urgent need for seasonal housing, the decision was made to build on a smaller lot (less than 20 acres). Relying on information from Maine DEP site law, we believed that the project did not necessitate a DEP permit.

Prior to commencing construction, we diligently obtained all the mandatory local building permits from the town and adhered to all regulations concerning electrical, plumbing, water testing, and septic systems. The town office possesses these permits and can furnish copies upon request.

It is worth noting that town representatives who provided statements to the press on this matter had access to this information and could have shared the permits and provided this clarification at various junctures but opted not to do so. Consequently, remarks from the BEP and the press implied that we operated without permits and commenced business unlawfully. This is inaccurate. The restaurant underwent inspections, and the business was publicly advertised. The cabins were never concealed, and construction was initiated with the necessary permits.

The DEP penalized us for using wood chips instead of vegetation to stabilize the soils at the site and mandated us to submit an application, which we promptly completed. To circumvent legal proceedings, we entered into a consent agreement. However, when the BEP received the consent agreement, pertinent details such as the timeline for cabin development were omitted, creating an erroneous impression that the development was clandestine and disregarded environmental concerns. We intend to engage with the DEP and BEP to ensure they grasp the full scope of the situation. We aim to rectify the unjust and misleading narrative currently circulating.

Having called Columbia Falls our home for nearly five decades, we have raised our family here. It is our hope that our children and, eventually, grandchildren will continue to operate our family businesses, contributing jobs and tax revenue to the town for years to come. We aspire to provide opportunities that will inspire future generations to settle in Columbia Falls.

In the past, we have chosen to remain silent as online critics and politically driven publications disseminated highly defamatory, one-sided accounts about our family and business endeavors. We will no longer tolerate a few individuals tarnishing our reputation in the eyes of many.

Lastly, town officials, like all citizens, have the right to speak to the press under the First Amendment. However, if they opt to do so, they should explicitly clarify whether they are speaking as individuals or on behalf of the town. If representing the town, honesty should prevail. As constituents, we should rightfully expect this from our elected officials.

Respectfully,

The Worcester Family