The agency overseeing development in Maine's vast wilderness is considering dramatic changes that would alter restrictions on where homes and businesses can be built.
The Land Use Planning Commission is proposing scrapping its rule that limits a development to within a mile of something similar. Instead, it proposes allowing development within 10 miles by public road of any of 46 rural "hubs."
Director Nick Livesay (LIH'-vuh-say) says the goal is to put developments "in the right areas." But critics fear the proposal would open large swaths of unspoiled land to development.
Catherine Johnson from the Natural Resources Council of Maine questions whether there's a zoning problem that demands a solution.
Patrick Strauch, of the Maine Forest Products Council, said the proposed changes don't go far enough to encourage economic development.