Stephen
New member
Fosters.com said:NEWBURY, N.H. (AP) — The outcome of the governor’s race has given hope to opponents of the Mount Sunapee ski resort expansion.
Gov.-elect John Lynch is on record as opposing plans to change the lease between the state and the private company that runs the ski resort.
"We’re cautiously optimistic that this will mean that the expansion is off the table as long as John is governor," said Tom Elliott, executive director of the Friends of Mount Sunapee, which has been fighting the expansion.
Tim and Diane Mueller, owners of Okemo Mountain in Vermont and Crested Butte in Colorado, have leased the ski area in Mount Sunapee State Park from the state since 1998. They want to expand the lease by 175 acres.
The land would be used for new trails and a new chairlift to connect to property they own in Goshen, where they want to build up to 250 condominiums. The development would allow visitors to ski directly between the condos and the resort.
In August, Lynch said there is no compelling reason to approve the expansion.
"We must protect our state parks for the benefit of all New Hampshire citizens," he said.
But resort general manager Jay Gamble said he believes Lynch’s background as a businessman means he can be convinced of the value of the plan.
"I hope once (Lynch is) presented with all the details of our plan and is able to assess that plan, he’ll recognize the need for Mount Sunapee to remain competitive and meet our customers’ needs as well as to be an economic partner with the state and our local community," Gamble said.
The issue of the expansion is currently before Sean O’Kane, the new head of the state Department of Resource and Economic Development.
After several lengthy and contentious public hearings this fall, O’Kane is charged with making a recommendation to the Executive Council.
O’Kane has said that recommendation won’t be ready before the end of November or beginning of December.
Conceivably, a recommendation to expand could be hastily approved by the Executive Council before Benson leaves office.
Sen. Bob Odell, who represents the area, said he believes that’s unlikely.
More likely, the issue would come before the next council in January, with Lynch having the power to overturn the vote if councilors approve the lease expansion.
Lynch has offered to work with the Muellers to improve ski operations within the confines of the current lease.
But Elliott said he won’t rest secure until he knows the west side of Mount Sunapee is permanently protected from development.
"If and when Tim and Diane decide to go in a new direction, we hope to be as helpful as possible," Elliott said. "... I think it’s time to put down the swords and work together to protect Mount Sunapee."
http://www4.fosters.com/november_2004/11.04.04/news/ap_nh1104c.asp