Most speakers (70%+) including many residents from Newbury, Goshen and Sunapee rose in opposition to resort expansion at Mount Sunapee State Park at last night’s four-hour public hearing. Commissioner Rose (Dept. of Resources and Economic Development) called for the May 5 hearing at the park to accept public comment on his ‘draft decision‘ that recommends (with conditions) resort expansion at Mount Sunapee.
Speakers, one after another, challenged many aspects of the commissioner’s draft response. Many said that resort expansion represents bad economic planning and bad use of our most valued natural resources, and is a violation of public trust.
Speakers asked for better planning and parkland protection and cited a range of concerns from economic to environmental. Others called for the protection of the Summit Hiking trail, more balanced use of the park, and preservation of the primeval and exemplary forest on the west side of the mountain, which is now threatened by resort expansion.
See the Union Leader (4/6/2015) article – Dan Seufert reported:
“About 150 residents of area towns crowded the Sunapee Lodge at the base of the Mount Sunapee Resort Tuesday night, most arguing against a proposed expansion of the state-owned ski area. A large number of speakers said the success of the resort has not improved the local economy….:”