Developer Paul Coulombe has withdrawn plans for development on the east side of Boothbay Harbor.
The Boothbay Register reported that Coulombe, owner of the Boothbay Harbor Country Club, Boothbay Harbor Oceanside Golf Resort and other properties in Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor, pulled out of further business dealings in Boothbay Harbor and canceled closing on a local motel after an informal meeting with local citizens. His original proposals included hotels, restaurants and a new public pier.
“There’s a great need to revitalize the eastern side of the harbor,” Coulombe told the newspaper by email. He continued, “I have become extremely frustrated with the planning board and selectmen of Boothbay Harbor.”
Several residents spoke with the newspaper after the informal meeting. Lobsterman Larry Knapp said, “I see an opportunity to create new fisheries, as the old ones don’t exist anymore — they’ve been regulated out of business. With his help we might be able to do that.”
Coulombe, a Lewiston native, sold his Pinnacle Vodka and Calico Jack brands to Beam Inc. for $605 million in 2012. He has since invested $150 million of his own money in two golf resorts, five B&Bs, a lighthouse converted to an inn and other real estate in the Boothbay region. He made a substantial investment in his own home on nearby Southport Island.