New court action around Eastside Waterfront Park continues into 2025. Jan. 13, Boothbay Harbor Waterfront Preservation (BBHWP) filed an opposition with Lincoln County Superior Court against motions filed by abutters Joeseph and Jill Doyle in December. 

In an April 23 ruling, the court ordered a new public hearing for the project site plan and more information on its shoreland zoning permit. Dec. 11, the planning board approved findings of fact for the court. However, the town has not yet held a public hearing for the site plan. Dec. 23, the Doyles filed a stay motion, to hold off on further proceedings until all court-ordered actions have been completed.

According to the Doyles’ lawyer, Kristin Collins, the litigation process may require changes to the project. She said, if modified, the site plan would need a new review under shoreland zoning standards, making a court review of the current shoreland approval moot.  

In the Jan. 13 opposition, BBHWP said the Doyles’ motion seeks to prevent the court from finishing, is without merit, and should be denied. BBHWP argued the Doyles make disingenuous assertions in their motion's arguments and a stay would conflict with Maine law.  

The Doyles also filed a second motion in the Dec. 23 packet to include the minutes and video recording from the planning board’s remand meeting in the record, and to allow amended briefs. BBHWP does not object to including the meeting minutes and video, but opposes the request for more time to supplement the briefs.

According to BBHWP, the Doyles have two weeks from its motion to file a response. They plan to, Collins said.