The proposed campsite in Tremont gives cause for concern

TREMONT, Maine (WABI) – People in Tremont will have to wait until August to share their thoughts again on a proposed campsite that would offer visitors dozens of accommodations.

A public hearing scheduled for Tuesday has been postponed at the request of the couple behind the project.

But the idea of ​​the campsite already raises some concerns.

The proposal of the Acadia Wilderness Lodge by Kenya Hopkins and her husband James is a campsite with 154 pitches, complete with a lodge and café.

And it’s on land that once belonged to James’ great-grandfather.

“We introduced it to the neighborhood and received feedback. We take this feedback and work with the city and the neighbors to put together something that the whole community can enjoy, ”Kenya said.

The campsite is billed as an eco-friendly glamping destination on Mount Desert Island.

The Hopkins say it is entirely solar powered and features luxurious yurts.

But there is a backlash from local residents concerned about the increased noise and traffic that visitors would bring.

“We got feedback from some people who said, ‘No. No. No.’ No matter what we did, they didn’t want us to have a business here. But we have so many people who say “yes”. Yes. Yes, ”and we are so grateful to them. We try to focus on the positive, ”said Kenya.

A public hearing on the proposal took place in April and continued in May. It is expected that it will be at least August before the Tremont planning committee votes on the project.

“It is a big problem for the city to process an application of this size. It’s the greatest use of the planning board as far as anyone can remember. So they take it very seriously to make sure it meets the standards of our regulations, ”said Jesse Dyunbar, City Manager of Tremont.

Kenya hopes to continue working with the community so that they and their families can eventually be a part of it.

“There are ways we can bring this business here, address concerns, and make a positive contribution to the community. So that’s our goal, ”said Kenya.

Copyright 2021 WABI. All rights reserved.