News

A village in Maine is again delaying a plan to build the world’s tallest flagpole

A village in Maine is again delaying a plan to build the world’s tallest flagpole

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


COLUMBIA FALLS, Maine (AP) Plans to build the world’s tallest flagpole are being delayed — again.

The tiny town of Columbia Falls in Maine is extending its moratorium on big developments for another six months following a proposal for a flagpole taller than the Empire State Building, with an observation deck and a flag larger than a football field. The planned tourist attraction would also have an auditorium, living history museums and a monument.

Town officials said they lacked rules and regulations for such a large project.

The town of 485 residents began grappling with zoning regulations after Morrill Worcester proposed a structure stretching skyward some 1,461 feet. Worcester’s family operates a wreath-making company and founded the Wreaths Across America organization, which provides holiday wreaths for military cemeteries.

Columbia Falls residents voted to adopt a six-month moratorium in March to give local officials time to draft regulations. The three-member Select Board voted unanimously Monday evening to continue the moratorium. Town officials are making progress on proposed ordinances during weekly public proceedings, said Jeff Greene, a Select Board member.

“The first 180 days weren’t enough time to polish and complete this,” he said.

The Worcester family had no immediate comment on the additional six-month delay.

The proposal for the flagpole is meant to unite people through their love of the flag, recount the story of the U.S. through the eyes of veterans, and create jobs. For the Worcesters, the project was an extension of their patriotic enterprise, which includes producing more than 1 million balsam wreaths for veterans’ grave makers each holiday season.

But instead, it created division in the community. Some residents said the scale of the proposal is so large that it would forever change a rural region known for its rocky coast, woodlands and blueberry barrens.

Latest Headlines

21 hours ago in Entertainment, Trending

UK government blocks rapper Ye from entering Britain to headline festival

The rapper formerly known as Kanye West has been barred from entering the U.K., where he was scheduled to perform at the Wireless Festival in July. It came after government officials condemned Ye's history of antisemitic remarks. The festival's organizers confirmed the ban and said the entire three-day festival was being canceled as a result.

22 hours ago in Sports, Trending

Michigan muscles its way to program’s 2nd national title, beating stubborn UConn 69-63

The five fabulous transfers who make up Michigan coach Dusty May's starting lineup got down and dirty with the rest of the Wolverines — coming out with the national title trophy Monday night after muscling their way to a 69-63 victory over stingy, stubborn UConn.

22 hours ago in Entertainment

Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd reunite for ‘Charlie’s Angels’ 50th anniversary

Once upon a time there were three little girls who starred as private detectives answering to a never-seen boss in a show that turned into a pop culture phenomenon called "Charlie's Angels." Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd reunited to mark the show's 50th anniversary at PaleyFest LA on Monday night.

2 days ago in Trending, World

Artemis II kicks off trip around the moon after surpassing Apollo 13’s distance record

With the moon now filling their windows, the Artemis II astronauts kicked off their lunar flyby Monday, taking in magnificent views of the far side never before witnessed while setting a new distance record for humanity.

2 days ago in Entertainment

Man cleared in the killing of Run-DMC’s Jam Master Jay could soon be freed

A man who was convicted and then cleared of killing rap star Jam Master Jay of Run-DMC could be freed within days after a judge granted him $ 1 million bond on Monday.