Ocean Properties seeks to build new resort/marina in Hulls Cove
Planning Board will consider moratorium restrictions
BAR HARBOR, June 26, 2025 - The hotelier Ocean Properties is about to test the town’s moratorium on transient lodging with an application to raze a motel at Hulls Cove for a new waterfront resort and a marina.
The Planning Board will consider the application Wednesday July 2 at 4 p.m.
It comes at a time when the town has imposed a moratorium on new “transient lodging.”
The company’s agent, Perry Moore, stated in a 153-page application:
“The Applicant proposes to remove the existing non-conforming use Lodging V (more than 25 rooms, formerly TA-8) which occupies lot area in both Shoreland General II and Hulls Cove Business Districts, and replace it with a Lodging VI, limited to the Hulls Cove Business portion of the lot and add a Marina with parking in the Shoreland General portion of the lot.
“These uses are both allowed in their respective districts, and this would remove non-conforming use of the property.”
Only problem: The Town Council enacted a six-month moratorium on such transient lodging which went into the effect in March and is poised to renew it for another six months.
Except the council may have allowed a loophole for the Planning Board to have the final say:
“This moratorium shall not prohibit the Code Enforcement Officer from accepting, processing, reviewing, approving, authorizing, or issuing building permit or certificate of occupancy for any use within the above categories that has received a permit from the Code Enforcement Officer or Planning Board as of the effective date of this Moratorium Ordinance.”
I asked Town Planner Michele Gagnon whether this project is permitted under the moratorium’s rules, and she replied that it will be determined by the Planning Board.
Twenty-four years ago, OP acquired the property and used it to house seasonal employees, according to the Bangor Daily News.
“Ocean Properties acquired the property at auction in 2001, after the prior owner went into default and a bank foreclosed on it. “The motel buildings on the property are more than 50 years old, having been built in 1967, according to information in the town’s online property assessment database,” BDN reported.
Five years ago, Ocean Properties sought the town’s approval to amend part of property’s zoning and the land-use ordinance that applies to it, according to the BDN, so it could demolish the Park Entrance Motel and in its place build a lodge, approximately two dozen shorefront cabins, and some camping sites.
OP/Walsh ought to step up and improve and/or add on to workforce housing instead of taking it away for more 400$ a night rooms. It seems all that family can think about is $. Where will the employees live, in broom closets with bunk beds? I bet I know one or two town council members that will support it. Anyone want to guess?
This looks like an interesting way to make a 68 room hotel with 72 parking spaces sound like a 25 room hotel