After a review of the Quiet Title case on intertidal property formerly owned by Janet and Richard Eckrote, Maine’s Supreme Court disagreed with the 2021 Superior Court decision in Nordic’s favor.
The intertidal ownership issue will return to the City of Belfast eminent domain case, which had been stayed pending this Law Court ruling. The intertidal mud flats on which this process is focused, is property now owned by the City. The plans include Belfast Parks & Recreation having a notable addition of public access to the water. As a future public park, the Poor-Eckrote legacy will be the City of Belfast’s southernmost access point to the water, offering new possibilities for water recreation. Additionally, the Little River Trail, which had previously been owned by Belfast Water District, will be preserved in perpetuity for future generations.
“This decision today by the law court is disappointing and we are evaluating all options, not least of which is the eminent domain action already taken by the City,” says Brenda Chandler, interim CEO of Nordic Aquafarms. “In addition to more opportunity for water recreation in the Little River area, the Poor-Eckrote land has wonderful potential for becoming a unique area of respite for our community.”
This culmination of public benefit for the greater good of Belfast includes a contribution to the Belfast Water District; a 6-year commitment of 100 million gallons at the applicable rate. Whether or not that amount of water is used, this commitment means the resolution of long-needed upgrades to antique infrastructure, where the cost does not pass on to Belfast’s ratepayers.
When Nordic Aquafarms announced plans to build a land-based aquafarm in 2018, the Belfast community embarked on a journey with us. With every milestone, city event, and classroom visit, the people of Nordic have become an integral part of the community.