Developers behind the Fox Hollow glamping project on Deer Isle have withdrawn their permits, effectively halting plans for the high-end campground that faced community opposition and legal challenges. 

In a letter to the town’s Select Board dated February 12, the developers voluntarily revoked their development rights for the 48-acre property overlooking Crockett Cove.

First proposed in 2022, the project aimed to establish 12 cabins, five tent sites, and a bathhouse while renovating an existing house and barn. 

The developers purchased the land for $850,000 and projected a total investment of approximately $2 million. However, the proposal met significant resistance from residents concerned about environmental impact, local character, and infrastructure capacity.

The Friends of Crockett Cove, an opposition group, argued that the campground would not align with the area’s rural nature, circulating a petition that labeled the proposal “dangerous.” 

According to a report by Bangor Daily News, additional concerns included increased septic use, potential effects on the saltwater cove, and strain on the town’s limited planning resources. 

Town Manager Jim Fisher previously noted that Deer Isle was unprepared to manage subdivision proposals of this scale.

Legal disputes also complicated the project. In early 2023, the town approved a moratorium on new subdivisions, initially thought to impact the Fox Hollow application. 

However, it was later determined that the moratorium did not apply. Despite securing a permit in January 2024, six residents sued to have it rescinded, citing concerns over property values, noise, and boat traffic.

Lead developer Addison Godine, who operates a company specializing in vacation cabin partnerships with rural landowners, did not comment on the latest decision. 

He previously stated that “entrenched resistance” had created uncertainty in costs and timelines, leading to the property’s listing for sale in May 2024 at $1.9 million. The price was later reduced to $1.3 million before being removed from the market in November.

For outdoor hospitality professionals, the situation is a case study that highlights the increasing complexities of development in rural and coastal regions. 

Opposition from local communities, environmental regulations, and zoning considerations can present significant hurdles for new projects. 

Developers looking to expand into such areas may benefit from early community engagement and thorough regulatory assessments to mitigate future challenges.