Future of Milton campground expansion awaits judge's decision

The battle is over a proposed 95-site expansion plan. (Courtesy photo)

DOVER - Final written arguments regarding an expansion push by the owners of a Milton campground were due in Strafford County Superior Court on Monday.

A decision in the campground's battle with the Milton Zoning Board of Appeal is now in the hands of Superior Court Judge Steven M. Houran, who first heard oral arguments in the case on Feb. 11.

The ZBA in July rejected Mi-Te-Jo campground's 95-site expansion for the second time after dozens of Milton and Lebanon residents spoke unanimously in opposition.

During the tense more than four-hour meeting, residents claimed the expansion along with amenities that would have included pools, a water park and café would have an injurious effect on Northeast Pond, which is part of Milton Three Ponds.

Zoning Board of Adjustment chairman Board member Michael Tabory further said he believed some of the proposed amenities, like the café and water park, would be in opposition to present town ordinance.

The ZBA first rejected the expansion by Three Ponds Resort, the owner of Mi-Te-Jo Campground, in September 2017 but reopened the public hearing after it was determined the abutting towns of Acton and Lebanon in Maine both should have been allowed input on the expansion since they, too, were stakeholders in MTP.

Attorney Roy W. Tilsley, of Manchester, said on Monday he thought the decision to make the expansion a regional issue was flawed legally.

But regardless of the regional issue, "We provided incontrovertible evidence to meet all requirements for the special exemption," Tilsley said.

Attorney Christopher L Boldt of Meredith, who is representing the Milton ZBA, was not immediately available for comment.

There is no timeframe on when Houran's decision might be handed down.