unanimous vote, the Land Use Regulation Commission agreed to rezone nearly 1,900 acres on and around Saddleback Mountain that would allow the owners to turn the resort into a four-season facility.

The owners, Saddleback Inc. and Saddleback Land & Timber Corp., are proposing a 100-room hotel, more than 400 condominiums and time shares, a 60-room inn, 160 house lots, 13 new ski trails and several new day lodges.

Construction would take place in four phases.

Commissioners praised the application and the built-in safeguards to minimize impact on the surrounding environment. No members of the public spoke against the expansion during a recent public hearing held in Rangeley.

“You’ve certainly demonstrated a lot of confidence in the area in terms of the investment you are about to make,” said Commissioner Edward Laverty.

In other news, the LURC board:

. Tabled until next month a decision on a rezoning request for a landfill in Marion. LURC staff are still working on their recommendation to the commissioners.

. Approved a list of intervening parties for an application to rezone 271 acres on Burnt Jacket peninsula in Beaver Cove in Piscataquis County for a subdivision.

. Rezoned 113 acres in the Somerset County areas of Moxie Pond, East Moxie Township and The Forks Plantation for a 27-lot subdivision. The application, by Bayroot LLC, received mixed reviews from local residents during a public hearing held in Bingham in May.